The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is a vital opportunity for international students in Canada to gain Canadian work experience after graduation. However, in 2024 and 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced important changes to the eligibility criteria, specifically regarding the fields of study that qualify for a PGWP. These changes aim to better align PGWP eligibility with Canada’s labour market needs, focusing on occupations experiencing long-term labour shortages.

Key Updates to Field of Study Requirements

As of June 25, 2025, IRCC updated the list of eligible fields of study for PGWP applicants. Initially, 178 fields of study were removed because they were no longer linked to occupations with labour shortages, while 119 new fields were added—mainly in sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades. This adjustment reduced the total eligible fields to 920 programs.

However, following feedback and further review, on July 4, 2025, IRCC reinstated the 178 previously removed programs, expanding the eligible fields to 1,107. These reinstated programs will remain eligible until the next update, expected in early 2026. This grace period means students who applied for study permits between June 25 and July 4, 2025, remain eligible for PGWP even if their program was briefly removed.

Who Must Meet the Field of Study Requirement?

The field of study requirement applies primarily to international students enrolled in non-degree programs (such as diplomas and certificates) who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024. Students in degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) and those who applied before November 1, 2024, are exempt from this requirement.

Additionally, graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools and students who applied for their PGWP before November 1, 2024, are not subject to these field of study restrictions.

Which Programs Are Eligible?

The eligible programs now include a broad range of fields linked to occupations in long-term shortage, such as:

  • Healthcare programs (e.g., nursing, medical laboratory technology)
  • Education programs, including teacher education and French language education
  • Social services and community support
  • Skilled trades and technical programs
  • STEM fields, including environmental studies, water resources, and natural resources
  • Agriculture programs focused on the agri-food sector

Notably, all transport-related programs were removed except for one agri-food program. The reinstatement of many STEM and education programs reflects ongoing adjustments to labour market priorities.

Impact on International Students

International students planning to study in Canada should carefully verify their program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code against the current eligible list before applying for a study permit. Only programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with eligible programs qualify for PGWP.

Students enrolled in non-degree programs must ensure their field of study remains eligible to maintain PGWP eligibility. Those in degree programs continue to have PGWP eligibility regardless of field of study.

Additional Important Information

  • PGWP duration depends on the length and level of the study program, with master’s graduates eligible for up to 3 years even if their program is less than 2 years (if at least 8 months long).
  • Students who applied for study permits before June 25, 2025, retain eligibility based on the program list at application time, even if their program was removed later.
  • Open work permits issued under PGWP allow graduates to work for most employers in Canada without employer-specific restrictions.

FAQs

How can I check if my program is eligible for a PGWP under the new rules?

You can consult the updated list of eligible CIP codes on the official IRCC website. It’s important to verify your program’s eligibility before applying for a study permit or PGWP.

Do these new field of study requirements apply to all international students?

No. They mainly apply to students in non-degree programs who applied for study permits on or after November 1, 2024. Degree program students and those who applied earlier are exempt.

What happens if my program was briefly removed from the eligible list?

Thanks to the July 4, 2025 update, programs removed on June 25 were reinstated and remain eligible until early 2026. Students who applied between June 25 and July 4, 2025, are still eligible for PGWP based on those programs.