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Upcoming Changes to PGWP Eligibility: What You Need to Know

Aderayo Olabisi Adepoju

28 October 2024 | Last updated 28 October 2024

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"#f3"},"insert":"Starting November 1, 2024, significant adjustments to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility will take effect.  These changes are designed to better align PGWP holders with labor market demands, ensuring that graduates from high-demand sectors can more easily transition into the workforce while reducing eligibility for others."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe PGWP, which allows international graduates to work in Canada, has been a popular pathway to permanent residency. However, with the rapid increase in applications—up by 214% from 2018 to 2023—Canada is refining the program to focus on sectors facing worker shortages."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nChanges to Expect:"},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"1. Targeted Eligibility: PGWPs will now be more accessible to graduates from programs and institutions that align with Canada’s economic priorities. This could mean a reduced focus on graduates from fields deemed non-essential to the country’s workforce needs."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"   "},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"2. Limitations on Certain Fields: Graduates from programs outside the government’s high-priority list may face restrictions or additional requirements when applying for the PGWP. The goal is to direct international students toward programs that will help bridge labor gaps."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n3. Increased Focus on High-Demand Sectors: Canada is prioritizing sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, which are currently experiencing significant worker shortages. Graduates from these fields will continue to enjoy strong PGWP eligibility, ensuring they can contribute immediately to the labor market."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n4. Processing: As part of these changes, processing times for PGWP applications may be further optimized to ensure that qualified candidates from priority fields can enter the workforce quickly."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nAlso note that Starting November 1, 2024, Canada will introduce stricter eligibility requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Only graduates from select fields of study that align with labor market demands will qualify for a PGWP. These sectors include agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trades, and transportation. "},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"The changes also includes a higher language proficiency standards for international graduates. "},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"For University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees):"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"To be eligible for a PGWP, university graduates must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all four skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking. For French, applicants need to meet NCLC 7."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"For College Graduates and Other Programs:"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Graduates from colleges or other non-university programs will be required to meet a minimum CLB 5 or NCLC 5for French."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Start with tailored guidance, Use "},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true,"color":"#000000","link":"https://www.shirah.co/calculator"},"insert":"Shirah"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"’s Predictive calculator and it will guide you to the Recommendation and Action Plan(s) unique to you. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"What this means for International Students:"},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFor international students considering Canada, carefully selecting programs and institutions that offer the best pathways to employment and permanent residency can not be over emphasized. Graduates in high-demand fields will benefit the most from the restructured PGWP, while others may face tighter restrictions or new requirements."},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nStudents planning to apply for the PGWP should stay updated on which programs and sectors Canada will prioritize, as this could affect your future career opportunities and immigration prospects. The updated rules aim to balance Canada’s immigration goals with its economic needs, maintaining Canada’s appeal as a top destination for skilled workers while ensuring the country meets its labor market demands. "},{"attributes":{"align":"justify"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nOne of the perks of working with us at Shirah is that our licensed immigration consultant work with you with the projection of your stay in Canada thereby positioning you for stronger opportunities, you can start with an immediate actionable plan available to you free of charge by using "},{"attributes":{"color":"#1155cc","link":"http://www.shirah.co/calculator"},"insert":"Shirah’s predictive calculator"},{"insert":". Click this "},{"attributes":{"color":"#1155cc","link":"https://www.loom.com/share/f900f35b6b124e679f2e59e27360fd84?sid=a6b1facf-7f73-4fbf-8cd0-1c5be3e6983a"},"insert":"link "},{"insert":"for  steps on how to use Shira’s predictive calculator \n\n"}]}

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