Canada set to bring changes in post study work visa from November

This announcement comes a little after the Candian government on September 19 announced a further reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025.

By: Education Desk

New Delhi | Updated: October 8, 2024 09:11 AM IST

2 min read

Canada government has introduced changes in PGWP's language requirements, proof of language ability and field of study requirement.

Canadian government has introduced changes in PGWP's language requirements, proof of language ability and field of study requirement. (Representative image/ Graphics by Vishnu Ram)

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement changes to the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) programme from November 1. Canadian government has introduced changes in PGWP’s language requirements, proof of language ability and field of study requirement.

As per the updated requirements, candidates will have to provide proof of language ability to meet the language requirements for the PGWP when they submit application. Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) will be used as proof of language for English, and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.

A candidate must demonstrate skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking sections. The test results must be less than 2 years old when the candidates submit application. IRCC will accept language test results from Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), IELTS and PTE Core for English. TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français and TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français will be accepted for French.

Also read | Canada further tightens rules for international students

Additionally, if the candidate’s study programme has a field of study requirement, the candidate must graduate from a programme linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage. The fields of study are divided into 5 broad categories: agriculture and agri-food; healthcare; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); trade; transport.

Some of the old regulations are also still in place. To be eligible for a PGWP, the candidate must continue to meet the general and physical location eligibility requirements (even after November 1, 2024) and complete a study programme at a PGWP eligible designated learning institution.

This announcement comes a little after the Canadian government on September 19 announced a further reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025. As a part of ongoing efforts of managing the volume of temporary resident arrivals in the country, IRCC announced a further reduction in study permits for 2025 based on a 10 per cent reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued.

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