The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled new guidelines for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), set to take effect on November 1, 2024. These changes introduce additional eligibility criteria for international graduates, focusing on aligning their fields of study with Canada's labour market demands.
According to the IRCC, the updated guidelines are designed to ensure that the work permit process supports the needs of Canadian employers and stimulates economic growth. "The changes made to the work permit rules seek to match the work permit process with national labour market needs," stated a spokesperson from the IRCC.
The revised eligibility criteria emphasize specific sectors, including Agriculture and Agri-Food, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Trade and Transport. These fields are categorized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which is akin to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) used for job categorization in Canada.
In addition to field-specific requirements, the IRCC has introduced new language proficiency standards for PGWP applicants. University degree holders must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French across all four language areas. For college or other non-university programs, a CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French is required.
These strategic adjustments show Canada's focus on attracting skilled workers in high-demand areas to fulfill critical roles within the national workforce. International graduates are encouraged to consult the IRCC website for a comprehensive list of PGWP-eligible programs and further details on the application process.
For those applying before November 1st, the existing language criteria remain applicable, though they will not be subject to the new field of study requirements. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the IRCC to refine the immigration process, ensuring it effectively supports both the economy and the needs of employers across the country.
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