PGWP Just Got Easier for College Graduates in Canada: No More Field of Study Restrictions

Big News for International Students: Canada Just Removed a Major Barrier

If you’re studying or planning to study in Canada as an international student, there’s exciting news you should know:Graduates of college bachelor’s degree programs are now eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), no matter what they studied.

That means you no longer need to worry about whether your program aligns with a “labour market need” or is on a government-approved list. This change, which came into effect in March 2025, opens more doors for recent graduates to stay and work in Canada.

📌 Need help planning your next step? Let OPEN CANADA guide you. Book your consultation now

What Changed, Exactly?

Before this update, university bachelor’s grads were free to apply for the PGWP regardless of their field of study, but college bachelor’s grads weren’t. They had to graduate from a program linked to in-demand jobs in Canada.

As of March 2025, that rule has been removed. Now, whether you earned your bachelor’s degree from a university or college, you’re treated equally when applying for a PGWP.

✅ This applies to students who applied for their study permits on or after November 1, 2024.❌ Other non-bachelor programs at colleges or polytechnics are still subject to the field of study requirement.

So, What Exactly Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Canada?

In Canada, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic credential that usually takes three to four years to complete. These programs must be recognized and approved by the province where the school is located.

When reviewing your PGWP application, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Canada) looks at:

The type of degree you earned.
The level of your program.
When you first applied for your study permit.

So, if you're in or planning to join a bachelor’s degree program at a Canadian college, you can now breathe a little easier.

But Language Proficiency Requirements Still Apply

While the field of study restriction is gone for college bachelor’s grads, all PGWP applicants after November 1, 2024, must meet new language requirements.

Here’s how it breaks down:

PGWP Language Requirements (as of Nov 2024):

Program Type	Language Requirement
Bachelor's, Master’s, or Doctorate	CLB 7 / NCLC 7
Other University Programs	CLB 7 / NCLC 7
Other College/Polytechnic Programs	CLB 5 / NCLC 5

📝 CLB = Canadian Language Benchmark (English)📝 NCLC = Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (French)

If you’re not sure where your program fits, OPEN CANADA can help assess your PGWP eligibility based on your credentials.

Who’s Still Not Eligible for a PGWP?

Even with these updates, some students are still not eligible for a PGWP, including those who:

Already received a PGWP before.
Studied ESL/French as a second language.
Took self-improvement or hobby courses.
Studied under a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada that requires them to return home after graduation.
Did more than 50% of their program online (unless covered by COVID exceptions).
Studied at a non-Canadian institution within Canada.
Completed programs under curriculum licensing agreements (not PGWP-eligible).

📌 Confused about your eligibility? Reach out to OPEN CANADA for personalized help. Book your consultation

Why Did Canada Have a Field of Study Requirement in the First Place?

The field of study rule, first introduced in late 2024, was meant to:

Reduce pressure on housing and services by limiting the number of temporary residents.
Align immigration policy with labour shortages across key economic sectors.

These sectors include:

Agriculture & Agri-food
Education
Healthcare
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Skilled Trades
Transport

These categories are also used in Express Entry draws, which target candidates with experience in high-demand occupations.

But with the latest policy change, Canada is giving more flexibility to college bachelor’s grads, recognizing that a well-educated, diverse workforce is vital—no matter what you studied.

What Does This Mean for You as a Student?

If you're currently enrolled in or planning to start a college bachelor’s program in Canada, you now:

Don’t need to worry about your field of study.
Still need to meet language proficiency standards.
Can apply for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.
Are one step closer to building a permanent life in Canada.

✅ Next Steps: How OPEN CANADA Can Help You

We know Canadian immigration rules can be confusing. That’s why at OPEN CANADA, we’re here to:

✔ Explain what rules apply to your specific case. ✔ Help you prepare your PGWP application—the right way. ✔ Guide you through work permits, PR pathways, and everything in between.

📌 Your future in Canada starts here. Book a free consultation with OPEN CANADA today. → Click to book