You might have felt it: the possibility of a captivating new life in the cultural melting pot that is Canada, where you’re free to dive into an exciting course of study or launch your career. That’s why navigating the latest updates to the Canadian Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and the role of IELTS is essential if you’re considering post-graduation opportunities as a future international student.
With industries like tech, environmental science, and web design, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled graduates looking to gain valuable work experience. But with changes to the PGWP, graduates will need to meet language proficiency requirements. This means that tests like IELTS are now crucial for many international students hoping to study in Canada and secure a PGWP later.
Understanding the PGWP changes
The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable visa pathway for international students who want to gain Canadian work experience after graduation. It allows you to live and work in Canada temporarily, with the potential of transitioning to permanent residency.
To be eligible for a PGWP, you need to have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) with a valid study permit, and apply within 180 days after getting your final marks (transcript or degree). The PGWP is usually granted for the length of your study programme, up to a maximum of three years.
In addition, the Canadian government has introduced significant changes to PGWP requirements for students who submit their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024, which includes producing a language proficiency test score.
Future international students graduating from a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or doctoral degree programme will have to demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or its equivalent in English or French. This means you'll need to provide proof of your language proficiency through an approved language test, such as IELTS. These language requirements aim to ensure that graduates have the necessary communication skills to succeed in the Canadian workforce.
In addition to the language requirements, those enrolling into certain college and university programmes on or after November 1, 2024 must ensure they meet PGWP-eligible field of study requirements. The five broad categories to meet under the new “field of study” include: agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), trade and transport.
IELTS: meeting the PGWP language requirements
IELTS is one of the most widely recognised and trusted English language tests globally. It assesses your English language proficiency across four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. To be eligible for a PGWP under the new regulations, you'll need to achieve a minimum score in each section of the IELTS General Training test.
For instance, to meet the CLB 7 requirement for the PGWP, you generally need to achieve at least a 6.0 in each section of the IELTS General Training test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Be sure to prepare for the test to ensure you meet these benchmarks and secure your eligibility for the PGWP.
Tips and strategies to ace your IELTS test
As mentioned earlier, the IELTS test assesses your English language abilities across four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. To meet the PGWP requirements, you'll need to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in each of these sections in IELTS General Training. This means your preparation needs to be comprehensive and well-rounded, targeting all aspects of English language proficiency.
Each section of the test focuses on different skills:
Listening: You'll listen to recordings of conversations and lectures and answer questions based on what you hear.
Reading: You'll read passages from books, magazines, and newspapers and answer questions to demonstrate your comprehension skills.
Writing: You'll write a letter and an essay to showcase your ability to express your ideas clearly and effectively in written English.
Speaking: You'll sit face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner who will assess your use of spoken English through an interview, talking about a topic at length, and a discussion.
To achieve your desired score, it's important to adopt effective study strategies that target all four skills:
Immerse yourself in English: Surround yourself with English as much as possible. Read English books and articles, watch English movies and TV shows, and listen to English podcasts and music.
Focus on all four skills: Don't neglect any of the four sections of the IELTS test. Practise each skill regularly and identify areas where you need to improve.
Use a variety of resources: Utilise a range of study materials, including textbooks, online resources, and practice tests. IDP offers valuable resources like an IELTS familiarisation test and free IELTS practice tests to help you prepare effectively.
Practise time management: Time management is crucial in the IELTS test. Practise completing each section within the allocated time to ensure you can finish the test comfortably.
Get feedback on your writing and speaking: Ask a teacher, tutor, or friend to provide feedback on your writing and speaking skills. This can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your communication style.
By adopting a holistic approach to your preparation, you can increase your chances of achieving the required IELTS score and securing your post-graduate visa in Canada.
Take the First Step with IDP
Achieving your desired IELTS results and securing a post-graduate visa in Canada requires effective preparation and guidance. As a global leader in international education services, IDP is here to support you every step of the way.
With a variety of resources available, you can access a wide range of free IELTS preparation guides and resources covering all four sections of the test to familiarise yourself and improve your skills.
When you book your test with IDP, you benefit from a comfortable and conducive test environment to perform your best, and your IELTS Writing and Speaking sections are assessed by certified examiners, ensuring fair and accurate marking.
That’s not all. IDP's support extends beyond IELTS preparation and testing. We can assist you with visa application assistance, university and programme selection, and pre-departure support. Book your IELTS test with IDP and start your journey towards a successful academic and professional journey in Canada today.