Canada relaxes restrictions on post-study work permits for college graduates

Canada has made changes to its post-graduation work permit policy, supporting international students graduating from college programs. The new regulation removes the requirement for a specific ‘field of study’, thereby allowing graduates from colleges and universities to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit on equal footing. This change follows a previous mandate that applied only to college degree programs and required students to have studied a designated subject area to qualify for the permit.

Under the former system, college graduates had to complete programs linked to labor market needs to be eligible. University graduates were not subject to this condition. With the revised rules, any student earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized Canadian institution may now pursue a PGWP, provided language proficiency standards are met. Applicants must demonstrate adequate language skills to secure the permit.

Education officials and immigration experts have acknowledged the impact of this policy revision. Institutions offering college degree programs are expected to benefit, as the removal of the subject-specific ‘field of study requirement’ requirement allows these schools to attract a broader pool of international applicants. Many students opt for college programs due to the practical training provided, which equips them with skills that are in demand in the Canadian workforce. The adjustment is seen as a measure to balance opportunities between various types of institutions.

International students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic terms and may work full-time during scheduled breaks. This provision is designed to allow students to gain practical work training while pursuing their studies. It offers an opportunity to integrate academic commitments with employment, thereby enhancing their career prospects upon graduation. Such regulations are maintained to ensure that students remain focused on their education while still having access to work opportunities.

The change is expected to enhance the competitiveness of college programs in attracting students from key markets that have experienced shifts in immigration policy. Other educational programs, such as those offered by polytechnics or non-university institutions, remain subject to their own set of field-of-study requirements. Applicants graduating from these programs should review the specific guidelines provided by their respective institutions and immigration authorities. All candidates applying for the PGWP subsequent to November 1, 2024, must continue to meet the language proficiency standards as part of their eligibility criteria. This requirement has not been altered by the recent changes in the field-of-study condition.