Canada Revamps Post-Study Work Visa Requirements Starting November 1:

With effect from November 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant modifications to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The revised specifications seek to improve language competency, simplify the field of study prerequisites and preserve Canada’s advantage in luring talent from outside.

The language standards have been changed, with applicants now needed to demonstrate competency in English or French. Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) will be applied to French, and Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to English. The speaking, writing, listening and reading portions of the test are required of candidates, and the results are good for two years after the application is submitted. CELPIP, IELTS and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French, are approved language tests. Furthermore, the prerequisites for the field of study have been simplified into five main categories: trade, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), healthcare, agriculture and agri-food, and transportation. Candidates must have completed a curriculum related to one of these categories’ long-term shortage vocations.

The current regulations are still in effect, requiring candidates to finish a study program at a designated learning institution that is eligible for the PGWP and meet eligibility standards for both general and physical location. This declaration follows the Canadian government’s decision to cut the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025. In an effort to control the number of temporary residents arriving, the IRCC has decided to lower its 2024 objective of 485,000 new study permits by 10%.

The modifications are intended to draw in highly qualified individuals while guaranteeing that foreign students support Canada’s economic expansion. The ability of applicants to integrate into the Canadian workforce will be evaluated based on the revised language criteria. Commencing on November 1, 2024, educational institutions and stakeholders are urged to examine the amended standards and guarantee a seamless transition for overseas students when the revised PGWP program comes into force.