Canada has recently revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria by removing the field-of-study restrictions for international students graduating from college bachelor’s programs. This change aligns college graduates with their university counterparts, allowing them to apply for a PGWP regardless of their field of study, provided they meet specific language proficiency requirements.
Previously, these graduates had to complete programs aligned with labor market shortages to be eligible.
In Canada, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program typically lasting 3-4 years, offered by post-secondary institutions that meet provincial standards.
Key Changes
- Eligibility Expansion: Graduates holding bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from Canadian colleges or universities are now eligible for the PGWP without any field-of-study limitations.
- Language Proficiency Requirements:
| Level of study | Language proficiency requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree | Proving a level 7 language proficiency according to either the: – Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English; or – Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. |
| Any other university program | Proving a level 7 language proficiency according to either the: – CLB for English; or – NCLC for French. |
| Any other college, polytechnic or non-university program | Proving a level 5 language proficiency according to either the: – CLB for English; or – NCLC for French. |
Certain graduates remain ineligible for a PGWP
- – Have previously received a PGWP.
- – Studied English or French as a second language.
- – Completed general interest or self-improvement courses.
- – Received funding from Global Affairs Canada requiring return to their home country after graduation.
- – Completed over 50% of their program through distance learning, unless covered by COVID-19 measures.
- – Graduated from non-Canadian institutions located in Canada.
- – Completed programs not eligible for PGWP, including those under curriculum-licensing agreements.
Implications for International Students
This policy change provides greater flexibility for international students choosing their degree programs at public colleges or polytechnics. Now, students can confidently enroll in a wide range of disciplines without concerns about whether their field of study will impact their ability to obtain a work permit after graduation.
In summary, the removal of field-of-study restrictions for PGWP eligibility marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to international education, offering broader opportunities for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds.
