Earlier this year, IRCC announced changes to the international student program, including field-of-study restrictions that limited PGWP eligibility for international students graduating from degree programs offered by colleges, as well as excluding key sectors tied to labor market needs. Notably, programs such as early childhood education, which are crucial to Ontario’s workforce, were also omitted from the eligible fields of study.
In response, OSV engaged in discussions with key sector stakeholders, including the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Colleges Ontario, CASA, and provincial MPPs, to highlight the concerns surrounding these changes. We outlined the negative implications of the revised eligibility criteria and emphasized the need for strong advocacy to ensure a more inclusive approach, one that guarantees international students, regardless of their institution or field of study, equitable access to the PGWP.
Our efforts culminated in Ontario Student Voices directly reaching out to Minister Marc Miller in November to further address the issues surrounding the revised PGWP reforms. We are pleased to report that, as a result of these sustained advocacy efforts, several changes have been made to the eligible field of study lists and most notably, international degree graduates of Canadian colleges no longer have to meet the "field of study" requirements for post-study work permits, marking a significant victory for students and ensuring fairer opportunities for all international graduates.
Although these changes are positive and remain a step in the right direction, graduates of diploma and certificate programs are still subject to the field of study requirements, which continues to limit their eligibility for the PGWP. This remains a significant barrier for many international students, and we remain committed to advocating for fair access to opportunities that allow them to thrive, contribute to Ontario’s economy, and build their futures here in Canada.
Learn more about the changes here:
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