Canada lifts field-of-study restrictions, eases post-graduate work permit rules for international students

Canada has updated its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) regulations, enabling international students who graduate from college degree programs to be free from the limitation of a specific field of study requirement.

This requirement applied to graduates from colleges and universities.

According to ‘The Economic Times’, this adjustment was part of the Canadian government’s efforts to simplify the international education sector.

The previous requirement, which was introduced in 2024, applied only to college graduates and excluded those from universities.

Reports stated that it was part of a larger move by the Canadian government to place more scrutiny on international education, as outlined in a report by ICEF Monitor.

“Graduates of college degree programs will no longer be required to meet the PGWP field of study requirement,” said CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Larissa Bezo.

The updated guidelines specify that students graduating from Canadian bachelor’s or master’s degree programs, whether from colleges or universities, were eligible for the PGWP, provided they meet the language requirements.

However, experts suggested that it may take time for colleges to regain their position in key international markets, especially as previous immigration policies have caused disruptions, with universities being less affected.

The PGWP program remains well-known and appreciated by international students, and the upcoming changes are anticipated to boost recruitment efforts at Canadian colleges.

With the field-of-study restriction lifted, colleges can now target a broader pool of international degree graduates, strengthening their recruitment capabilities in the competitive global education market.