Canada Revises Post-Study Work Permit Rules: What You Must Know

Canada has announced sweeping changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, affecting the eligibility of international students—including thousands of Nigerians—hoping to work in the country after their studies. The changes, effective from November 1, 2024, are part of efforts to align immigration policy with labour market needs, ensure academic integrity, and manage international student numbers.

With Nigeria consistently ranking among the top five source countries for international students in Canada, these new rules carry significant implications. Here’s what Nigerian students, parents, and education consultants need to know.

Key Revisions to the PGWP Program

As of June 25, 2025, Canada’s immigration authority (IRCC) has:

• Added 119 new programs of study to the PGWP eligibility list
• Removed 178 programs, mostly those seen as lacking labour-market demand
• Required all PGWP applicants to meet new language proficiency benchmarks
• Tied the program strictly to approved “Fields of Study” (CIP codes)
• Mandated that applicants apply with valid passports that cover the full permit duration
• Kept in place the cap on new study permits and provincial attestation letter requirements

These revisions aim to link Canada’s international education system more directly with its workforce needs, particularly in sectors like health care, skilled trades, education, engineering, and IT.

What Are the New Requirements?

1. Program Eligibility
Not all Canadian academic programs will qualify international students for a work permit after graduation. Only courses listed under eligible CIP codes (Classification of Instructional Programs) will allow students to apply for the PGWP.

For Nigerian students: You must verify whether your intended program remains on the eligible list before applying for a study permit.

2. Language Benchmarks

• College diploma/associate degree students: Must meet CLB/NCLC level 5
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students: Must meet CLB/NCLC level 7

This means Nigerian applicants will need to prove English proficiency through approved tests such as IELTS or CELPIP. French-speaking students may opt for TEF/TCF.

3. Passport Validity Matters
Your PGWP duration cannot exceed your passport validity. For example, if your course qualifies for a 3-year work permit but your passport expires in 2 years, you may only get 2 years.

Nigerian students are advised to renew passports well before graduation to ensure full benefit.

Canada Tightens Control on Student Intake

The Canadian government has also imposed a cap on the number of new study permits it will issue in 2025 and 2026 set at 437,000 annually. This is roughly 10% lower than the 2024 intake.

Additionally, all international students, including Nigerians, must obtain a provincial attestation letter (PAL) confirming their admission into a recognized and approved institution.

For Nigerian applicants: This means longer processing times and stricter vetting of schools and courses.

Why These Changes Matter for Nigerians

Nigerians made up over 17,000 study permit approvals in 2023, many of them aiming to transition into permanent residency through work experience in Canada. The PGWP has long been a critical pathway in that journey.

With the new field-of-study restrictions, not all programs will offer that pathway anymore. Students who enroll in now-ineligible courses will be denied a work permit after graduation, and could face deportation if they remain without legal status.

Moreover, with language testing now tied to PGWP eligibility, not just school admission students will need to plan for higher language proficiency levels from the outset.

What Nigerian Students Should Do Now

1. Check program eligibility: Ensure your desired course is on the updated PGWP-approved CIP list.
2. Meet language benchmarks: Prepare early for IELTS, CELPIP, or other tests.
3. Renew your passport: Make sure it will not expire during or shortly after your program.
4. Obtain a PAL: Confirm with your school that they will issue the provincial attestation letter.
5. Consult professionals: Work with vetted education consultants and immigration advisors.

Canada remains an attractive destination for Nigerian students, but the rules of engagement are changing. With careful planning, strong academic choices, and compliance with new immigration requirements, Nigerian students can still unlock global opportunities—just with a little more homework than before.