Canada Loosens Post-Graduate Work Permit Rules for College and University Graduates
Canada has made significant changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) regulations, allowing international students who complete college degree programs to bypass the previously enforced field of study requirement.
Previously, graduates from both colleges and universities were subject to this requirement, which limited their eligibility for the PGWP based on their area of study. However, as reported by The Economic Times, this adjustment is part of the Canadian government’s ongoing efforts to streamline the international education sector.
The earlier rule, introduced in 2024, only applied to college graduates, excluding those from universities. According to ICEF Monitor, the change reflects a broader Canadian government initiative to increase oversight of international education.
“Graduates of college degree programs will no longer be required to meet the PGWP field of study requirement,” said Larissa Bezo, CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education.
Under the updated regulations, students who graduate from Canadian bachelor’s or master’s degree programs—whether from colleges or universities—will now be eligible for the PGWP, provided they meet the necessary language requirements.
While the new policy is expected to strengthen Canada’s recruitment efforts, experts warn that colleges may face challenges regaining their position in key international markets. This shift in policy comes after previous immigration rules disrupted college recruitment, with universities remaining relatively unaffected.
The PGWP program continues to be a highly valued opportunity for international students, and these changes are anticipated to enhance recruitment at Canadian colleges. With the removal of the field-of-study restriction, colleges can now target a wider range of international degree graduates, boosting their appeal in the competitive global education market.
