New Updates to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program

On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, aligning eligible fields of study with Canada’s 2025 Express Entry priorities. These changes, effective immediately, impact international students enrolled in non-degree programs who are seeking work permits after completing their studies. Below, we’ll break down the key updates, what they mean for students, and provide a detailed table of the currently eligible fields of study.

What’s New in the PGWP Program?

Introduced in 2024, a new requirement for the PGWP mandates that international students in non-degree programs (i.e., programs other than bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) must complete a program in a field of study tied to occupations facing long-term labor shortages in Canada. This rule applies to students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

As part of the latest update:

• 119 new fields of study have been added in critical sectors such as health care, social services, education, and trades.

• 178 fields of study that are no longer linked to long-term labor shortages have been removed.

• The updated list now includes 920 eligible fields of study for the PGWP, based on the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system.

Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, remain eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the eligible list at the time of their application, even if it has since been removed. This ensures fairness for those already in the system.

Why These Changes Matter

The updated list reflects Canada’s focus on addressing labor market needs through the Express Entry system, which prioritizes occupations in high demand. By aligning PGWP eligibility with these priorities, Canada aims to retain international talent in sectors critical to its economy, such as health care, education, and skilled trades.

For international students, these changes mean it’s more important than ever to verify whether your program’s CIP code is on the eligible list before applying for a study permit or planning your career path in Canada.

For a comprehensive list, check the IRCC website.

What Should Students Do?

• Verify Your Program’s Eligibility: If you’re planning to apply for a study permit or are currently studying, ensure your program’s CIP code is on the eligible list. If your CIP code isn’t listed but you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, you may still qualify based on the previous list.
• Plan for Your Career: Choose a field of study aligned with Canada’s labor market needs to maximize your chances of securing a PGWP and pursuing permanent residency through Express Entry.

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the IRCC website for updates, as eligible fields may change based on labor market demands.

The updates to the PGWP program reflect Canada’s strategic approach to addressing long-term labor shortages while providing international students with opportunities to contribute to the economy. By focusing on fields like health care, education, and trades, Canada is creating pathways for students to build successful careers and potentially settle permanently.