Canada has introduced a major change to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, making it easier for international graduates of college bachelor’s programs to qualify for work permits. Starting in March 2025, graduates from these programs will no longer need to meet field of study requirements to be eligible for a PGWP — a rule that previously applied only to university graduates.
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This policy shift means that college graduates will now have the same access to post-study work opportunities as their university counterparts. Before this change, graduates from college programs had to complete studies in fields linked to labor market shortages to qualify for a PGWP, while university bachelor’s graduates were exempt from such requirements.
Despite this relaxation, all PGWP applicants must still meet language proficiency standards introduced in November 2024. These standards vary depending on the level of education, with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates needing to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 or higher.
This change is expected to create a more balanced and accessible pathway for international graduates seeking work experience in Canada. To learn more about the updated eligibility criteria and other important changes,
