Study in Canada

College Program Application

College and polytechnic programs are practical, shorter and closely tied to occupations. But not every program leads to a post-graduation work permit. We help you choose a program that fits both your career and your immigration plan.

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BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Three Checks for Every College Program

Institution

A PGWP-Eligible School and Program

Being a designated learning institution is not enough: the school must also be PGWP-eligible. Programs delivered by a private college under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public college are, in most cases, not eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Field of Study

The Field-of-Study Requirement

If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, a college or polytechnic program must be in a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage for you to qualify for a PGWP. IRCC publishes the eligible fields, and the list can change.

Language

CLB 5 When You Graduate

College and polytechnic graduates must show CLB 5 (or NCLC 5 in French) in all four language abilities when they apply for a PGWP.

HOW TO APPLY

Application Systems

Ontario

Ontario’s public colleges share the ontariocolleges.ca application service. Many colleges also run their own application portals for international students.

ontariocolleges.ca

British Columbia

EducationPlannerBC is the application service for British Columbia’s 25 public post-secondary institutions, including colleges and institutes.

EducationPlannerBC

Alberta and Other Provinces

Alberta’s public colleges and technical institutes use ApplyAlberta. Elsewhere, most colleges take applications directly.

ApplyAlbertaDirect application

STUDY PERMIT

What College Students Should Plan For

Attestation letter: college applicants generally need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) with the study permit application.
Proof of funds: for applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, one student outside Quebec must show CAD $23,448 for living costs, in addition to first-year tuition and travel.
Working while studying: eligible students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.
Changing schools: a post-secondary student who wants to move to a different institution must apply for and receive a new study permit first, and must include a new attestation letter.

OUR SERVICE

How We Support Your Application

Program Selection

Career fit, PGWP eligibility and field of study

College Application

Forms, transcripts and language results

Study Permit

Attestation letter, funds and study plan

PR Planning

From graduation to work permit and beyond

FAQ

It depends on the program’s classification code and on when you applied for your study permit. We check both against the current IRCC list before you commit to a program.

For students who want a post-graduation work permit, usually not. Most private career college programs do not lead to a PGWP; there are exceptions, such as certain institutions in Quebec and degree programs at private institutions authorized to grant degrees. Always confirm eligibility before you pay a deposit.

Yes, but not freely. Post-secondary students must be approved for a new study permit before starting at a different institution.

It can. Canadian education earns points under Express Entry, and skilled work experience gained on a PGWP may qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class or a provincial nominee program. None of this is automatic, which is why the program choice matters.

Requirements change frequently. The information on this page summarizes IRCC guidance as reviewed in October 2026 and is for general information only. Admission decisions are made by each college. For current rules, see the official Government of Canada page, or book a consultation for advice on your situation.

NEXT STEP

Pick a Program That Leads Somewhere

We check PGWP eligibility, field of study and your long-term options before you apply.