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© 2026 Visa AtlasReviewed continuously. Last sweep: 18 July 2026
  1. Home/
  2. Policy changes/
  3. Canada tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility

1 November 2024·Canada·Significant change·In force

Canada tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 1 June 2026

IRCC introduced significant changes to PGWP eligibility, including field-of-study restrictions for most programmes and new language-test requirements.

What changed

  • Policy claim 1

    Field-of-study restrictions were introduced for most PGWP applicants, mapped to occupations facing long-term shortages.

    Claim ID: ca-2024-11-pgwp-restrictions#claim-1·Cite this claim

    Source: IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

  • Policy claim 2

    A CLB/NCLC language test became a mandatory eligibility criterion for most PGWP applicants.

    Claim ID: ca-2024-11-pgwp-restrictions#claim-2·Cite this claim

    Source: IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

  • Policy claim 3

    Private-college PPP (public-private partnership) programmes are excluded from PGWP eligibility.

    Claim ID: ca-2024-11-pgwp-restrictions#claim-3·Cite this claim

    Source: IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified 1 June 2026·page reviewed 1 June 2026

Routes affected

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Canadian Study Permit

Primary source

Primary source

IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit Program ↗ · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Link last verified: 1 June 2026

More Canada changes →

  • 30 April 2026

    Canada: PR fees rise (30 Apr 2026), category-based Express Entry, Start-up Visa closed, arranged-employment points removed

← All policy changes

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We publish neutral, sourced information about immigration routes. Rules and thresholds change often — always verify details on the official government source linked on this page and consult a regulated immigration advisor before applying.