Immigration
Changes to the PGWP Eligibility Criteria
Starting November 01, 2024, the following two changes will come into effect for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications:
- A language proficiency requirement for all applicants; and
- A field of study requirement for certain non-degree programs.
SFU graduates of degree programs (i.e., Bachelor’s, Master's and PhD) are not required meeting the field of study requirement.
For more information about the PGWP updates, please visit the IRCC new PGWP requirements page.
Review the diagram below to assess how the PGWP new requirements will impact you:
Graduates from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a PhD degree at SFU
SFU students who graduate from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a Doctoral degree program and who meet all of the PGWP eligibility criteria will continue to remain eligible for a PGWP up to three years.
PGWP application before November 01, 2024
If you apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before November 01, 2024, you only need to meet the general eligibility requirements. The newly added language proficiency and the field of study requirements are not applicable to you.
PGWP application on or after November 01, 2024 [NEW]
If you apply for a PGWP on or after November 01, 2024, you must meet:
- All of the general PGWP eligibility criteria; and
- Language proficiency requirement.
PGWP application submission |
Language Proficiency |
Field of Study |
General Eligibility Requirements |
Before Nov 1, 2024 | No | No | Yes |
On or after Nov 1, 2024 | Yes | No | Yes |
Graduates from non-degree programs at SFU
If you are pursuing a degree-seeking program (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) at SFU along with a non-degree program such as a diploma or certificate, it is essential to apply for your PGWP based on the completion of your primary (degree) program from SFU.
If you are enrolled solely in a non-degree program including diploma, certificate, post-baccalaureate, and professional development program at SFU, please review the section below for the specific eligibility requirements that you must meet to apply for a PGWP.
As a graduate from a non-degree SFU program, the eligibility criteria that you must meet for a PGWP will vary depending on:
- When you submit your PGWP application; and
- When you apply for your study permit.
PGWP application before November 01, 2024
If you apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before November 01, 2024, you only need to meet the general eligibility requirements. The newly added language proficiency and the field of study requirements are not applicable to you.
PGWP application on or after November 01, 2024
If you apply for a PGWP on or after November 01, 2024, you must meet:
- All of the general PGWP eligibility criteria; and
- Language proficiency requirement; and
- Field of study requirement (ONLY if you apply for a study permit on or after Nov 1, 2024)
Study permit application submission |
PGWP application submission |
Language Proficiency | Field of Study | General Eligibility Requirements |
Before Nov 01, 2024 | Before Nov 01, 2024 | No | No | Yes |
Before Nov 01, 2024 | On or after Nov 01, 2024 | Yes | No | Yes |
On or after Nov 01, 2024 | On or after Nov 01, 2024 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Effective date: November 1, 2024
All PGWP applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English.
Starting on November 1, 2024, in support of a PGWP application, you must meet the following language requirements in all 4 language areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking):
- Valid language test results with a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English, or
- A minimum of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in French
Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of a PGWP application submission.
Below are the acceptable test results by IRCC:
English | French |
---|---|
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program You should take the CELPIP-General test. |
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français |
IELTS: International English Language Testing System You should take the IELTS General Training option. |
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français |
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English You should take the PTE Core option. |
For more information about the minimum language level based on each test result, visit IRCC’s website here.
Note that this language proficiency requirement only applies to PGWP applications that are submitted on or after November 1, 2024. It does not apply to Co-op work permit applications.
Effective date: November 1, 2024
If you are required to meet the field of study requirement, your study program must be in one of the eligible fields of study that are divided in 5 broad categories:
- agriculture and agri-food
- healthcare
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- trade
- transport
Below is a list of current SFU non-degree programs that meet the eligible field of study requirement for a PGWP. Note that this list is compiled based on the current Classification of Instruction Programs (CIPs). IRCC will update the eligible CIP codes and therefore, the following is subject to change without advance notice.
- Graduate Certificate in Development and Sustainability
- Graduate Diploma in Education
- Graduate Diploma in Urban Studies
- Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Computing Science
- Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Counselling and Human Development
- Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Criminology
- Certificate in Computing Studies
- Certificate in Criminology (General)
- Certificate in Genomics
- Certificate in Occupational Ergonomics
- Certificate in Urban Studies
Questions?
If you have questions, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.