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Canada’s 2025 PGWP Changes: What International Students Must Know

Aderayo Olabisi Adepoju

27 January 2025 | Last updated 27 January 2025

{"ops":[{"insert":"Graduating from a Canadian institution is a major achievement, but for many international students, it’s just the beginning. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a crucial step toward gaining Canadian work experience and even permanent residency.\n\nHowever, new updates in 2025 bring significant changes that students must prepare for.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"What Is the PGWP?"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe PGWP is an open work permit allowing international graduates from eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to work for any employer in Canada. The permit length depends on your study program:\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Less than 8 months"},{"insert":": Not eligible."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"8 months to under 2 years"},{"insert":": PGWP matches program length."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"2 years or more"},{"insert":": Eligible for a 3-year PGWP."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"Starting "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"February 15, 2024"},{"insert":", graduates of "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"master’s programs between 8 months and 2 years"},{"insert":" now qualify for a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"3-year PGWP"},{"insert":"—a major advantage for students in shorter programs.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Key PGWP Changes in 2025"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"1. Language Proficiency Requirements"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFrom "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"November 1, 2024"},{"insert":", applicants must meet new language benchmarks:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"CLB 7"},{"insert":" (Canadian Language Benchmark) for university graduates."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"CLB 5"},{"insert":" for college graduates."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Language test results must be from the last "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"two years"},{"insert":" before applying."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"2. Eligibility Adjustments"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Master’s programs "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"under 8 months"},{"insert":" remain ineligible."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Programs between "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"8 months and 2 years"},{"insert":" qualify for a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"3-year PGWP"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Eligible programs must align with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"high-demand fields"},{"insert":" like STEM, healthcare, and trade."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"At least "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"50% of studies must be in-class"},{"insert":" in Canada from "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"September 1, 2024"},{"insert":" onward."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"3. Stricter Verification Process"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Applicants must now provide:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Attestation letters"},{"insert":" from provincial authorities for some programs."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Proof of compliance"},{"insert":" with study conditions, including attendance and grades."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"4. Changes to Spousal Work Permits"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Spouses of international students are now "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"only"},{"insert":" eligible for open work permits if the primary applicant is:\n\nEnrolled in a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"master’s program of at least 16 months"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"PhD student or professional degree candidate"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Overcoming PGWP Challenges"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Meeting Language Requirements"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Start preparing early by taking language courses and practicing with sample tests."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Understanding the Rules"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Immigration policies change frequently—stay updated through "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Canada.ca"},{"insert":" or consult experts like "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Shirah"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Balancing Work & Studies"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ensure you don’t exceed your allowed work hours while studying, as this could affect your PGWP eligibility."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Need Help? Shirah Has You Covered!"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe updated PGWP process can be complex, but "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Shirah"},{"insert":" simplifies it. From application reviews to personalized advice, we help you navigate every step.\n\n➡ "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Get Started Today"},{"insert":": Use our FREE "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"link":"https://shirah.co/calculator"},"insert":"Predictive Calculator"},{"insert":"  to assess your readiness and get expert guidance on your Canada relocation journey.\n"}]}

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