Canada Opens Doors Wider: PGWP Field of Study Requirement Scrapped for College Bachelor Graduates
March 19, 2025
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Canada has taken a significant step towards welcoming international graduates by scrapping the field of study requirement for the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) for college bachelor graduates. This vital change opens up various employment opportunities, allowing graduates to pursue diverse career paths beyond their academic fields. This policy shift shows the country’s commitment to attracting and keeping skilled international talent, creating a more inclusive and dynamic Canadian workforce.
This blog takes a look into what this PGWP eligibility change means and its potential impact on international students in Canada.
Canada’s Postgraduate Work Permit
The PGWP allows international students in Canada who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The duration of the PGWP can range from eight months to three years, depending on the length of the study program. This work experience is often a stepping stone to Canadian permanent residency through various immigration pathways, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.
Removal of Field of Study Requirement to Apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit
Canada's recent policy adjustment, removing the field of study requirement for college bachelor graduates seeking the PGWP, represents a significant stride toward a more inclusive and adaptable immigration framework. This change, effective as of March 2025, addresses a long-standing gap and aligns with the evolving demands of Canada's labor market.
Key Change in PGWP Eligibility for College Graduates
Historically, the PGWP, a pivotal instrument for international graduates aiming to acquire Canadian work experience, has operated under differentiated eligibility criteria. While university bachelor graduates enjoyed exemption from field of study restrictions, their college counterparts faced limitations. This change, despite both groups completing comparable levels of academic rigor, created an uneven pathway to post-graduation opportunities.
Previous Field of Study Requirements for College Graduates
The introduction of the field of study requirements in late 2024, specifically for study permits issued after November 1, 2024, further complicated the landscape. College graduates were required to complete programs aligned with identified labor market shortages. These fields of study included:
- Agriculture and agri-food,
- Education,
- Healthcare,
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trade, and
- Transport.
While designed to address immediate workforce needs, this requirement presented numerous challenges. Research from the Canadian Labor Market and Skills Researcher Network indicates that labor markets are always changing, influenced by technological advancements, economic changes, and demographic shifts.
Tying PGWP eligibility to specific fields risked excluding graduates with valuable, transferable skills, potentially challenging their integration into the Canadian workforce. The decision to eliminate this requirement for college bachelor graduates reflects a recognition of the broader value of their education and the pressing need for a flexible, skills-based approach to immigration.
Who Still Needs to Meet Field of Study Requirements?
While removing the field of study requirement for college bachelor’s graduates is a significant step forward, certain international students remain subject to these criteria. This includes:
- Graduates of non-bachelor's college programs, such as diplomas and certificates, must still ensure their program aligns with labor market shortages to qualify for a PGWP),
- Students from polytechnic institutions and other non-university programs, and
- University graduates from programs without bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees must also demonstrate that their studies are linked to labor market needs.
These restrictions highlight the Canadian government’s focus on addressing specific skill shortages while maintaining flexibility for higher-degree graduates.
Ongoing Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants
Despite the positive changes for college bachelor’s graduates, all PGWP applicants who applied for their Canadian study permit after November 1, 2024, must still meet the newly implemented language proficiency requirements as outlined in the table below.
| Level of study | Language proficiency requirements |
|---|---|
| Level of study Language proficiency requirementsBachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree |
Prove a level 7 language proficiency according to either the:
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| Any other university program |
Prove a level 7 language proficiency according to either the:
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| Any other college, polytechnic or non-university program |
Prove a level 5 language proficiency according to either the:
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PGWP eligibility maintains specific criteria. Graduates from university programs outside bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels and those from colleges, polytechnics, and non-university institutions must satisfy both language and field of study requirements. This reflects Canada's targeted approach to skilled immigration, aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs.
Flight school graduates and those who applied before November 1, 2024, are exempt, needing only essential PGWP criteria. This distinction acknowledges unique training pathways and pre-existing application timelines, demonstrating a balance between evolving policy and existing applicant considerations.
Which International Students in Canada Still Remain Ineligible to Apply for a PGWP?
Even if you meet general eligibility requirements, you will remain ineligible to apply for a PGWP if you:
- Have already received a PGWP,
- Studied English or French as a second language,
- Took general interest or self-improvement courses,
- Received a Global Affairs Canada scholarship that requires returning to your home country after graduation,
- Completed more than 50% of your study program through distance learning (online courses) and are not covered under COVID-19 distance learning policies,
- Completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution in Canada, and
- Graduated from a program that does not qualify for a PGWP, including those offered under curriculum-licensing agreements.
As an international student in Canada, you should review these criteria carefully to assess your Canadian work permit eligibility after graduation.
Impact of the Policy Change on International Students in Canada
The removal of the field of study requirement for college bachelor's graduates is expected to have several key benefits.
Increased Work Opportunities
Firstly, graduates can access a wider network of opportunities. Research from the Conference Board of Canada indicates employers increasingly value diverse skill sets and adaptability. By removing program-specific restrictions, graduates can use their education across various sectors, enhancing their employability.
Greater Flexibility in Program Selection
Secondly, the change creates greater flexibility in program selection. Prospective students can now pursue academic interests without undue concern for immediate labor market demands. This aligns with the findings of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, which emphasize the importance of academic freedom and student-centered learning. Canada promotes a more enriching and fulfilling educational experience by enabling students to follow their passions.
Enhanced Appeal of Canadian Colleges
Finally, Canadian colleges offering bachelor programs will experience enhanced appeal. A comparative analysis of international student enrollment trends by Statistics Canada suggests that perceived equity in post-graduation opportunities is a significant factor in student decision-making. Equal PGWP eligibility will make college bachelor programs more attractive, reinforcing Canada's position as a leading destination for international education and contributing to a diverse and skilled workforce.
FAQs
If my PGWP Application Was Previously Denied Because of the Field of Study Requirement, Can I Reapply?
Yes, you can reapply, particularly in light of the recent policy change that eliminated the field of study requirement for college bachelor graduates. This policy shift directly addresses a past barrier, potentially opening a new pathway for those previously denied. However, it's vital to carefully review the updated eligibility criteria on the IRCC website to ensure you meet all current requirements before submitting a new application.
How Does the PGWP Help With Obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency?
The PGWP allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, a crucial factor in many permanent residency programs, such as the CEC. This experience demonstrates your integration into the Canadian labor market, a key consideration for immigration authorities. Furthermore, this Canadian work experience can significantly increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, thereby improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. Using the PGWP, you can build a strong foundation for your long-term immigration goals.
Can I Apply for the PGWP From Outside Canada?
No, you cannot apply for the PGWP outside Canada. The IRCC requires applicants to be physically present within Canada when submitting their application. This requirement ensures that applicants actively change from their studies to the Canadian workforce. Therefore, you must ensure you are within Canadian borders and fulfill all other eligibility criteria before initiating your PGWP application.