Canada Updates 2025 Post-Study Work Permit Courses
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced major revisions to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, effective immediately. The move refocuses the program to align graduate outcomes with Canada's current labour market demands and Express Entry priorities.
Who Is Affected?
- Effective date: June 25, 2025
- Scope: Applies to international students in non-degree programs—such as diplomas, certificates, associate degrees—who applied for a study permit from Nov 1, 2024, onward.
- Grandfather clause: Students whose study permit was submitted before June 25, 2025, remain eligible for PGWP if their field was on the list at the time of application.
What Changed?
- 119 new fields of study added, specifically in healthcare, social services, education, trades, STEM (e.g. architecture), and other high-demand sectors.
- 178 fields removed, primarily those linked to occupations no longer in national shortage, including transport programs, environmental studies, agriculture (except a single agri-food stream), and certain green-energy trades.
- Total qualifying programs now stand at 920.
Examples of Changes
- Added: Veterinary medicine; dentistry and allied sciences; teacher education (biology, chemistry, French, drama, computer science); architecture and landscape design; construction project management; cabinetmaking; CNC machining.
- Removed: Environmental studies; marine resource management; solar energy installation; drywall installation; all transport-related programs; most agriculture courses.
Why This Shift?
IRCC states the new list reflects Canada’s present labour-market shortages, re-aligning its immigration education streams with sectors the economy demands, and harmonizing with Express Entry priorities.
Ongoing Requirements
- Language proficiency remains mandatory:
- Non-degree program grads need Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or NCLC Level 5.
- Degree holders must meet Level 7.
- Exception: Graduates of flight schools are exempt from field restrictions, although general PGWP rules still apply.
What Should Students Do?
- Check your program’s CIP code against the updated list—available via IRCC.
- Review your study permit application date:
- Applied before June 25, 2025 → grandfathered eligibility.
- Applied after November 1, 2024 → must ensure program remains PGWP-eligible.
- Verify language qualification to meet CLB/NCLC thresholds.
- Consult your institution or an immigration advisor to confirm eligibility and understand impacts on future Express Entry pathways.
Bottom Line
Canada’s PGWP overhaul reinforces the link between education and labour market need, steering international students toward in-demand sectors and securing their future economic contribution. It’s a clear signal: choose your course wisely to remain eligible for Canadian work opportunities post-graduation.
