CELPIP Test Now Accepted for PG Work Permit in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially included the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test as an approved language proficiency option for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications. This addition offers international graduates from Canadian institutions a broader range of options to meet the language requirements for working in Canada.

What This Means for Graduates:

• Additional Language Test Option: Graduates will now have the choice between the CELPIP test and the previously accepted IELTS test to demonstrate their English proficiency for PGWP applications. CELPIP is known for its focus on Canadian English, making it a relevant option for international students pursuing work opportunities in Canada.
• Language Proficiency Requirements: For PGWP eligibility, applicants need to meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. The minimum CLB level for university graduates is 7, while college graduates require a minimum CLB level of 5 in all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• CELPIP Test Validity: CELPIP test scores will remain valid for up to two years from the test date, allowing graduates ample time to apply for their PGWP after completing their studies.

PGWP Application Process:

• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for a PGWP, international graduates must have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. They must apply for the permit within 180 days of receiving their final transcript or an official program completion letter.
• Application Requirements: Applicants will need to submit their CELPIP test results, along with other necessary documentation such as transcripts and proof of program completion, as part of the PGWP application.
• Permit Duration: The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the graduate’s program. However, the maximum length of a PGWP is typically three years.

Significance of the Change:

This change reflects Canada's commitment to improving the immigration process for international students and making it easier for them to transition into the Canadian workforce. The inclusion of the CELPIP test provides greater flexibility for graduates, who now have more ways to demonstrate their language proficiency. By broadening testing options, Canada aims to retain more skilled talent and foster economic growth.