IRCC Removes Field of Study Requirement for International College Graduate Work Permits
March 14, 2025
As a major step in improving chances for international students, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has finally done away with the field-of-study requirement (or the field of study requirement) for graduates of Canadian colleges who wish to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). This is part of its policy overhaul, designed to place college and university graduates on equal footing, granting international students increased flexibility to explore career choices and permanent residence in Canada.
What Does This Change Means for International Students?
Under earlier regulations, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree holders who were graduating international students had their applications to obtain a PGWP limited on the basis of their Field of Study Requirement. With these conditions lifted, current graduates can easily apply for a work permit with no restriction about their area of study.
This policy change is a game-changer for thousands of foreign students who are looking to gain work experience in Canada once they finish school. It gives them the ability to try career options without restrictions, and that makes Canada an even more appealing place for further education and job opportunities.
Benefits of the Updated PGWP Policy
1. Equal Opportunities for All Graduates
This policy guarantees that graduates from college are given the same chance as university graduates when seeking work permits. It removes inequalities that once benefited some academic fields over others, providing a more equitable platform for all foreign students by tackling the Field of Study Requirement in work permit eligibility.
2. More Pathways to Permanent Residency
Canadian work experience is key to being eligible for permanent residency (PR). Enlarging PGWP eligibility to all fields of study will enable more overseas students to acquire Canadian work experience and be better qualified for programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This shift also simplifies the Field of Study Requirement so that students from different academic backgrounds have equal chances to establish their career in Canada.
3. Boost to the Canadian Labour Market
The revised PGWP regulations recognize the significant contribution that colleges make to equipping students with sector-specific skills. Canada still witnesses an increasing need for skilled experts in numerous fields. Even though the Field of Study Requirement is implemented, graduates from every stream can continue working in Canada, providing a constant supply of skilled human resources for companies across Canada.
4. Strengthening Canada’s Position as a Global Education Hub
By lifting study field restrictions, Canada increases its status as one of the best places to study for international students. The action is likely to draw more students globally, and this will translate to more enrollment in Canadian colleges and universities. An open policy creates a culture where students can choose their programs without restrictions, depending on their interests and career aspirations.
5. Increased Enrollment in Business and Non-STEM Programs
The former restrictions most affected business program enrollments at colleges. Through this policy change, colleges can now recruit a diverse group of students interested in a range of fields, including business administration and hospitality, to arts and humanities. This alteration, coupled with the Field of Study Requirement, gives students assurance that their desired field will not restrict their potential work opportunities in Canada.
How International Students Can Benefit from This Policy Change in the Field of Study Requirement?
1. Applying for a PGWP
Qualified graduates are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies. The permit’s validity varies with the duration of their program but can be for a maximum of three years.
2. Exploring Career Opportunities
Without limitation, graduates are free to work in any field they prefer. Be it finance, technology, marketing, healthcare, or hospitality, they now enjoy more freedom to pursue employment of their choice and interest, unbundled from the Field of Study Requirement.
3. Gaining Work Experience for PR
Experience earned on a PGWP can also make an applicant much stronger for permanent residency programs. International graduates can now strategically position themselves in their career development in Canada with long-term residency in sight, in addition to thinking about the Field of Study Requirement to align their credentials with immigration streams.
Can I do a PSW course on a work permit in Canada?
Yes, you can attend a Personal Support Worker (PSW) program on a work permit in Canada, but subject to certain conditions. If you have an employer-specific work permit, your opportunity to study is limited unless you have a specific study permit as well.
But if you hold an open work permit, like a spousal open work permit or a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you might be able to take short courses, like PSW programs, without a study permit, as long as the length of the course is less than six months.
Are international students allowed to work full-time in Canada?
Yes, foreign students in Canada are permitted to work full-time under certain circumstances. Usually, they are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during normal academic semesters and full-time during regular breaks, e.g., summer or winter vacations. Nevertheless, Canada has made temporary provisions permitting certain students to work more than 20 hours a week in order to overcome labor shortages.
To be eligible for work opportunities, students should be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) and satisfy the Field of Study Requirement, where their program results in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The students should also possess a valid study permit with work authorization to work legally in Canada.
Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?
Through this policy change, Canada restates its intent to support foreign students and honor their contributions towards the nation’s workforce. These are the reasons Canada is a number one choice for foreign students:
- Opportunities for Work and Immigration: Graduates are now offered more flexibility in securing work experience and applying for PR.
- Friendly Environment: Canada is renowned for its multicultural community and open-minded policies welcoming international students.
- Strong Job Market & Economy: There is an increasing need for experts with skills, providing students with diverse career prospects.
If you want to know more details about “IRCC Removes Field of Study Requirement for International College Graduate Work Permits“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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