New Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Rules 2025

International students in Canada have a great opportunity to obtain job experience after finishing their studies with the Post-Graduation job Permit (PGWP canada). Graduates can work for any employer in Canada with this open work visa, which also serves as a route to permanent residence (PR). 

Significant changes that affect eligibility, duration, and application procedures have been introduced in recent PGWP versions. In this article we will be discussing the PGWP Canada New Rules.

In late 2024, Canada made major changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and student transfer restrictions. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the information of these adjustments are still being worked out before we get started. 

Learn about the eligibility criteria and how to apply for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to kickstart your career in Canada.

Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Major Changes 

Significant modifications have been made to Post Graduate Work Visa Canada with an emphasis on subjects of study and language competency. 

Here is a brief synopsis:

Needs for Language Proficiency:

Graduates of universities with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees: In each of the four language domain i.e speaking, listening, reading, and writing a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 must be attained. This corresponds to a 6.0 overall on the IELTS.

If you have graduated from any other university program:

 Language requirement: 

To demonstrate eligibility, you must show that you are proficient in either English or French; moreover, you must obtain at least a CLB 7 in English (or a band score of 6.0 in the IELTS General Training’s Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking components) and have graduated in an admissible field of study.

If you completed a college course of study or any other course not on the listed :

Language requirements: 

A minimum CLB 5 in English or IELTS band scores of 4.0 in reading and 5.0 in writing, speaking, and listening for IELTS General Training are required to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. Also, you must have completed coursework in an approved field.

Check more on : Canadian benchmark language

Changes of Post Graduation Work Permit Program 2025

The Post-Graduation Work Permit scheme, or PGWP, is accessible to recent foreign student graduates of the Canadian Government. The new grads from eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) are given a chance to apply to stay and work in Canada for a maximum of three years in their field, so they can build their professional network and working experience.

PGWP rules varies in duration depending on the level of study. This is how it worked:

1. If your program was under 8 months long, you did not receive a PGWP.
2. If your program was over 8 months, but under 2 years long, your PGWP will be for up to the same length as your study program (a new grad from a 10 month program would receive a PGWP of up to 10 months.)
3. Non-master’s degree programs that were two years or longer were awarded a PGWP of three years.
4. Master’s degree graduates received PGWPs of three years, irrespective of their program being shorter than two years.

PGWP rules program eligibility will work differently for students who applied for their study permit before November 1, 2024, and those who apply after this date in the future.

Check more on :  Eligibility criteria 

Student Transfer Regulations: Grace Period and Eligibility Criteria

Grace Period for Transfers: Students who wish to move to a new school must apply for a new study permit, according to a November 15, 2024, announcement. The government has established a grace period for students already registered in Canada and admitted to a new school, allowing them to transfer to a different school for the winter (beginning January 1, 2025) or spring (beginning May 1, 2025) semesters. 

To qualify, students must:

1. Have applied for a study permit extension.
2. Possess a study permit without the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) name printed on it.
3. Comply with all existing study permit conditions.

Amendments to Spousal Work Permits

If you’re studying in Canada or working via the PGWP program and your common-law partner or spouse is accompanying you, they may be eligible for an open work permit. Eligibility criteria for these permits will also change later this year. The partners of students pursuing master’s degree studies that are at least 16 months long will still remain eligible to apply for a work permit. But the partners of students pursuing shorter master’s degree courses won’t be eligible anymore.

For the foreign graduates in the PGWP program, open work permits would be provided to the spouses of foreign employees who are in management or professional occupations, or in sectors that have known labour shortages like construction or health care.

Canada’s Study Permit Cap for 2025 & 2026: What You Need to Know

The government declared today that the 2025 and 2026 study permit procedure would:

1. The government will lower the study permit cap by 10% in 2025 compared to 2024, setting the maximum number of permits at 437,000.
2. In 2026, the intake cap will remain fixed, granting the same number of study permits as in 2025.
3. In the upcoming weeks, certain provinces and territories will receive more detailed information so that these institutions and governments can make plans for the upcoming year.
4. Add students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees to the study caps.
5. Students in grades K–12 (primary and secondary) are exempt from caps.

Unchanged Requirements:

Despite these updates, some of the requirements remain unaltered:

1. Graduation from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that qualifies for PGWP.
2. Completion of at least 50% of your studies in Canada.
3. Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools are not subject to the new requirements.

New PGWP Rules Conclusion 2025

In conclusion, the 2025 PGWP updates bring about significant modifications that not only affect student transfer regulations but also impact program length, eligibility, and language requirements. Moreover, these changes are intended to preserve possibilities for qualified graduates while bringing foreign education into line with the needs of the Canadian labor market.

Nevertheless, in spite of these modifications, important components of the PGWP have not changed, guaranteeing that qualified graduates can continue to obtain worthwhile Canadian work experience and apply for permanent residence.

 However, PGWP can be refused due to incomplete applications, ineligible institutions, or failing full-time study criteria. Addressing these issues can enhance approval chances. It is essential to stay up to date on these updates and understand the factors that could impact their eligibility. 

FAQ – New Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Rules Canada 2025

1. What is the PGWP?

A work permit that allows international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to gain work experience and apply for permanent residence (PR).

2. What are the major PGWP rules changes in 2025?

• New language requirements based on education level.
• PGWP duration changes depending on program length.
• Updates to student transfers and spousal work permits.
• Study permit caps for 2025 & 2026.

3. Who is eligible for PGWP?

• Graduates from a PGWP-eligible DLI.
• At least 50% of studies completed in Canada.
• Meet the new language proficiency requirements.

4. What are the new language requirements?

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0).
• Other university programs: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0).
• College/non-listed programs: CLB 5 (IELTS 4.0 reading, 5.0 others).

5. How long is the PGWP valid?

• Under 8 months :  Not eligible.
• 8 months – 2 years :  PGWP matches program length.
• 2+ years (non-Master’s) : 3-year PGWP.

6. What are the new student transfer PGWP rules?

• From Nov 15, 2024, students transferring schools need a new study permit.
• Grace period applies for Winter & Spring 2025 transfers.