PGWP 2025 Changes: What Students Need to Know

IRCC released an updated list of fields of study that affect Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for non-degree programs:

• 119 new fields have been added, mainly in healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades—reflecting persistent skill shortages .
• Conversely, 178 fields have been removed because they no longer map to long-term labor shortages .
• Total eligible fields now stand at 920 .

⏰ Who’s impacted?

This update affects non-degree (diploma/certificate) students who applied for study permits on or after November 1, 2024 :

1. If you applied on or after Nov 1, 2024 and are in a newly eligible field, you’re now eligible for PGWP.
2. If you’re in a removed field, you’re now ineligible—unless you fall under grandfathering.
3. If you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025, you’re grandfathered in—even if your program was later removed .
4. Students in degree-level programs (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate) are not affected by field eligibility changes ().

📋 Beyond the field requirements

These changes are part of the broader Program Alignment Initiative that began November 2024:

• Internationals in non-degree programs must now study in fields tied to long-term labor shortages, to qualify for PGWP .
• Language requirements remain: CLB 5 for non-degrees, CLB 7 for degrees .
• Graduates of designated flight schools and those applying before Nov 1, 2024, are exempt from field-based restrictions .

✅ What you should do now

• Check if your program is still eligible using the IRCC’s updated list (contains CIP codes).
• If you’re already on a grandfathered permit, rest easy—your eligibility is locked in.
• If you’re planning to apply after June 25, 2025, ensure your program is eligible.
• For program selection, prioritize healthcare, education, or trades—these newly qualify and offer strong employment prospects.

🌱 Why this matters

    Benefit

Focused on need

Aligns PGWP with skills shortages, helping students enter job sectors that need talent.

 Resource for PR

PGWP in eligible fields may enhance Express Entry / PR chances later.

 Informed decision-making

Prospective students can now choose programs with confidence about post-grad work opportunities

📝 Real-world impact

• Added fields include Nursing and Healthcare-support programs.
• Education programs—e.g., Teacher Education—are newly eligible, opening fresh post-graduate pathways .
• However, Transport-related programs like Airframe Maintenance were removed .

🧭 Final thoughts

This update marks a shift toward a labor-market-driven approach in Canada’s PGWP framework. If you’re an international student:

• In a non-degree program → double-check eligibility.
• In a degree program → you’re still covered.
• Applied before June 25, 2025 → your eligibility is safe.

Aligning your studies with Canada’s evolving workforce priorities has never been more important. Stay informed, choose wisely—and good luck on your Canadian journey!