Canada Eliminates Field of Study Requirement for PGWP

In a significant policy update, the Canadian government has removed the field of study requirement for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), expanding opportunities for international students. The change, implemented by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims to simplify regulations in the international education sector and provide greater flexibility for graduates.

Revised Eligibility Criteria and Language Requirements

Under the new policy, all international students completing a college degree program in Canada are now eligible to apply for a PGWP, regardless of their field of study. However, language proficiency remains a crucial requirement.

Graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees must achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four components of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). College program graduates must obtain a CLB or NCLC score of 5. These language requirements apply to PGWP applications submitted after November 1, 2024. The revised criteria particularly benefit students applying for study permits after this date and pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees at Canadian colleges.

Work Permit Duration and Exceptions

The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the completed academic program. Programs lasting between 8 months and 2 years grant a work permit equal to the program length, while programs of 2 years or more allow graduates to apply for a three-year work permit. Students who complete multiple eligible programs may qualify for a combined PGWP duration.

Certain exemptions apply to the new policy. Students who commenced studies before November 1, 2024, remain unaffected by field of study restrictions. Additionally, graduates from flight schools can obtain a PGWP without language or program-based limitations. However, programs offered under curriculum licensing arrangements after May 15, 2024, are ineligible for the PGWP.

This policy shift represents a notable change in Canada’s approach to international education, offering increased opportunities for foreign graduates to gain valuable work experience and integrate into the Canadian workforce.