Incoming International Students Can Now Apply for a PGWP from Any Degree Program
New students in any Canadian bachelor, master, or doctoral degree program -- at college or university -- can now apply for a PGWP.
Incoming international students who graduate from a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree program at a Canadian college, polytechnic, or university are now eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), no matter their field of study.
The PGWP allows graduates to remain in Canada to live and work for up to three years — essential for students who want to gain Canadian work experience, or build a life here. Without a PGWP, international students must return to their home countries after graduation.
Changes to PGWP eligibility as of March 2025
Many colleges and polytechnics in Canada offer bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. There's no field of study requirement for these programs, if you applied for your study permit after November 1, 2024. So, if you apply for a study permit today, or in the future, and you want to earn a degree at a college or polytechnic, you'll be eligible for a PGWP when you graduate.
Bear in mind that this change affects bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees at colleges and polytechnics — not diploma programs. Diplomas are shorter-term, and tend to make up the majority of colleges' and polytechnics' offerings. Crucially, if you're taking a diploma program, and you want a PGWP, you must be studying in an eligible field.
I haven't applied for a study permit for Canada yet. What should I do?
Still figuring things out? You may want to consider a degree program at a Canadian college, polytechnic, or university. Degree programs take a little longer to complete than diploma programs, but you'll be able to study any field you like, and still apply for a post-graduation work permit so you can stay and work in Canada after you graduate.
If your interest lays in one of the following six fields, though, you can also consider a diploma program at a Canadian college or polytechnic. Programs in these categories will allow you to apply for a post-graduation work permit:
These fields cover a ton of programs, so you're sure to find something appealing. Explore diploma programs to find the one for you.
Explore the differences between degrees and diplomas below.
Colleges and polytechnics: Degree programs
Degree programs at colleges and polytechnics have no field of study requirement if you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024. If you applied before November 1, you're still subject to field of study restrictions on your PGWP, even in a degree program.
Incoming international students in 2025, taking a degree program, can apply for a post-graduation work permit, regardless of their field of study.
Degrees tend to take longer, and focus on high-level theories and ideas.
Colleges and polytechnics: Diploma programs
Diploma programs at colleges and polytechnics are still subject to the field of study requirement for a post-graduation work permit. When you applied for your study permit doesn't matter.
Diplomas tend to be shorter than degrees, focusing on practical, hands-on, real-world skills.
Eligible colleges and polytechnic schools
To apply for a study permit you must attend a designated learning institution. To apply for a post-graduation work permit when you graduate, be sure you're in a PGWP-eligible program.
See the whole list of schools across Canada, with info on PGWP programs, here.
Study permits and PGWPs can be confusing. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website is the best place to find all the details on processes and requirements. If you're using an international agent, check here to ensure your agent is authorized. If you're still weighing your options, try the StudyinCanada program quiz!
Try the StudyinCanada program quiz