Updated on: March 11, 2025

The Government of Canada has introduced significant updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, effective immediately. These changes impact international students completing their degrees at Canadian colleges, aligning PGWP eligibility rules between college and university degree programs.

Key Changes

Before March 11, 2025:

• College degree graduates (Bachelor’s and Master’s) who submitted study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024, had to meet specific PGWP field of study requirements.
• University degree graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) were not subject to field of study restrictions.
• STEM, Transport, and Agriculture occupations were prioritized for PGWP eligibility.

From March 11, 2025:

• Graduates of all degree programs (at colleges, universities, and polytechnics) are no longer required to meet PGWP field of study requirements.
• Prioritization of STEM, Transport, and Agriculture occupations has been removed.
• Education occupations (e.g., teaching, early childhood education) are now prioritized for PGWP eligibility.

What Hasn’t Changed?

• PGWP Eligibility for University Graduates – University graduates continue to be eligible for PGWP without restrictions on their field of study.
• PGWP Eligibility for College Diploma & Certificate Programs – Students in non-degree programs who submitted their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, must still be in a PGWP-eligible field of study.
• Language Proficiency Requirements (Since November 1, 2024):
  • University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhDs): CLB 7 (English) / NCLC 7 (French) required.
  • College Graduates (Diplomas, Certificates, Associate Degrees): CLB 5 (English) / NCLC 5 (French) required.
• Spousal Work Permit Rules – No further changes announced.

Do PGWP Field of Study Requirements Still Apply?

• Yes. Only degree graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) are exempt from field of study requirements.
• Students in diploma, certificate, and other non-degree programs must still graduate from a PGWP-eligible field of study.
• Flight school graduates are an exception—if they graduate with a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or secure a job offer as a flight instructor, they are exempt from both PGWP language and field-of-study requirements.

PGWP-Eligible Fields Generally Fit Into Six Categories:

• Agriculture & Agri-Food
• Education (Newly Prioritized)
• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
• Trades
• Transport

What This Means for International Students

✅ More Study Options – College degree students now have the same PGWP flexibility as university students, expanding recruitment opportunities.

✅ Changes to Targeted Fields – With STEM, Transport, and Agriculture no longer prioritized, students have more freedom in selecting their programs.

✅ Language & Program Filters Still Matter – Students must still meet language proficiency and field requirements for non-degree programs.