Canada Removes Work Permit Rules for International College Graduates

Canada has removed restrictions on post-graduation work permits (PGWP) for international students in degree programs at colleges. This means students no longer need to meet specific field-of-study requirements to qualify for a PGWP. The decision, announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is expected to benefit many international students and help Canadian colleges attract more applicants.

In 2024, the Canadian government introduced stricter rules for international students at colleges, unlike universities. The restrictions were based on research showing that a large number of international students were enrolling in business programs, especially in urban areas. In contrast, in the United States, most international students pursue degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

Some experts had argued that many students were graduating from programs that did not align with the needs of the job market. Rupa Banerjee, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, stated in 2024 that many international students struggled to find jobs that would help them become permanent residents. The field-of-study rule was meant to address this issue by ensuring students pursued degrees in high-demand areas.

However, this policy was widely criticized. Many pointed out that Canadian colleges play a crucial role in equipping students with specialized skills needed in the workforce. Critics argued that limiting work permit eligibility to certain fields was unfair to students and colleges alike.

With the new change, students who graduate from any bachelor’s or master’s degree program—whether at a university or a college—will now qualify for a PGWP as long as they meet language requirements. The IRCC’s website has been updated to reflect this new rule.

The reversal of the field-of-study restriction is expected to restore fairness to the system. Before the restriction, Canadian colleges enrolled nearly twice as many international students in business programs as universities did. However, colleges also trained students in various specialized fields that contribute to the Canadian economy. The previous rule made it harder for them to recruit students from abroad.

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the main body representing public colleges in Canada, had criticized the earlier policy. In a statement on October 2, 2024, CICan argued that Ottawa’s decision to align study programs with national labor market needs was flawed. They said the federal government had overlooked the urgent demands of local job markets and the valuable contributions of skilled international graduates.

The change in PGWP rules is expected to strengthen Canadian colleges' ability to attract international students. The PGWP program remains a major draw for students worldwide, as it allows them to gain Canadian work experience and increases their chances of becoming permanent residents. This policy shift will likely help colleges recover from the setbacks caused by previous immigration policies.