Canada Closes SDS and NSE Programs: International Students Required to Apply Through Regular Study Permit Stream

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that, starting November 1, 2024, there will be new language and field of study requirements for certain international students applying to the Post Graduation Work Permit program (PGWP). 

If you are applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet the new language and field of study requirements depending on your situation. Applicants who submitted a study permit application before November 1, 2024, only need to meet the new language requirements as the field of study requirement is not applicable. 

Situation 1: If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree from a university and applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024:  

• Language requirement:  English or French language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French. You must demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

Accepted language tests: 

• English: CELPIP-General test, IELTS General Training, PTE Core: Pearson Test of English  
• French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada  

Note: Test results must be less than 2 years old when the application is submitted. 

• Field of study requirement: All fields of study are eligible.   

Situation 2: If you graduated in any other university program and applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024:  

• Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.  

• Field of study requirement: Agriculture and Agri-food, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Trade, Transport. A full list of eligible study fields can be found here.

Situation 3: If you graduated from a college program or any other program not listed above and applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024:  

• Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.  

• Field of study requirement: Agriculture and Agri-food, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Trade, Transport. A full list of eligible study fields can be found here.

If you are planning to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit, it is essential to understand how these changes may affect your eligibility and the overall success of your application. At Canadim, we are here to help you navigate these new requirements and ensure your application stands the best chance of success. Contact us today to assess your eligibility and receive expert guidance on your application!