Bachelor's degree programs are now eligible for the PGWP regardless of field of study.

In March 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant change for international students graduating from college degree programs who will be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) without their programs being linked to long-term shortage occupations. This change does not apply to all college programs, but to undergraduate programs only.

Today we address this announcement of interest to international students. Join me as I read to the end to keep you updated on the changes to the field requirement for college graduates. Let's get started.

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Changes to the field requirement

As of March 2025, graduates of bachelor's degrees at colleges will no longer be subject to field requirements to obtain the PGWP. However, graduates of other programs at colleges, polytechnics or non-university institutions must still meet the field requirements established by IRCC.

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Background

Prior to this change, only graduates of bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree programs at universities were exempt from meeting the field of study requirements. Graduates of bachelor's degrees at colleges were subject to these restrictions, which limited their options for obtaining the PGWP.

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In 2024, IRCC introduced field of study requirements for certain programs with the goal of aligning immigration with the needs of the Canadian labor market. These requirements are designed to prioritize graduates in labour shortage areas such as agriculture, health, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), trade and transportation.

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Difference between a college and a university

In Canada, colleges and universities offer higher education, but they have key differences:

• Colleges: focused on practical and employment-oriented programs. They do not offer master's or doctoral degrees.
• Universities: offer more theoretical academic programs, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

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Language proficiency requirements

As of November 1, 2024, all graduates who have applied for the PGWP must meet the updated language proficiency standards:

• Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree: level CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) for English or NCLC 7 (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) for French.

• Other university programs: CLB 7 or NCLC 7 level.

• Polytechnic or non-university programs: CLB 5 or NCLC 5 level.

• Language tests must be taken through recognized official institutions, such as IELTS, CELPIP (for English) or TEF (for French).

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The elimination of the field requirement for college graduates represents a significant advance for international students in Canada. This change expands opportunities to obtain the PGWP and facilitates access to the work experience necessary to advance towards permanent residency.

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If you are an international student interested in working and settling in Canada, a well-structured education and immigration plan is essential. Immiland Education can help you with personalized advice on educational institutions, eligible programs and PGWP requirements. 

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Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment for vocational education counseling.

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Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

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With love, 

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Immiland Education Canada