Canada Overhauls Eligible Fields of Study for Post-Graduation Work Permits
In a significant move to align its immigration policies with the nation’s evolving labour market needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on June 25, 2025, a major overhaul of the eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This update marks a strategic shift in how Canada approaches international student pathways, particularly for those pursuing non-degree programs.
The PGWP program, a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, allows international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. However, the rapid evolution of Canada’s labour market, coupled with persistent shortages in key sectors, has necessitated a recalibration of the program’s eligibility criteria. The changes aim to ensure that the skills and qualifications of international graduates align more closely with the country’s economic priorities.
At the heart of the announcement is the revision of the list of eligible fields of study. A total of 119 new fields have been added, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades. These additions reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to address labour shortages in critical sectors. Conversely, 178 fields deemed less relevant to long-term labour market needs have been removed. This brings the total number of eligible fields to 920.
The changes specifically target students enrolled in non-degree programs, such as diplomas or certificates, who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024. These students will now need to ensure their program aligns with the updated list of eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP. However, those who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025, are protected under a grandfather clause, meaning they remain eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of their application, even if it has since been removed.
Notably, degree programs—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—remain unaffected by these changes. Students pursuing these qualifications are still eligible for a PGWP regardless of their field of study.
The revised eligibility list is designed to prioritize fields linked to long-term labour shortages and in-demand occupations, as highlighted in Canada’s Express Entry system. Sectors such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades have been given particular attention, reflecting their importance to the nation’s economic recovery and growth.
For international students considering or already pursuing studies in Canada, the implications of these changes are clear: careful planning and research are essential. Students enrolled in non-degree programs must verify that their chosen field of study is included in the updated list before applying for a study permit. This step is crucial for those who hope to remain in Canada and gain work experience after graduation.
The full list of eligible fields, organized by program area and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, is available on the official government website. These updates underscore Canada’s commitment to aligning its immigration policies with its economic needs, ensuring that international students contribute to addressing the country’s labour market challenges.
Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility
The updated list of eligible fields of study for the PGWP program includes 119 new additions, primarily in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades. These additions reflect Canada’s strategic focus on addressing labour shortages in these critical areas. Conversely, 178 fields of study that were deemed less relevant to long-term labour market needs have been removed. This adjustment brings the total number of eligible fields to 920, ensuring the program remains aligned with the nation’s economic priorities.
Who Is Affected?
The changes primarily impact international students enrolled in non-degree programs, such as diplomas or certificates. Students who applied for their Canadian study permit on or after November 1, 2024, will need to ensure their program aligns with the updated list of eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP. However, a grandfather clause protects students who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025. These students will remain eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of their application, even if it has since been removed.
Focus on Labour Market Needs
The revised eligibility list prioritizes fields of study that address long-term labour shortages and in-demand occupations, as highlighted in Canada’s Express Entry system. Key sectors that have seen increased eligibility include:
– Healthcare and social services
– Education (a newly added category for PGWP eligibility)
– Skilled trades
These sectors are critical to Canada’s economic recovery and growth, and the updated list ensures that international graduates in these fields can contribute to addressing labour market challenges.
Eligibility Details
While degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees) remain eligible for the PGWP regardless of the field of study, non-degree programs must now align with one of the 920 eligible fields. These fields are linked to in-demand jobs and are detailed in Canada’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system, which is available on the official government website.
Summary Table
| Change | Description |
|———————————-|——————————————————————————————————|
| Fields Added | 119 new fields, including healthcare, social services, education, trades |
| Fields Removed | 178 fields not linked to long-term labour shortages |
| Total Eligible Fields (2025) | 920 |
| Applicability | Non-degree program students applying for a study permit on/after Nov 1, 2024 |
| Grandfather Clause | Permits applied for before June 25, 2025 are protected under the old list |
Implications for Students
International students planning to enroll in non-degree programs should carefully review the updated list of eligible fields before applying for a study permit. This step is essential for those who intend to remain in Canada and work after graduation. Students in degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) are not affected by these field-based eligibility rules and remain eligible for a PGWP regardless of their field of study.
Additional Resources
The government has provided a full, updated list of eligible fields for the PGWP program on its official website. This list is organized by program area and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, making it easier for students to determine whether their program qualifies.
These changes underscore Canada’s commitment to aligning its immigration policies with its economic needs, ensuring that international students play a vital role in addressing the country’s labour market challenges.
Conclusion
The revisions to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program represent a strategic effort to align immigration policies with the nation’s evolving labour market demands. By expanding eligibility to 920 fields of study, with a focus on high-demand sectors like healthcare, education, and skilled trades, Canada aims to address critical labour shortages while providing international graduates with pathways to contribute to the economy.
While degree programs remain unaffected, students in non-degree programs must now carefully align their studies with the updated list of eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP. The grandfather clause ensures a smooth transition for those already enrolled, but future applicants must plan meticulously.
These changes underscore Canada’s commitment to leveraging immigration as a tool for economic growth while offering international students opportunities to build successful careers in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What fields of study are now eligible for the PGWP program?
The updated list includes 920 fields of study, with 119 new additions in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades.
What fields of study were removed from the eligibility list?
A total of 178 fields deemed less relevant to long-term labour market needs were removed.
Who is affected by these changes?
The changes primarily impact international students in non-degree programs (e.g., diplomas or certificates) who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
What is the grandfather clause, and how does it apply?
The grandfather clause protects students who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025. They remain eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of their application, even if it has since been removed.
Are degree programs affected by these changes?
No, degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees) remain eligible for the PGWP regardless of the field of study.
Where can I find the updated list of eligible fields of study?
The full list of eligible fields, organized by program area and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, is available on the official government website.
How do these changes impact my ability to work in Canada after graduation?
If you are in a non-degree program, ensure your field of study is on the updated list of eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP. Degree program students remain unaffected and are still eligible for a PGWP.
