Studying in Canada opens doors for international students to work post-graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This article provides detailed information about PGWP Canada and highlights critical policy changes in 2024.

Studying in Canada opens doors for international students to work post-graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This article provides detailed information about PGWP Canada and highlights critical policy changes in 2024.<h2>What is PGWP Canada?</h2>The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit for international students who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It allows students to work legally in Canada, helping them gain practical work experience for up to three years.The duration of the PGWP depends on the level and length of the study program:<ul><li>College programs: Typically 1–3 years, depending on program length for five regulated fields.</li><li>University programs: Up to three years for a four-year program, with no restrictions on fields of study.</li><li>Master's programs: Up to three years, irrespective of the duration or field of study.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXedD_dXvcz4y6TnMaC0ZQNGBb3GdDgg2GfAdG-SQFJYJds_1rESzEAVsqrJDthiYfok6f7C6t0o0lHjICBQwQhRhyA-qjdHbqlewvsgHS4kqeIi0RmDCXqwEyfifbVEjiECfzgr?key=c2hXRa5tAjiF-UOSpKMK_XXF"><figcaption>Immigration Minister Marc Miller Announces Changes to Canada's PGWP Policy</figcaption></figure><h2>Changes in PGWP eligibility requirements for 2024</h2>On September 18, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced significant changes to PGWP policies, raising concerns among international students. Clarifications were provided by IRCC on October 4, 2024.Key policy changesDepending on the date of your Study Permit application:a) Applications submitted before November 1, 2024:<ul><li>University graduates: English/French language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 7 in all skills.</li><li>College graduates: English/French language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 5 in all skills.</li></ul>b) Applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024:<ul><li>Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral university programs: CLB/NCLC 7 across all skills, with no field restrictions.</li><li>Other university programs: CLB/NCLC 7 and restricted to eligible fields of study.</li><li>College programs and non-listed university programs: CLB/NCLC 5, with field restrictions.</li></ul>Language requirementsLanguage certificates must be issued within two years of application. Accepted tests include:<ul><li>CELPIP – General</li><li>IELTS – General</li><li>PTE – Core</li><li>TEF Canada</li><li>TCF Canada</li></ul><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/language-results.html">Check the equivalence chart to convert scores to CLB levels.</a>Eligible fields of study for restricted programsThe following fields qualify under restricted programs:<ol><li>Agriculture and Agri-food</li><li>Healthcare</li><li>Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)</li><li>Trade</li><li>Transportation</li></ol>Detailed lists of eligible fields and CIP codes can be found on <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html">the official Canadian Government website</a>.<h2>Exemptions from new policies</h2>Students currently enrolled or those who submitted a Study Permit application before November 1, 2024, will not be impacted by the new PGWP policies regarding work permit duration, qualification level, or fields of study. For example:<ul><li>Diploma/Advanced Diploma students: PGWP issuance will follow pre-existing rules.</li><li>Study Permit renewals post-November 1, 2024, will not be subject to these changes.</li></ul>IRCC confirmed that the new policies apply only to prospective students filing applications after the specified date.Other unaffected cases include:<ul><li>Students who maintain eligibility through DLIs.</li><li>Graduates from aviation programs, even if their PGWP application is filed after November 1, 2024.</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2>Canada’s PGWP program offers a golden opportunity for international students to grow their careers and enhance settlement prospects. However, the 2024 policy changes demand thorough preparation, particularly regarding language proficiency and fields of study. Ensure you understand how these changes apply to your case to avoid unexpected challenges.

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Hitachi Energy will invest C$479 million in a London, Ontario plant for transformer insulation, adding Canadian supply capacity and creating 100+ skilled jobs.

On October 16, 2026, <a href="https://www.hitachienergy.com/company/company-profile">Hitachi Energy</a> announced a CAD 479 million investment to develop a manufacturing facility for electrical insulation materials used in power transformers in London, Ontario. The project is expected to be completed in 2028 and create more than 100 skilled technical jobs.This investment marks more than the addition of a new manufacturing facility in Canada. It also reflects the growing need to strengthen the electrical equipment supply chain as energy demand continues to rise. The expansion of data centres, industrial activity, and electrification is placing greater demands on power infrastructure, highlighting the importance of essential materials and components that support reliable electricity transmission and distribution.<h2>What Will the New Facility Produce?&nbsp;</h2>Spanning approximately 21,000 square metres, the new facility will focus on manufacturing pressboard and laminate insulation materials. These specialized materials are used to electrically insulate internal components in power and distribution transformers.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:65.96%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:750/500;" src="https://static.bbw.vn/img/bbw/may-bien-ap-data-center-graham-hughesbloomberg-750x500.webp" alt="Picture: Graham Hughes/Bloomberg" width="750" height="500"><figcaption><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Inter, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Picture: Graham Hughes/Bloomberg</figcaption></figure>Transformers regulate voltage levels to enable the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity across the power grid. Although rarely seen by end users, insulation materials play a critical role in ensuring these devices operate safely and reliably.According to Hitachi Energy, the London facility will mark the first time pressboard manufacturing capabilities are established in Canada, helping strengthen the supply of insulation materials for the North American transformer industry.<h2>Why Is This Investment Significant for London?</h2>According to the company and the Ontario government, the project is expected to create more than 100 permanent, skilled jobs. The Government of Canada has announced CAD 20 million in funding through the <a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/strategic-response-fund">Strategic Response Fund</a>, along with an additional CAD 10 million from <a href="https://natural-resources.canada.ca/about">Natural Resources Canada</a>. Ontario is also expected to provide up to CAD 20 million through the <a href="https://www.investontario.ca/">Invest Ontario Fund</a>.The impact of a manufacturing project often extends beyond the number of direct jobs it creates. Once the facility becomes operational, it may generate additional demand for material suppliers, transportation, maintenance, and industrial services. These represent potential economic benefits rather than confirmed job numbers or specific hiring commitments.The project also builds on Hitachi Energy’s existing presence in the region. The company expanded its operations through the acquisition of Ontario-based Canduct Group, which specializes in manufacturing transformer insulation assemblies and components. By combining insulation material production with related component manufacturing, the investment could help strengthen the regional supply chain as power equipment manufacturers seek more reliable sources of supply.<h2>The Region’s Evolving Industrial Landscape</h2>London is located near St. Thomas, where PowerCo, Volkswagen Group’s battery subsidiary, is building an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant.However, according to an update in September 2026, PowerCo has pushed back the plant’s expected start of operations to 2029. As a result, the battery project should be viewed as part of the region’s long-term industrial outlook rather than an immediate source of job creation.Although the two projects operate in different sectors, both are linked to the broader trends of electrification and advanced manufacturing. If implemented as planned, investments of this kind could increase demand for skilled workers in technical fields, automation, operations, and manufacturing support.However, actual hiring levels will depend on project timelines, business needs, and the specific requirements of each position.<h2>What Does This Investment Signal for Students?</h2>For students considering studying in London, Ontario, Hitachi Energy’s investment represents a notable development in the local energy and manufacturing sectors. The expansion of production capacity for transformer insulation materials also highlights the role of engineering and advanced manufacturing in supporting electricity infrastructure.Students can use this development as a starting point to explore programs related to electrical engineering, electromechanical engineering, automation, quality control and logistics. When choosing a program, they should consider its hands-on training, co-op or internship opportunities, and industry connections-experiences that can help them develop practical skills before graduation.The project is expected to be completed in 2028 and is anticipated to create more than 100 jobs. However, this figure does not guarantee that suitable positions will be available to international graduates. In addition to developing relevant expertise, students should research employer requirements, workplace conditions and eligibility requirements for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).Rather than viewing this investment as a promise of employment, students should see it as an indication of local industrial development and an opportunity to explore career paths that align with their skills and interests. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8">Read more:<meta charset="utf-8"><ul style="margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-inline-start:48px;"><li style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;font-family:'Be Vietnam Pro',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;list-style-type:disc;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;" dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://loaportal.com/en/news/canada-rocket-company-breaks-ground-on-rocket-engine-test-facility-in-london-ontario">Canada Rocket Company Breaks Ground on Rocket Engine Test Facility in London, Ontario</a></li><li style="background-color:transparent;color:#1155cc;font-family:'Be Vietnam Pro',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;list-style-type:disc;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;" dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><meta charset="utf-8"><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://loaportal.com/en/news/study-aviation-in-canada-2026-admission-requirements-tuition-fees-career-opportunities">Study Aviation in Canada 2026: Admission Requirements, Tuition Fees &amp; Career Opportunities</a></li></ul>

Hitachi Energy Invests C$479 Million in London, Ontario

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