Effective June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a major update to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes significantly impact international students planning to enroll in non-degree programs at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
This update is part of the broader reforms to the International Student Program and aligns with the 2025 Express Entry priorities focused on long-term labour market needs.
What’s Changing in 2025?
IRCC has adjusted the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study to better reflect Canada’s current labour demands. The key changes include:
- 119 new fields of study added, mainly in health care, education, social services, and skilled trades
- 178 fields of study removed, including areas in agriculture, transport, and some STEM-related programs
- The total number of PGWP-eligible fields now stands at 920
This list applies specifically to students pursuing non-degree programs such as diplomas or certificates, and is structured using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system.
Who Is Affected by This Update?
The eligibility rules vary depending on when a student applied for their study permit:
- Students who applied before June 25, 2025 are still eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of application, even if it has since been removed.
- Students applying on or after June 25, 2025 must ensure their program is on the updated list to qualify for a PGWP after graduation.
Note: Students in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are not affected by these changes to the eligible field of study list.
Program Eligibility
If you are planning to study in Canada in a non-degree program, it is now essential that your program’s CIP code matches one of the updated eligible codes listed by IRCC as of June 25, 2025. This will determine your ability to apply for a PGWP after you graduate.
Before submitting your application, verify your program’s CIP code against IRCC’s official list of currently eligible programs.
You can view the official list of eligible fields of study organized by CIP code here:
Visit the official IRCC list
Sector Reactions: Praise and Concerns
While the addition of new programs in priority sectors has been welcomed, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the broader impact of the removals.
Larissa Bezo, President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), acknowledged the improvements but called the overall approach “incongruent with the very real labour market needs that some regions are facing.”
After early analysis, it appears that the fields most impacted by removals include:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Transportation
- Some areas within STEM
- Select skilled trades
- Ambulatory and alternative health care services
Bezo specifically called the removal of some construction-related programs “perplexing,” particularly given Canada’s current focus on housing development. The omission of agri-food fields and data science programs also sparked concern, as both are considered vital to Canada’s food security and innovation goals.
Background: How We Got Here
In October 2024, IRCC released the initial PGWP eligibility framework, including new language requirements and a list of eligible programs. These changes primarily impacted non-degree students and signalled the government’s shift toward labour market alignment.
Later, in March 2025, the policy was partially reversed to allow greater flexibility for college-level programs, a move widely regarded as a win for Canadian colleges. However, with this new list, many institutions must once again re-evaluate their program offerings to remain aligned with immigration eligibility.
Language Requirements Remain in Place
In addition to program eligibility, students must still meet specific language proficiency requirements to qualify for a PGWP. These vary depending on the type of program:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| College bachelor’s degrees | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four areas | Not applicable |
| University bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four areas | Not applicable |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 | Must be in eligible field |
| College diploma or certificate | CLB/NCLC 5 | Must be in eligible field |
| Flight schools (PGWP-eligible) | Not applicable | Field of study requirement does not apply |
What It Means for Prospective Students
These changes are a reminder that international education in Canada is evolving. While the PGWP remains a valuable path toward gaining Canadian work experience and transitioning to permanent residency, students must make well-informed choices about their program of study and ensure they receive professional guidance along the way.
Before selecting a program, students are encouraged to:
- Confirm the CIP code of the program with their college or institution
- Check whether the program is on the updated PGWP-eligible list
Seek professional advice when in doubt, especially before submitting a study permit application
Ready to Navigate These Changes?
This latest update reflects Canada’s continued efforts to align international education pathways with its immigration and labour market goals. However, it also adds another layer of complexity for both students and institutions.
With the Canadian government prioritizing targeted economic outcomes, students must now approach their study decisions not just with academic interests in mind, but with long-term immigration strategy as a key consideration.
If you’re currently studying or planning to study in Canada and are concerned about how these updates could affect your academic journey and future work opportunities, we are here to help.
Schedule a personalized one-on-one consultation with one of our experienced immigration consultants. We will assess your situation, guide you through the application process, and ensure you comply with the new regulations.
Contact us today to book your consultation and secure your path to success in Canada.
The Team at Northern Connections Canada
