In a major shift in policy, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed that college degree program graduates will not have to fulfill field of study criteria to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This alteration represents a major triumph for Canadian colleges that had been profoundly affected by the earlier eligibility standards.
The first update from the IRCC in October 2024 restricted PGWP eligibility to graduates from select fields of study, disadvantaging the college sector. Nevertheless, the latest update has released college degree program graduates from these obligations, aligning them with university students.
The college sector has embraced this policy modification, with Conestoga College’s senior vice-president Gary Hallam praising it as a “significant advancement.” Hallam recognized the high quality of college academic programs and the crucial function colleges serve in equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge required for success in today’s job market.
The changes pertains to students who submitted an application for a study permit after November 1, 2024, to enroll in a college bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program. Nonetheless, English and French language criteria continue to apply for all PGWP applicants, and students without degrees must still fulfill the field of study prerequisites.
The prior restrictions by the IRCC had already affected Canadian institutions, resulting in a 60% drop in new international college enrollments in 2024. This resulted in program discontinuations and job cuts, especially in Ontario.
The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) verified the alteration, mentioning that the IRCC is in the process of refreshing its website. Beginning in January 2024, the IRCC has intensified oversight of international student recruitment at Canadian schools, limiting the number of international students to decrease temporary residents from 6.5% of Canada’s overall population to 5% by the conclusion of 2026.
This change in policy is a major advancement for international students and Canadian universities. As the IRCC persists in enhancing its policies, it is yet to be determined how this alteration will affect the international education industry in Canada.
