Can You Qualify for a PGWP? Check Your Study Permit Date
Learn about updated PGWP eligibility rules: field of study exemptions, language requirements, and school transfer impacts for study permits before Nov 1, 2024
Gurmeet Sharma
To ensure clarity and understanding of recent changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, this document highlights key updates, organized into clear sections for easy reference.
1. Exemptions for Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024
If you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024, you are exempt from the new field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. However, you must meet the updated language proficiency requirements when applying for your PGWP.
Key points:
- The date of your study permit application, not the PGWP application date, determines whether the field of study exemption applies.
- Graduates from university bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs remain exempt from field of study requirements regardless of the application date.
2. Language Proficiency Requirements
All PGWP applicants must demonstrate language proficiency through an IRCC-approved language test.
- English is assessed using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale.
- French is evaluated using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.
3. Updated PGWP Eligibility Criteria
For Study Permit Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024:
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
| University programs not listed above | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
| College or non-university programs | CLB/NCLC Level 5 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
For Study Permit Applications Submitted After November 1, 2024:
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four abilities | Not applicable |
| University programs not listed above | CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four abilities | Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
| College or non-university programs | CLB/NCLC Level 5 in all four abilities | Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
4. School Transfers and PGWP Eligibility
Changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may affect your PGWP eligibility.
- If you hold a study permit applied for before November 1, 2024:
You must meet the new field of study requirements if you transfer schools and submit a new study permit application. - Transferring schools now resets your study permit application date to the most recent submission, subjecting you to updated criteria unless you graduate from a university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program.
Requirements for PGWP eligibility after a school transfer:
- The new institution must be on the list of approved DLIs.
- The institution must not appear on the suspension list.
By understanding and adhering to these updated criteria, applicants can ensure they remain eligible for a PGWP based on their individual circumstances. Always verify that your chosen program and institution meet all applicable requirements.
