Immigration Corner | Changes to postgraduate work permit in Canada

Dear Miss Powell,

Thank you for all the articles you write in the Jamaica Gleaner. I have always found them helpful. I am planning to study in Canada next year, but everyone has been panicking about the new rules. My aunt says I should contact you before applying, as we do not want to spend all that money studying but can’t get a work permit afterwards. I am requesting that you explain the new rules, so that I can ensure that when I complete my studies I can work in Canada. I look forward to your answer. Thank you.

MI

Dear MI,

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programme allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada to obtain an open work permit. This permit enables a student to work anywhere in Canada for any employer (with very few exceptions) for a specified period, without the need to have a Labour Market Impact Assessment report.

Recently, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada announced several sweeping changes which will come into effect after November 1, 2024. I will outline below the main changes.

KEY CHANGES EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2024 FIELD OF STUDY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for a PGWP, graduates must have completed a programme linked to occupations that are in long-term shortage areas as noted by the Canadian government. These fields are categorised into five broad areas currently. The areas are agriculture and agri-food; healthcare; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); trade; and transport. This change aims to address labour market gaps and ensure that international graduates are entering fields where there is a high demand for skilled workers in Canada.

Work permits will be issued to students graduating from agricultural and healthcare studies, such as agricultural business and management, agricultural communication/journalism, crop production, agroecology and sustainable agriculture, landscaping and groundskeeping, meat cutting/meat cutter, parks, recreation, and leisure facilities management, veterinary sciences/veterinary clinical sciences, general, disability studies, hematology technology/technician, education/teaching of individuals with hearing impairments including deafness, indigenous education, counsellor education/school counselling and guidance services, foods, nutrition and wellness studies, general, genetics, general, genome sciences/genomics, sports, kinesiology, and physical education/physical fitness, nuclear and industrial radiologic technologies/technicians, psychology, behavioural neuroscience, chiropractic, speech-language pathology/pathologist, dental public health and education, geriatric dentistry, pharmacy technician/assistant, lactation consultant, electro-neurodiagnostic/electroencephalographic technology/technologist, polysomnography, trauma counselling, nursing administration, geriatric nurse/nursing, licensed practical/vocational nurse training.

Other areas include, but are not limited to, environmental studies, artificial intelligence, computer science, sustainable design/architecture, web page, digital/multimedia and information resources design, chemical and biomolecular engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, surveying engineering, power plant engineering, accounting and computer science, electrician, roofer, building/property maintenance, dry wall installation, plumbing, construction trades, appliance installation and repair technology/technician, avionics maintenance technology, marine maintenance/fitter and ship repair technology, logistics, materials, and supply chain management.

CHANGES TO PROGRAMME ELIGIBILITY

Graduates from public college programme will no longer be eligible for a three-year PGWP unless their work is linked to areas of high labour market demand. This change is intended to prioritise graduates who can contribute to sectors experiencing significant labour shortages. Additionally, to qualify for a PGWP, students must complete at least 50 per cent of their programme in Canada, even if they started their studies online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This requirement ensures that students gain sufficient in-country experience, which is crucial for their integration into the Canadian workforce.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

All PGWP applicants must now provide proof of their language skills in either English or French. The required proficiency levels are set at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB level 5 for college graduates. Accepted tests include the International English Language Testing System General Training, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme General for English. For French, the acceptable tests are Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada), and Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada). Language test results must be less than two years old at the time of application. These test results are also required when applying for permanent residence.

PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY

These changes underscore the importance of strategic planning and preparation for international students who are hoping to build their careers in Canada. The PGWP programme is a critical pathway for international students to gain Canadian work experience. Canadian work experience can help to increase the scores needed when applying for permanent residence. The changes aim to create a more streamlined and effective transition from temporary to permanent status for international graduates.

Since these rules come into effect on November 1, 2024, prospective international students should take the necessary steps to meet the new criteria before applying to a designated learning institution and then for a work permit. Of course, there are exceptions to the general rule, and I will highlight those in next week’s article.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. WhatsApp or tel: 613.695.8777. You may request a Zoom/telephone consultation via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.