Canada Sensational :Removes PGWP Field of Study Requirement for College Graduates

Canada: In a major policy shift, the government of Canada has revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) requirements, eliminating the field of study restriction for international students enrolled in college degree programs. This change, effective from November 1, 2024, aims to create a level playing field for international students pursuing degrees at Canadian colleges and universities alike.

A Major Relief for International Students in Canada

Previously, only university graduates were exempt from the field-of-study requirement, while college graduates had to meet specific criteria. This led to challenges for students who pursued business and other non-STEM fields at Canadian colleges. With the latest revision, graduates of college-based degree programs can now apply for a PGWP without any field-of-study limitations, provided they meet the updated language proficiency requirements.

Larissa Bezo, CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), confirmed the policy shift, stating, “Graduates of college degree programs will no longer be required to meet the PGWP field of study requirement.”

New Language Proficiency Standards

The revised PGWP policy introduces updated language proficiency requirements for applicants:

• University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree holders) must demonstrate English or French proficiency at a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 across all four skill areas.
• College graduates must meet a lower language threshold of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 to be eligible for the PGWP.

These requirements apply to students who applied for a study permit after November 1, 2024.

Exemptions and Special Considerations

While the new regulations significantly ease restrictions, some exceptions remain:

• Students who started their studies before November 1, 2024, are exempt from the new language proficiency requirement.
• Graduates of flight schools continue to be eligible for the PGWP without language or field of study conditions.
• Programs operating under curriculum licensing agreements (effective after May 15, 2024) are generally not eligible for a PGWP.

Duration of the PGWP and Passport Validity

The validity of the PGWP depends on the length of the completed program:

• For programs between 8 months and 2 years, the PGWP will be issued for a period matching the length of the study program.
• For programs lasting 2 years or more, graduates can apply for a three-year work permit.

It is also crucial for students to ensure their passport remains valid for the full PGWP duration. If their passport expires before the PGWP’s validity period, they will need to renew their passport first and then apply for a PGWP extension via a paper application.

Impact on International Education in Canada

The PGWP has long been a major attraction for international students choosing Canada as their study destination. However, restrictive immigration policies in recent years have caused disruptions, especially for Canadian colleges, which traditionally enroll a large number of foreign students in business and specialized programs.

By removing the field-of-study restriction, the government of Canada has given colleges a significant advantage in attracting international talent once again. According to ICEF Monitor, while it may take some time for colleges to regain their standing in key markets, this policy shift is a step in the right direction.

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