In a significant policy shift, Canada has removed the field-of-study requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, thereby simplifying the process for international students seeking employment post-graduation. This policy adjustment aligns college eligibility criteria with those of universities, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable framework for graduates.
With this change, over 1.04 million international students—20% more than the previous year—stand to benefit. As approximately 70% of these students apply for work permits upon graduation, the PGWP remains a crucial mechanism for retaining skilled global talent within Canada’s workforce.
Policy Changes and Eligibility Criteria
Prior to this reform, restrictions imposed in 2024 mandated that only graduates from specific fields were eligible for PGWP. However, effective November 1, 2024, those completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree are no longer subject to these limitations. As outlined by Larissa Bezo, CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the updated PGWP eligibility criteria include:
University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral): Minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) 7.
College program graduates: Minimum language proficiency of CLB 5 or NCLC 5.
These requirements apply to PGWP applications submitted after November 1, 2024.
Impact on International Student Enrollment
While this policy expansion enhances career prospects for international graduates, it coincides with additional restrictions affecting new student permit applicants. Specifically, students who applied for study permits after November 1, 2024, must adhere to new eligibility criteria. Consequently, 2024 saw a 60% decline in new international college enrollments, leading to course cancellations and faculty layoffs, particularly in Ontario.
Special Considerations and Exemptions
Students who began studies before November 1, 2024: Exempt from previous field-of-study restrictions.
Flight school graduates: Retain PGWP eligibility without language or field-of-study constraints.
Programs under curriculum licensing agreements (post-May 15, 2024): Generally ineligible for PGWP.
Work Permit Duration and Conditions
The duration of a PGWP depends on the length of the academic program:
Programs lasting 8 months to 2 years: Work permit duration matches the program length.
Programs of 2 years or more: Eligible for a three-year work permit.
Graduates of multiple eligible programs: Permits may be combined under specific conditions.
Implications for Indian Students
As one of the largest demographics among Canada’s international student community, Indian students are poised to gain significantly from these reforms:
Expanded career opportunities: Graduates can now seek employment in any field, enhancing job market flexibility.
Extended work permit duration: Master’s degree graduates qualify for three-year work permits.
Work-study balance: Students may work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.
By eliminating outdated restrictions, Canada is reinforcing its commitment to attracting and retaining skilled international graduates. This policy shift not only empowers students with greater employment prospects but also strengthens Canada’s workforce, driving long-term economic growth and innovation.
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