International graduates of college bachelor’s programs will now be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) without needing to meet specific field of study requirements.
Previously, only graduates of university bachelor’s programs were exempt from these requirements, while those from college bachelor’s programs had to comply with them.
For international students who applied for their initial study permits after November 1, 2024, new field of study requirements took effect last year. Under these rules, college graduates must have completed a program linked to a labor market shortage to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
However, as of March 2025, graduates of college bachelor’s programs are no longer required to meet this field of study requirement.
Other college, polytechnic, or non-university program graduates, as well as university graduates from non-bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs, must still comply with field of study requirements.
All PGWP applicants applying after November 1, 2024, must also meet the new language proficiency requirements.
What is considered a bachelor’s degree in Canada?
In Canada, bachelor’s degrees are undergraduate programs offered by post-secondary institutions, typically requiring 3-4 years to complete.
Institutions must meet provincial standards to classify their programs at different education levels.
When assessing PGWP eligibility, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers will verify the type of degree obtained and the relevant eligibility criteria. The date of the initial study permit application will also be considered.
PGWP Language Proficiency Requirements for New Graduates
As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must meet new language proficiency requirements to qualify for the permit. The required proficiency level varies depending on the level of study:
| Level of Study | Language Proficiency Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree | Must demonstrate a level 7 proficiency in either: |
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English, or
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. |
| Any Other University Program | Must meet a level 7 proficiency in either CLB (English) or NCLC (French). |
| Any College, Polytechnic, or Non-University Program | Must meet a level 5 proficiency in either CLB (English) or NCLC (French). |
Additionally, graduates of non-bachelor’s university programs or any college, polytechnic, or non-university programs must satisfy both language and field of study requirements to qualify for a PGWP.
Exemptions from Language and Field of Study Requirements
The following groups remain exempt from all language and field of study requirements and only need to meet basic PGWP eligibility criteria:
- Flight school graduates.
- Graduates who applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024.
Who is Ineligible for a PGWP?
IRCC continues to enforce PGWP ineligibility for certain graduates, even if they meet other criteria. A graduate is ineligible if they:
- Have already received a PGWP.
- Studied English or French as a second language.
- Took general interest or self-improvement courses.
- Received funding or a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada that mandates returning to their home country after graduation.
- Completed over 50% of their program via distance learning (online courses) and do not fall under COVID-19 distance learning exemptions.
- Studied at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
- Completed a program that is not PGWP-eligible, including those offered under a curriculum-licensing agreement.
Why Did IRCC Implement Field of Study Requirements?
The field of study requirement was introduced in late 2024 as part of broader IRCC policies aimed at managing the number of newcomers to Canada. These measures were designed in response to domestic housing shortages and affordability concerns, as well as efforts to reduce the temporary resident population, including work and study permit holders.
In addition to reducing the temporary resident population, the introduction of PGWP field of study requirements aligns the issuance of these work permits with key sectors of the Canadian economy that require skilled workers. IRCC has identified six critical sectors:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Education
- Health Care
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transport
These educational categories closely reflect the occupational categories used by IRCC for category-based selections in the Express Entry system. This alignment ensures that international graduates are trained in fields that directly support Canada’s labor market needs.
