Canada Removes Field of Study Requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permits

International degree graduates from Canadian colleges will now have greater flexibility in securing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), as Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the field of study requirement.

Good news for international students

Starting March 2025, the official IRCC page on the Government of Canada website states that international students at Canadian colleges who graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree will no longer need to meet field-specific eligibility criteria for a PGWP.

This change takes effect immediately and reverses a policy introduced in 2024 that restricted PGWP eligibility to graduates in certain fields. The original rule was part of the government's effort to align international education with labor market needs but applied only to college students, not university graduates.

💡 Note: Students who graduated from any other university, college, polytechnic, or non-university program must still meet the field of study requirement to be eligible for a PGWP.

With this update, international students who complete a degree program at a recognized college will now have equal access to PGWPs, regardless of their field of study. This policy shift is intended to create a fairer system and enhance Canada's attractiveness as a study destination.

Why the change matters

This policy update significantly broadens career possibilities for international students by removing a key restriction on post-study work eligibility. Previously, many students faced barriers because their programs did not align with the approved fields, limiting their ability to remain in Canada and gain work experience.

Now, graduates from any degree program at a recognized college have equal access to PGWPs, making Canada a more appealing destination for higher education.

The IRCC has not provided specific reasons for the change, but the removal of the field of study requirement ensures that college graduates now have the same PGWP opportunities as university graduates, making Canada's post-study immigration policies more consistent.

Canada's PGWP program allows eligible graduates to work in the country for up to 3 years, depending on their program length. This work experience is a crucial factor for those seeking permanent residency through pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class, making the change particularly beneficial for students planning long-term careers in Canada.

What's next?

With this change, more international students may consider pursuing college degrees in Canada, knowing they have equal access to post-study work opportunities. However, students should continue to stay informed about immigration policies, as requirements for PGWPs and permanent residency pathways can evolve.

As the international education landscape shifts, prospective students should keep an eye on further updates from IRCC to ensure they make informed decisions about their studies and career paths in Canada.