“Canada’s PGWP Policy Update: What It Means for Pakistani Students”
- Understanding the Change with an Example
Previously, if a student from Pakistan completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) at a Canadian college, they might not have been eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) because business studies were not considered a high-demand field by the Canadian government.
Now, with the field-of-study restriction removed, a Pakistani student who earns a BBA from a Canadian college can apply for a PGWP just like a student who studied Engineering or IT. This makes all college degree graduates eligible for work opportunities in Canada, as long as they meet the new language requirement (CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French).
- Requirements for PGWP (Effective November 1, 2024)
To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international students must:
✅Complete an eligible program – The program must be at least 8 months long and from a recognized Canadian institution (college or university).
✅Graduate from a degree program – This includes bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees from colleges or universities. (Diploma and certificate graduates may still have restrictions.)
✅Meet the new language requirement – From November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must prove their language skills:
- English: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 7)
- French: Niveaux de compétencelinguistiquecanadiens (NCLC 7)
- (For IELTS, this means about 6.0–6.5 in all sections)
✅Have a valid study permit – The student must have had a valid study permit throughout their program.
✅Apply within 180 days of graduation – The PGWP application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the final marks.
- Impact on Pakistani Students
✅More Opportunities for Pakistani Students – Previously, many students from Pakistan were discouraged from choosing business, arts, or humanities programs at Canadian colleges due to PGWP restrictions. Now, they have a wider range of study options while still being eligible for post-study work.
✅Easier Path to Canadian PR – With more students being eligible for PGWP, they can gain Canadian work experience, which is a key factor in getting permanent residency (PR) under Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
✅Boost for Pakistani College Applicants – Many Pakistani students prefer affordable and career-focused programs at Canadian colleges rather than universities. This policy change makes college degree programs more attractive, increasing their chances of studying and working in Canada.
✅New Language Requirement – A Challenge? – From November 1, 2024, students applying for a PGWP must meet a CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) requirement. Pakistani students need to ensure they have strong IELTS or CELPIP scores to qualify.
- Final Thoughts
This update is a major win for Pakistani students who want to study at Canadian colleges and work in Canada after graduation. However, they must prepare for the new language requirement to ensure they remain eligible for a PGWP and future PR pathways.
If you’re a Pakistani student considering Canada, this is a great time to explore college bachelor’s programs in fields that interest you—without worrying about work permit restrictions!