In a significant policy shift aimed at aligning immigration with labor market needs, the Government of Canada has updated the list of educational programs that qualify international students for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The new changes, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 25, 2025, reflect the country’s evolving priorities for immigration, economic growth, and workforce development.
🎓 What’s Changing?
Under the updated rules:
- 119 new fields of study have been added to the PGWP-eligible list.
- 178 existing fields of study have been removed.
- These changes primarily impact non-degree programs—those that don’t lead to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree.
The new policy applies to international students who submit their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.
Students who applied before June 25, 2025, remain eligible for the PGWP as long as their program was on the eligible list at the time of application.
✅ Fields Now Eligible for PGWP (2025 Highlights)
IRCC’s updated list focuses on sectors facing critical labor shortages in Canada, especially in:
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Education (teacher training in STEM and arts subjects)
- Skilled Trades
Notably, this is the first time Canada has added education-focused programs—such as biology and chemistry teacher training, French language education, computer education, and even drama and dance teacher training—to the PGWP-eligible list.
These updates are in line with Canada’s long-term goals to build a workforce that supports healthcare, education, and skilled trades, areas the government identifies as essential to national development.
❌ Fields Removed from Eligibility
Some fields are no longer PGWP-eligible due to low labor demand, according to IRCC’s labor market analysis.
Among the notable removals:
- Most Agriculture programs (with the exception of Agri-food)
- Transportation-related programs
- Several STEM fields, including those focused on environment, water resources, and natural sciences
If you’re planning to study in Canada in one of these removed fields, you may not be eligible for a PGWP after graduation.
📌 Why This Matters
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a crucial pathway for international students who want to gain Canadian work experience after their studies—and eventually apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.
With these new changes:
- Students must be strategic about program choice before applying.
- Non-degree level students will now be prioritized only if their studies match sectors with proven labor shortages.
The update forms part of IRCC’s broader 2025–2026 immigration strategy, which emphasizes economic alignment, sustainability, and managed population growth.
💬 A Word from Canada’s Immigration Minister
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, stated:
“Immigration brings economic advantages to Canada. But we must also maintain a sustainable immigration level that aligns with the country’s community and service capacity.”
She emphasized that while international students are welcome, the government is focused on supporting sectors where Canada urgently needs skilled workers.
✈️ What About Flight School Graduates?
Flight school graduates remain exempt from the field-of-study PGWP restrictions. They do not need to meet the new eligible field requirements, although they must still meet other PGWP conditions.
📋 PGWP Eligibility: What Students Should Know
To qualify for a PGWP under the new rules, students must:
- Study a program listed on the PGWP-eligible list.
- Apply for a study permit before the cut-off dates (depending on their situation).
- Meet language proficiency requirements appropriate to their level of study.
- Graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
🔍 Key Takeaways for International Students
- Always check if your field of study qualifies for PGWP before applying.
- Programs in healthcare, education, and trades are more likely to remain eligible.
- Apply for a study permit before November 1, 2024 if your chosen program is currently eligible but may be removed.
- Stay informed on updates via the official IRCC website.
📌 Final Thoughts
Canada’s PGWP program has long been a gateway for international students to build careers and lives in Canada. These new changes underscore the importance of aligning academic choices with economic opportunities.
If you’re considering studying in Canada, make sure to research thoroughly and consult immigration professionals or your chosen institution’s international office to ensure your plans still align with your long-term goals.