Immigration

Changes to the PGWP Eligibility Criteria

Last Modified on November 05, 2024 (Originally posted on October 18, 2024)

Starting November 01, 2024, the following two changes will come into effect for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications:

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:   

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:   

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

Language Proficiency Requirement

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. 

Field of Study Requirement

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.