Canada’s New PGWP Rules Offer Relief to College Graduates

International Students in Colleges Gain Easier Access to Post-Graduation Work Permits

Canada has introduced a significant change to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, relieving international students in college degree programs. Under the revised requirements, students are no longer required to meet a field-of-study condition to qualify for the PGWP. This update reverses a rule introduced in 2024 specifically for Canadian colleges, reflecting the government’s evolving approach to international education, which balances scrutiny with greater flexibility, as noted by ICEF Monitor.

Larissa Bezo, CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, explained that graduates of college degree programs are now exempt from the field-of-study requirement. Updated guidelines on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website confirm that students graduating from all Canadian bachelor's and master’s degree programs—whether from universities or colleges—are eligible for the PGWP, provided they meet language requirements.

Canadian colleges, which traditionally enrol twice as many international students in business programs compared to universities, have a strong history of graduating students with specialised skills in high demand across various sectors of the economy. The removal of the field-of-study requirement is expected to level the playing field for colleges in attracting international students. However, ICEF Monitor notes that it may take time for colleges to regain their position in key markets, as previous immigration policies caused significant disruptions that affected colleges more than universities.

Given the popularity of Canada’s PGWP program among international students, this policy revision positions Canadian colleges to strengthen their competitiveness in the global education market and attract more international students. This move benefits the institutions and contributes to Canada's economy by fostering a skilled and diverse workforce.

Editor's Note:

Canada’s decision to remove the field-of-study requirement for PGWP eligibility marks a vital shift in immigration policy. This change relieves international students of unnecessary constraints while allowing Canadian colleges to better compete with universities in attracting global talent. Although earlier immigration policies caused disruptions, this policy adjustment reflects Canada’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and flexible education system. With the PGWP program being highly sought after, the updated criteria empower Canadian colleges to meet global student needs, strengthening their role in the international education landscape. 

According to Skoobuzz, it will be important to observe how these changes influence Canada’s position as a leading destination for international education and broader trends in global student mobility.