Canada announces stricter rule for PG work permit; Know eligibility, fields, subjects, language requirements

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which will take effect from November 1, 2024. Under the new rules, applicants must meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French and must have completed degrees in specific fields linked to long-term labor shortages, to be eligible for the PGWP. This move aligns with the Canadian government’s broader adjustments to immigration and student policies, including the decision announced in September 2024 to reduce student visa intake by 10% in 2025.
For those seeking a PGWP on or after November 1 this year, there is the requirement for greater fluency in one of Canada’s official languages – English or French. In a post on its website, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the applicant “must demonstrate” their skill in the abilities of reading, writing, listening or speaking in either of these tongues. Test results to substantiate language skills must be less than two years old.
In addition, those who graduate from a university or college programme that is not for a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree, the applicant is restricted to a field of study that is “linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage”.
Canada PG Work Permit: Fields, subjects allowed

Starting November 1, 2024, new rules for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program will require students graduating from non-university or college programs to complete their studies in specific eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP.
These fields are directly linked to occupations experiencing labor shortages in Canada, including healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), skilled trades, transportation, and agriculture. The IRCC’s updated guidelines aim to target areas with critical workforce gaps while ensuring students are equipped with skills in high-demand sectors.
PGWP eligibility criteria for working in Canada after you graduate?
Graduated from a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program
Graduates from university programs, such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, will need to meet a language requirement to be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by achieving a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
However, for university graduates, there is no additional requirement for the field of study. All fields of study will be eligible for the PGWP under this rule.
Graduated from any other university program
If you graduated from a university program in Canada, you must demonstrate language proficiency. Specifically, you will need to prove your skills in either English or French, achieving at least a CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) for English or an NCLC 7 (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) for French across all four language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Additionally, regardless of language skills, candidates must graduate from an eligible field of study. These fields are tied to sectors where Canada is experiencing workforce shortages.
Graduated from a college program 
Graduates from college programs or any non-university programs must meet specific language and field-of-study requirements to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). These graduates are required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 5 in French across all four language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Additionally, to qualify for a PGWP, students must complete their studies in an eligible field of study linked to occupations experiencing shortages in Canada.