Prime Highlights:
The change applies to both college and university graduates, provided they meet language proficiency requirements.
Colleges can now better compete with universities in attracting international students, particularly in business-related programs.
Key Background:
Canada has recently revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) regulations, offering new opportunities for international students graduating from college degree programs. In 2024, Canadian colleges were required to ensure that graduates from certain programs met a specific field-of-study criterion to qualify for a PGWP. This policy applied only to college graduates, not university graduates, and was part of a broader government effort to impose stricter oversight on the international education sector.
However, the Canadian government has now eliminated the field-of-study requirement for PGWP eligibility, allowing all graduates from Canadian bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to apply, regardless of whether they attended a college or a university. The only remaining condition is that students must meet the language proficiency requirements. This change is expected to level the playing field between colleges and universities, providing more opportunities for college graduates in particular.
According to Larissa Bezo, CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the removal of the field-of-study restriction will benefit graduates from college programs, especially in business-related fields, which have long been a strong draw for international students. Colleges in Canada are known for offering specialized, practical skills that are highly valued in the Canadian job market.
This policy shift allows Canadian colleges to better compete with universities, particularly in key international markets where previous immigration policies had impacted their recruitment. The revised PGWP policy is expected to enhance Canada’s ability to attract and retain skilled international workers, ultimately supporting the country’s economy and benefiting students seeking post-graduation employment opportunities.
