Starting November 01, 2024, the following two changes will come into effect for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications:

• A language proficiency requirement for all applicants; and 
• A field of study requirement for certain non-degree programs.

For more information about the PGWP updates, please visit the IRCC new PGWP requirements page. 

Graduates from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a PhD degree at SFU

SFU students who graduate from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a Doctoral degree program and who meet all of the PGWP eligibility criteria will continue to remain eligible for a PGWP up to three years. 

Graduates from non-degree programs at SFU

If you are pursuing a degree-seeking program (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) at SFU along with a non-degree program such as a diploma or certificate, it is essential to apply for your PGWP based on the completion of your primary (degree) program from SFU.

If you are enrolled solely in a non-degree program including diploma, certificate, post-baccalaureate, and professional development program at SFU, please review the section below for the specific eligibility requirements that you must meet to apply for a PGWP.  

As a graduate from a non-degree SFU program, the eligibility criteria that you must meet for a PGWP will vary depending on:

• When you submit your PGWP application; and
• When you apply for your study permit.  

Language Proficiency Requirement

Effective date: November 1, 2024   
  
All PGWP applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English.  

Starting on November 1, 2024, in support of a PGWP application, you must meet the following language requirements in all 4 language areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking):

• Valid language test results with a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English, or 
• A minimum of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in French

Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of a PGWP application submission.
Below are the acceptable test results by IRCC: 

For more information about the minimum language level based on each test result, visit IRCC’s website here.

Note that this language proficiency requirement only applies to PGWP applications that are submitted on or after November 1, 2024. It does not apply to Co-op work permit applications. 

Field of Study Requirement

Effective date: November 1, 2024   
  
If you are required to meet the field of study requirement, your study program must be in one of the eligible fields of study that are divided in 5 broad categories:   

• agriculture and agri-food
• healthcare
• science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• trade
• transport

Below is a list of current SFU non-degree programs that meet the eligible field of study requirement for a PGWP. Note that this list is compiled based on the current Classification of Instruction Programs (CIPs). IRCC will update the eligible CIP codes and therefore, the following is subject to change without advance notice.   

• Graduate Certificate in Development and Sustainability
• Graduate Diploma in Education
• Graduate Diploma in Urban Studies
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Computing Science
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Counselling and Human Development
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Criminology
• Certificate in Computing Studies
• Certificate in Criminology (General)
• Certificate in Genomics
• Certificate in Occupational Ergonomics
• Certificate in Urban Studies

Questions?

If you have questions, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.