Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated post-graduate work permit (PGWP) information. As of December 17, 2024, the eligibility list has been expanded to include new disciplines of study. Thanks to these reforms, international students now have additional options for employment in Canada following graduation.

New Programs in Education

According to the IRCC, education is now a new PGWP eligibility category. This addition includes initiatives centred on developmental services and early childhood education, which are included in Canada's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP).

The following programs, together with their CIP codes, are now eligible:

• Developmental Services Worker (19.0710)
• Montessori Teacher Education (13.1207)
• Waldorf/Steiner Teacher Education (13.1208)
• Early Childhood Education and Teaching (13.1210)
• General Teaching Assistant/Aide (13.1501)
• Child Development (19.0706)
• Child Care and Support Services Management (19.0708)
• Child Care Provider/Assistant (19.0709)
• Early Childhood and Family Studies (19.0711)

Prior to this revision, agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM, trades, and transportation were the only five categories on the IRCC's list of acceptable subjects of study. International students now have even more choices for PGWP eligibility under the education category.

Field of Study and Language Requirements

The IRCC stated in September 2024 that alleviating labour shortages would be the primary emphasis of PGWP eligibility. Students must complete curricula related to long-term demand occupations. However, university graduates with bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees are exempt from this requirement.

This has an impact on foreign students enrolled in vocational or collegiate programs. This condition does not apply to those whose study permits were granted before to November 1, 2024. However, students will need to fulfil the revised field of study requirements for any new licenses granted after this date.

For PGWP applicants, the IRCC has also instituted a language requirement. Depending on the degree of study attained, this varies.

What Is a PGWP?

International graduates can work in Canada under a PGWP. Since it is an open work permit, graduates can work for the majority of companies in a variety of industries. The permit's duration, which can range from eight months to three years, is determined by the length of the study program.

When applying for permanent residency, this employment experience is essential. It improves graduates' Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ratings under Express Entry and helps them get into the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The latest updates from the IRCC demonstrate Canada's dedication to luring and keeping talented people. International students now have more options to develop their professions in Canada as a result of these improvements.

FAQS

What occurs if, after November 1, 2024, a student decides to transfer programs or institutions?

In order to continue being eligible for a PGWP, students who transfer programs or institutions after this date must fulfil the updated field of study requirements for their new study permit.

Do Canadian provinces have different language requirements?

No, there is no provincial variation in the language requirement for PGWP eligibility; it is regulated at the federal level. The graduate's finished degree of study, however, determines the precise level of proficiency.