Changes to PGWP Requirements for College Graduates

April 1, 2025

Ishita Soni

No More Field of Study Restrictions for College Bachelor’s Graduates

Starting in March 2025, college graduates with bachelor’s degrees will no longer need to meet certain field of study requirements to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Before this change, only university bachelor’s graduates were exempt from these rules, while college graduates had to show that their studies were connected to labor market shortages. This change opens up more opportunities for college graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies.

What Changed in 2024 for College Graduates?

Until recently, international students graduating from college bachelor’s programs who applied for their first study permits after November 1, 2024, had to meet specific field of study requirements. These graduates had to prove that their program was linked to a labor shortage in Canada to be eligible for the PGWP. But as of March 2025, this rule no longer applies for college bachelor’s degree graduates.

Who Still Has to Meet Field of Study Requirements?

While college bachelor’s degree graduates are now exempt, there are still some students who need to meet field of study requirements. This includes graduates from non-university programs, other college programs, and university programs that are not bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. These graduates must still meet both language proficiency and field of study criteria to qualify for a PGWP.

Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants

Starting November 1, 2024, all new graduates applying for a PGWP must meet new language proficiency requirements. Whether you are a graduate of a university, college, or non-university program, your language skills will be assessed before you can apply for the PGWP.

What Counts as a Bachelor’s Degree in Canada?

In Canada, bachelor’s degrees are undergraduate programs that usually take 3 to 4 years to complete. These degrees are offered by Canadian institutions and need to meet provincial standards. When determining your eligibility for a PGWP, immigration officials will check the type of degree you earned and whether you meet all eligibility criteria. They will also consider the date of your study permit application.

Who Doesn’t Qualify for a PGWP?

Some graduates are still ineligible for the PGWP, even if they meet other requirements. You may be ineligible if:

• You’ve already received a PGWP.
• You studied English or French as a second language.
• You took general interest or self-improvement courses.
• You received a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada requiring you to return to your home country.
• You completed over 50% of your studies through online learning and are not part of COVID-19 exceptions.
• You studied at a non-Canadian institution in Canada.
• You completed a program that doesn’t qualify for a PGWP.

Why Did IRCC Implement Field of Study Requirements?

The field of study requirements were put in place by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to control the number of newcomers coming to Canada, especially due to housing and affordability pressures. These requirements were designed to align PGWP eligibility with critical sectors of the Canadian economy, such as agriculture, education, healthcare, STEM fields, trade, and transportation.

Conclusion

In short, starting March 2025, college bachelor’s degree graduates no longer need to meet field of study requirements for the PGWP, making it easier for them to stay and work in Canada. However, keep in mind the new language proficiency requirements and understand who is still ineligible for a PGWP. These changes are part of a larger strategy to focus on Canada’s key industries while managing immigration in a way that meets the country’s needs.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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