Canada's New Rules Tighten Post-Study Visa Access

Canada has introduced new rules for the Postgraduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, effective November 1. These changes require international students to meet specific language proficiency and field-of-study criteria to be eligible for the permit.

Under the new rules, applicants must submit proof of their language skills when applying for a PGWP. For English speakers, this will be assessed using Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), while French speakers will use the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC). Students need to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through accepted tests like CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE Core for English, or TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. The language tests must be recent, taken within the last two years.

Additionally, there are now field-of-study requirements for certain programs. Students need to study in specific fields related to occupations that have long-term job shortages, including agriculture, healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), trades, and transport. It’s important for students to ensure their courses match these in-demand sectors.

Despite these changes, general eligibility rules still apply. Students must complete their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) that qualifies for the PGWP, maintain full-time student status, and apply for the PGWP within 180 days of finishing their studies. These updates aim to better align the PGWP program with Canada's labor market needs, helping ensure that graduates are ready for roles in areas where there is high demand for workers. Students should check the IRCC website for more details and to confirm their eligibility.