Canada IRCC Updates Language and Study Requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits
If you’re planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, there are some important updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you’ll want to know. Starting November 1, 2024, new language requirements will come into effect, and here’s what they mean for you.
For those graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university, you’ll need to show that you have a certain level of language proficiency. Specifically, you’ll need to demonstrate either:
- English: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, or
- French: A Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7
These language skills must be demonstrated in four key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
If you’re graduating from any other university program, the same language requirements apply. However, you’ll also need to have completed your studies in an eligible field to be considered for the PGWP.
For those who are finishing up a college program or another type of program that’s not mentioned above, the language requirements are slightly different. You’ll need a minimum proficiency of CLB or NCLC level 5 in English or French in all four areas. And just like with university grads, you’ll need to have studied in a field that is considered eligible for the PGWP.
One more thing to keep in mind: IRCC will only accept language test results that are less than two years old when you apply.
To find out more details, including which fields of study qualify (linked to occupations with long-term shortages in Canada) and which language tests are accepted, be sure to check the official information provided by IRCC.
Hope this helps make the process a little clearer! For more information please contact us.
