Starting November 1, 2024, Canada will introduce significant changes to its work permit and immigration policies, aimed at improving integration for international students and workers while addressing the country’s labor market needs. These updates are crucial for students and professionals planning to move to Canada for work or study.
Key Changes:
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Language Requirements:
- International students applying for PGWP will now need to meet higher language proficiency benchmarks.
- CLB Level 7 is required for university graduates, while CLB Level 5 is needed for college graduates. This change is designed to improve job readiness and ensure that graduates have the necessary language skills for the Canadian workforce.
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Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) Limitations:
- Starting in 2025, spousal open work permits will be limited to spouses of highly skilled professionals in critical industries like healthcare, engineering, and technology. This is intended to reduce the number of temporary permits issued and prioritize sectors experiencing labor shortages(Immigration News Canada) (directpathcanada).
Impact on International Students:
- Longer PGWPs: Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs will continue to be eligible for up to a three-year work permit, helping them gain valuable Canadian work experience. However, the new language requirements mean that students must be better prepared academically and linguistically to qualify(CIC News).
- Spousal Work Permits: Families of students in high-demand programs will benefit, while others might face restrictions, depending on the field of study or work(Pelican Migration Consultants).
Why This Matters:
These changes will impact how students and professionals navigate Canada’s immigration system, emphasizing the importance of choosing programs that align with Canada’s economic needs and improving language skills to secure post-graduation opportunities.
For guidance on applying to Canadian institutions and navigating these new rules, contact Transglobal Overseas Education Consultants today!