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Canada is a dream destination to study abroad. Apart from providing you with a globally recognised degree and high quality education, Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP lets graduates from Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs) stay in the country for up to three years to pursue job opportunities. While the PGWP has been around for a few years, the Canadian government updated the rules governing the permit in 2025. Young learners aspiring to study in Canada must know about these new PGWP Canada rules.
Key highlights:
- Interesting Information About PGWP in Canada
- Understanding PGWP in Canada – New Rules for 2025
- Understanding the Changes – Canada PGWP New Rules vs Old Rules
- Popular Universities Offering PGWP-Eligible Programmes
Interesting Information About PGWP in Canada
| PGWP Purpose | Enables international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be a stepping stone to permanent residency |
| PGWP Basic Eligibility | Students must complete an eligible programme of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet all the conditions of their study permit |
| PGWP Validity | Between 8 months and 3 years |
| PGWP 3-Year Eligibility | Students may be eligible to receive a three-year PGWP if they complete a two-year programme or a master’s programme, even if it was less than two years |
Understanding PGWP in Canada – New Rules for 2025
In March 2025, the government introduced several new rules for a PGWP in Canada, making it easier for degree-holders to gain work experience after graduation. These updates will make it easier for international students to access more job opportunities in the country.
Canada PGWP New Rules for Eligibility
Graduates must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for a PGWP:
Have a Degree
If you graduate from a DLI with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, can apply for a PGWP. Your field of study does not matter.
Fulfil Language Proficiency Requirements
University degree holders must meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 7 qualification for English or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 qualification for French. College degree holders must meet level 5 qualifications.
Eligibility for Other Students
You might also be eligible to get a PGWP if you meet either of the following requirements.
Non-Degree Programme Students (Certificates/Diplomas)
These students must graduate from a programme listed under Canada’s eligible fields of study and meet the required language proficiency.
Flight School Students
These students are exempt from both field-of-study and language requirements if they meet specific licensing and employment conditions.
These new PGWP rules for Canada remove prior restrictions and are especially beneficial for students seeking smoother transitions from education to employment in Canada.
Also Read: Top Canadian universities you must know
Understanding the Changes – Canada PGWP New Rules vs Old Rules
What Were the Old Rules?
Previously , the Canadian Government had field-of-study requirements. Students had to graduate in particular subjects to be eligible to apply for the PGWP. They did this to bridge the gap between graduates and Canada’s national labour market needs. These rules restricted the number of graduates who could apply for a PGWP. Under these old rules:
- College students had to enrol in a programme from a government-designated “eligible field of study.”
- University students in degree programmes were exempt from this restriction.
The government decided to update the rules as they disproportionately impacted college students and those in business programmes.
What’s New?
The government rolled back the field-of-study restriction for degree-level programmes at both colleges and universities in March 2025. Under the new PGWP rules in Canada:
- Students in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programmes are now eligible for a PGWP regardless of their field of study.
- Only students in non-degree programmes (like certificates or diplomas) must still meet the field-of-study and language criteria.
The Need for the PGWP in Canada New Rules
With the updated guidelines, the government hopes to:
- Level the playing field between colleges and universities.
- Acknowledge the real-world value of college degrees, which often align with local labour market needs.
- Restore stability to international student enrolment, which saw a sharp decline in 2024 due to the earlier restrictions.
These changes promote fairness and strengthen Canada’s position as a leading global education destination.
Also Read: Top Universities in Canada 2024
Popular Universities Offering PGWP-Eligible Programmes
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Université de Montréal
- McMaster University
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
With the updated rules for a PGWP in Canada, international students—especially those pursuing degree programmes—now have a clearer and more inclusive path to gaining Canadian work experience after graduation. Avanse Financial Services can help you plan and finance your higher education journey in Canada. Our personalised abroad education loan helps take care of tuition fees, living expenses, and more. Apply for a student loan from Avanse and let your international dreams take flight with the right financial support.
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