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In this article, Radsam Education Agency, as a specialized reference in Canadian educational immigration with years of experience and hundreds of successful cases, and considering the latest updates from the Immigration Department, has prepared a comprehensive article about the conditions for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada from November 1, 2024. Reading this article is recommended to all potential applicants for studying in Canada and also international students currently studying. In this article, the conditions for obtaining the Post-Graduation Work Permit, required documents, and the factors that lead to ineligibility for the PGWP application are fully explained.
Radsam Education Agency, as a specialized reference in Canadian educational immigration with years of experience and hundreds of successful cases, has prepared a comprehensive article about the conditions for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) based on the latest updates from the Canadian Immigration Department as of November 2024. Key changes in language requirements, fields of study, and educational institutions, along with new rules regarding obtaining provincial approval and work visas for spouses and children, are part of these reforms. This article is designed for all international students and applicants for studying in Canada to receive accurate and updated information in this field.
Duration of the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
The Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP allows international graduates to gain work experience after completing their studies in Canada. The duration of this permit varies depending on the length of your study program:
Courses Under 8 Months: Ineligible
If your study program is less than 8 months, you will not be eligible to receive a PGWP. This rule has not changed and is still applied to prevent issuing work permits for short-term programs.
Courses Between 8 Months and 2 Years
For programs that last between 8 months and less than 2 years, the validity period of the PGWP will be equal to the duration of your study program. For example, if your study program is 12 months, the PGWP will also be for 12 months.
Master's Degrees Less Than 2 Years
One of the significant changes is that if your master's degree program is less than 2 years, you can still receive a 3-year PGWP. This includes shorter master's programs.
Courses Longer Than 2 Years: PGWP Capped at 3 Years
For study programs that last more than 2 years, you can receive a PGWP with a validity period of three years. This permit gives you the opportunity to gain more work experience in Canada and use it for permanent residency.
New Conditions for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada from November 1, 2024
From November 1, 2024, new rules will be applied for receiving the PGWP. These rules include language requirements and conditions related to educational institutions. The aim of these changes is to align with the needs of the Canadian labor market and provide better opportunities for international graduates.
English and French Language Requirement
Students must prove their language skills in English or French. These requirements include:
CLB 7 for University Programs
University students studying at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels must achieve at least a CLB 7 score in all four language skills.
CLB 5 for College Programs
College students must achieve at least a CLB 5 score in all four language skills.
NCLC 7 for French Language
For students studying in French, a minimum score of NCLC 7 is required.
Accepted Language Tests
To prove language skills, IRCC accepts specific tests, which include:
CELPIP General
The CELPIP General test is one of the recognized tests for evaluating English language skills.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is also accepted as one of the recognized tests.
PTE Core
The PTE Core test is also approved for evaluating English language skills.
TEF
The TEF Canada test is accepted for evaluating French language skills.
Radsam Education Agency and Introduction of Native and Bilingual Instructors
Radsam Education Agency, utilizing native and bilingual instructors, offers specialized courses for preparation in language tests. These courses help students achieve the required scores in recognized tests and prepare for receiving the PGWP.
Groups of Eligible Study Fields
From November 2024, the study fields approved for the PGWP are divided into five main groups:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Fields related to STEM are still recognized as one of the priorities of the Canadian labor market.
Health Care
Fields related to health care are also approved for receiving the PGWP.
Trades
Trade fields are also included in the list of eligible fields for the PGWP.
Agriculture and Agri-Food
Fields related to agriculture and agri-food are also included in these changes.
Transportation
Fields related to transportation are among the other fields approved for the PGWP.
966 Educational Programs Eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
According to IRCC, 966 study programs are eligible for the PGWP. Students can view the full list of these programs on the official IRCC website.
Institutions Eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
To receive the PGWP, students must graduate from institutions with DLI approval. However, not all DLI institutions are eligible for the PGWP.
Necessary Condition: DLI
Not all institutions with a DLI code are eligible for the PGWP, so students should check their institution and program before applying.
Sufficient and Important Condition: Institutions with PGWP Approval
In addition to having a DLI code, the educational institution must also have specific PGWP approval for students to benefit from this permit.
Exclusive Consultation with Radsam Experts to Choose the Appropriate Field and Institution
Radsam's experts are ready to advise you in selecting the best suitable study field and institution for receiving the PGWP. By receiving exclusive consultation, you can benefit from study programs with the highest chance of obtaining the PGWP.
Provincial Approval or PAL
From 2025, all international students will need to receive provincial approval (Provincial Attestation Letter - PAL) to obtain the PGWP. This approval must be obtained from the province or territory where they studied.
Capacity of International Students in Canada in 2025
According to the Canadian government's plan, in 2025, 437,000 study permits will be issued. Of these, 12% of the permits are reserved for master's and doctoral students.
The Only PAL Exemption: Elementary and High School
Students in elementary and high school levels (K-12) are exempt from the PAL requirements.
Accompanying Spouse and Children
If you study in Canada and after receiving the PGWP, you may be able to apply for a work visa or residence for your spouse and children. There are specific conditions for this type of visa that depend on the length of your study program and your job after graduation.
Only PhD and Master's Degrees Longer Than 16 Months
Students who have studied in PhD or master's programs longer than 16 months can apply for their spouse's work visa. This possibility does not exist for programs shorter than 16 months.
Spousal Open Work Permit
The spousal work permit is issued only if you are employed in one of the managerial or specialized occupations in Canada after graduation.
Managerial Jobs (NOC 0)
Managerial occupations in NOC 0 category include high-level managerial positions like executive and business managers.
Specialized Jobs (NOC 1)
Specialized occupations in NOC 1 category include jobs like doctors, engineers, and other specialized professions.
In-Demand Jobs (On-Demand)
Some occupations that are in high demand in the Canadian labor market, like healthcare and construction, also grant open work permits to spouses.
Conditions and Required Documents for PGWP Application
To apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international students must provide specific documents. These documents include a copy of a valid Study Permit, a graduation certificate from an approved educational institution (DLI), and results of recognized language tests (CLB 7 for universities and CLB 5 for colleges). The application must be submitted within 180 days after completing studies and receiving the official graduation letter. Also, applications are submitted online through the official IRCC portal and the review process usually takes several months.
Factors Leading to Ineligibility for the PGWP
Some conditions and factors can lead to ineligibility for the PGWP application. These include:
Part-Time Studies
Students who have studied part-time during their studies (except in the last semester) are usually not eligible for the PGWP. The study program must be full-time for the individual to be able to apply for the PGWP.
Low GPA
If the student's GPA during studies is significantly low and cannot indicate appropriate academic success, their PGWP application may be rejected. Academic success is one of the important factors in evaluating eligibility.
Break of More Than 150 Days Without Official Leave
Students who have had a break of more than 150 days during their study period without receiving official leave are not eligible to receive the PGWP. These breaks must be accompanied by documented reasons and official leaves from the educational institution.
These factors generally indicate inconsistency or lack of commitment during the study period and can lead to the rejection of the Post-Graduation Work Permit application.
Obtaining Permanent Residence Through Study in Canada
After receiving the PGWP, international students can apply for permanent residence through various pathways. These pathways are usually achieved by gaining relevant work experience in Canada and collecting the required points in the Express Entry points system.
FSW or Federal Skilled Worker
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is for graduates who have foreign work experience and high education. Through this pathway, individuals can gain points based on various criteria like language skills and work experience.
Federal Skilled Trades or FST
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is specifically for graduates of trade programs who can apply for permanent residence by having two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade.
Canadian Experience Class or CEC
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway is for graduates who have at least 12 months of work experience in Canada and intend to obtain permanent residence through this pathway.
Provincial Nominee Program or PNP
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in various provinces of Canada allow graduates to apply for permanent residence through these programs. These programs are especially suitable for graduates of important fields like health and STEM.
CRS Score in Express Entry
In the Express Entry system, your points are calculated based on language skills, work experience, education, and age. To increase the chance of success, you should strive to achieve the highest possible points.
Consultation with Radsam Experts to Calculate Points and Immigration Pathway
Radsam's experts provide professional consultations to help you accurately calculate your CRS points and choose the best immigration pathway. With a professional consultation, you can successfully navigate your immigration path.
Conclusion
The new changes in the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and Canada's immigration system will have significant impacts on international students. From November 2024, new language requirements and restrictions on study programs have been introduced. Also, obtaining provincial approval and accompanying spouses and children have been defined with new conditions. To succeed in this path, choosing appropriate study programs and planning the immigration pathway is crucial.
Radsam Education Agency, with an experienced team of educational and immigration consultants, is ready to provide personalized services to students. You can maximize your chance of obtaining the PGWP and permanent residence in Canada by receiving exclusive consultation.
Contact Radsam for consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
Can I apply for the PGWP with a study program less than 8 months?
No, study programs less than 8 months are not eligible for receiving the PGWP.
Do I need a language certificate to receive the PGWP?
How can I ensure that my study field and institution are eligible?
Can I apply for permanent residence after receiving the PGWP?
Can my spouse accompany me to Canada and work?
Radsam Education Agency: Realizing Academic Dreams, Securing Aspiration Milestones
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