Latest News

The Canadian government has introduced new criteria determining which academic programs qualify international students for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant revision to the PGWP-eligible fields of study, reflecting current labour shortages and economic priorities.

Under the new policy:

119 new programs have been added to the PGWP eligibility list.

178 existing programs have been removed.

Who Is Affected?

These updates affect international students enrolled in non-degree programs—that is, programs that do not lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree—and who submit their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024.

However, students who applied before June 25, 2025, are covered by a grandfathering provision. This means they will still qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if their program was on the PGWP-approved list at the time of their application, even if it has since been removed.

Key Highlights of the Update:

• There are now a total of 920 fields of study that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
• All Transport-related educational programs have been entirely removed.
• In the Agriculture and Agri-Food sector, only one program remains eligible.
• New additions are focused on fields that align with high-demand sectors, including:
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Education (added for the first time)
  • Skilled Trades

The changes aim to ensure PGWP eligibility aligns with occupations that are currently facing chronic labour shortages in Canada. Similarly, programs linked to sectors that no longer experience such shortages have been excluded.

The IRCC also provided tables listing examples of programs (along with their Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes) that have been added or removed from PGWP eligibility across various sectors.

Several programs in the sector such Agriculture and Agri-Food, Education, Healthcare and Social Services, STEM as have been removed from PGWP eligibility.

Below are sample educational programs, along with their corresponding Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, that have either been added to or removed from PGWP eligibility across various fields of study.

Please note: This list is not comprehensive and includes only selected examples.

The following educational programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:

Apart from the above mentioned programs educational program is the only programme where No programs have been removed from PGWP eligibility for this field of study. But instead some have been added such as:

1. French language/French language arts teacher education
2. Drama and dance teacher education
3. Biology teacher education
4. Computer teacher education
5. Chemistry teacher education

Getting to know the Connection Between PGWP Eligibility and Express Entry Categories

Both the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible fields of study and Express Entry categories are carefully regulated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with a strong emphasis on addressing current labour market needs across Canada.

While PGWP eligibility focuses on helping non-degree international students access work opportunities in fields facing skill shortages, Express Entry categories are designed to prioritize candidates for permanent residence (PR) based on similar labour market demands.

This close alignment means that any updates to PGWP-eligible programs often reflect corresponding changes in Express Entry’s occupation-based selection. For example, as seen in February this year and with the recent June 25 update, new PGWP-eligible programs closely mirror the occupations added to Express Entry’s priority categories.

These updates ensure that international students and skilled workers are both guided toward sectors where Canada needs talent the most—helping build stronger career pathways and increasing PR success rates.

Language & Program Requirements You Must Know Before You Graduate

If you’re an international student planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, it’s important to understand that meeting language proficiency standards is mandatory—regardless of your program type.The Requirements will vary depending on your level of Study. 

Therefore, understanding these requirements early helps you choose the right program and prepare your language test scores well in advance—ensuring a smooth transition from study to work in Canada.

As Canada continues to evolve its immigration policies to align with real-time labour market needs, it’s more important than ever for international students to stay updated on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility and the connection to Express Entry categories. These recent changes highlight a strategic shift toward sectors in high demand, such as Healthcare, Skilled Trades, and Education, offering greater opportunities for students aiming to transition from study to work—and eventually to permanent residency.

At Rio Immigration Consultancy Group, our mission is to ensure that every international student we guide is making informed decisions based on the most current regulations. Whether you’re choosing the right college program, preparing your language proficiency scores, or planning a path toward Canadian permanent residence, our expert team is here to support your journey every step of the way.

📞 Need help navigating the new PGWP rules or selecting an eligible study program in Canada?
Speak to one of the top immigration consultants in Mississauga today. We specialize in study permits, work permits, Express Entry, and PR pathways, helping you turn your Canadian dream into reality.