Canada Delays PGWP Eligibility Changes to 2026 Protecting More International Students’ Future

Canada Delays Removal of Study Programs from PGWP Eligibility

In a significant move for international students, the Government of Canada announced on July 4, 2025, that it would postpone the removal of certain study programs from the eligibility list for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This decision comes after the initial plan to remove 178 fields of study from the PGWP-eligible list was set to take effect on June 25, 2025. The removal is now deferred until early 2026.

The PGWP is a cornerstone program for international graduates, offering a pathway to gain Canadian work experience and eventually qualify for permanent residency. The Canadian government periodically updates the list of eligible study programs to align with the country’s labor market needs and Express Entry priorities. This latest adjustment reflects a focus on fields tied to labor shortages and in-demand occupations.

As of June 25, 2025, 119 new fields of study were added to the PGWP-eligible list. These additions primarily target high-demand sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, social services, and early childhood education. The total number of eligible fields now stands at 920, marking a strategic effort to address Canada’s workforce gaps.

While the addition of new fields is immediate, the removal of 178 fields has been delayed. This reprieve ensures that students currently enrolled in or planning to pursue these programs have more time to adapt. The updated list will now take effect in early 2026, giving stakeholders a clearer timeline to prepare.

The changes primarily affect non-degree international students, such as those enrolled in diploma or certificate programs, who must now ensure their field of study remains on the eligible list to qualify for a PGWP. However, certain groups are exempt from these changes, including students in degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral), graduates of eligible flight schools, and those who submitted a PGWP application or applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024.

A grandfathering provision offers further flexibility. Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will retain PGWP eligibility if their field of study was on the eligible list at the time of their application, even if it is removed later. The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for their study program must appear on the eligible list at the time of either their study permit application or their PGWP application.

The postponement and updates to the PGWP eligibility list underscore the government’s commitment to aligning the international student program with Canada’s economic goals. By focusing on high-demand sectors, the program aims to support graduates entering fields where labor shortages persist. International students are advised to check their program’s CIP code and monitor updates to ensure they remain eligible for the PGWP when they apply.

For more details, students can refer to the updated list and additional resources available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and through their academic institutions.

Canada Delays Removal of Study Programs from PGWP Eligibility

The recent announcement by the Canadian government to postpone the removal of certain study programs from the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list has significant implications for international students. This decision, effective until early 2026, allows students more time to adapt to the changes, ensuring they can continue their studies without immediate disruption.

The addition of 119 new fields of study to the PGWP-eligible list is a strategic move to address Canada’s labor market needs. These fields are concentrated in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, social services, and early childhood education. This expansion not only aligns with current workforce demands but also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting graduates in sectors where labor shortages are acute.

Understanding the grandfathering provision is crucial for students. Those who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will retain PGWP eligibility if their field of study was on the eligible list at the time of application. This provision ensures that students already enrolled in affected programs can complete their studies without worrying about losing their chance to gain Canadian work experience.

Exemptions play a key role in this update. Degree students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are unaffected, as are graduates of eligible flight schools. Additionally, students who submitted a PGWP application or applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are also exempt. These exemptions ensure that certain groups continue to have uninterrupted access to the PGWP, maintaining their pathway to permanent residency.

Looking ahead, the eligibility list will be updated again in early 2026, when the removal of 178 fields is set to take effect. This ongoing adjustment underscores the government’s dynamic approach to aligning the PGWP with Canada’s evolving economic needs. Students are advised to regularly check the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes for their study programs to ensure they remain eligible for the PGWP.

For international students, understanding how the PGWP aligns with Express Entry priorities is essential. By focusing on high-demand sectors, the program enhances graduates’ profiles for permanent residency. Students should consult the IRCC website and their academic institutions for the most current information and resources to navigate these changes effectively.

Conclusion

The Canadian government’s decision to delay the removal of certain study programs from the PGWP eligibility list is a strategic move to align international student pathways with the country’s labor market needs. By adding 119 new fields of study in high-demand sectors and postponing the removal of 178 fields until early 2026, the government is ensuring that international graduates can contribute to addressing workforce shortages. The grandfathering provision and exemptions for degree programs provide stability for current and future students, maintaining their access to valuable work experience and pathways to permanent residency. As the PGWP continues to evolve, international students are encouraged to stay informed about updates to the eligibility list and consult resources from IRCC and their academic institutions to navigate these changes effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Canada delay the removal of study programs from PGWP eligibility?

The delay allows international students more time to adapt to the changes, ensuring minimal disruption to their studies and future plans.

What new fields of study were added to the PGWP-eligible list?

119 new fields were added, primarily in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, social services, and early childhood education.

What is the grandfathering provision, and how does it affect students?

Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will retain PGWP eligibility if their field of study was on the eligible list at the time of application, even if it is removed later.

Which groups are exempt from the PGWP eligibility changes?

Exemptions include degree students (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral), graduates of eligible flight schools, and those who submitted a PGWP application or study permit before November 1, 2024.

How can students check if their program remains eligible for the PGWP?

Students should verify the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for their study program on the IRCC website or through their academic institution.

Why is the PGWP important for international students?

The PGWP provides international graduates with the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which is essential for qualifying for permanent residency and aligns with Express Entry priorities.