¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Starting November 01, 2024, the following two changes will come into effect for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications:

• A language proficiency requirement for all applicants; and 
• A field of study requirement for certain non-degree programs.

For more information about the PGWP updates, please visit the IRCC  page. 

Graduates from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a PhD degree at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV students who graduate from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a Doctoral degree program and who meet all of the  will continue to remain eligible for a PGWP up to three years. 

Graduates from non-degree programs at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

If you are pursuing a degree-seeking program (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV along with a non-degree program such as a diploma or certificate, it is essential to apply for your PGWP based on the completion of your primary (degree) program from ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.

If you are enrolled solely in a non-degree program including diploma, certificate, post-baccalaureate, and professional development program at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, please review the section below for the specific eligibility requirements that you must meet to apply for a PGWP.  

As a graduate from a non-degree ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV program, the eligibility criteria that you must meet for a PGWP will vary depending on:

• When you submit your PGWP application; and
• When you apply for your study permit.  

Language Proficiency Requirement

Effective date: November 1, 2024  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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All PGWP applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English.  

Starting on November 1, 2024, in support of a PGWP application, you must meet the following language requirements in all 4 language areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking):

• Valid language test results with a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English, or 
• A minimum of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in French

Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of a PGWP application submission.
Below are the acceptable test results by IRCC: 

For more information about the minimum language level based on each test result, visit IRCC’s website .

Note that this language proficiency requirement only applies to PGWP applications that are submitted on or after November 1, 2024. It does not apply to Co-op work permit applications. 

Field of Study Requirement

Effective date: November 1, 2024  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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If you are required to meet the field of study requirement, your study program must be in one of the eligible that are divided in 5 broad categories:   

• agriculture and agri-food
• healthcare
• science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• trade
• transport

Below is a list of current ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV non-degree programs that meet the eligible field of study requirement for a PGWP. Note that this list is compiled based on the current (CIPs). IRCC will update the eligible CIP codes and therefore, the following is subject to change without advance notice.   

• Graduate Certificate in Development and Sustainability
• Graduate Diploma in Education
• Graduate Diploma in Urban Studies
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Computing Science
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Counselling and Human Development
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Criminology
• Certificate in Computing Studies
• Certificate in Criminology (General)
• Certificate in Genomics
• Certificate in Occupational Ergonomics
• Certificate in Urban Studies

Questions?

If you have questions, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.