Canada’s 2025 Post-Graduation Work Permit Update: What International Students Need to Know
In a significant move to align its immigration policies with labor market demands, Canada has overhauled its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program for 2025. The federal government has introduced a revised list of 920 eligible fields of study, marking a major shift in how international students can access post-graduate work opportunities in the country. This update is particularly impactful for students enrolled in non-degree programs, such as diplomas and certificates, as their eligibility for a PGWP is now tied to specific fields of study.
The changes, finalized in June 2025, reflect Canada’s effort to address persistent labor shortages in key sectors. The eligible fields were selected based on their alignment with occupations experiencing long-term labor gaps. This strategic adjustment aims to steer international graduates toward industries where their skills are most needed, while also strengthening pathways to permanent residency through Express Entry.
For the first time, education-related fields have been added to the eligible list, signaling a new focus on addressing workforce needs in Canada’s education sector. At the same time, 178 fields were removed because they no longer align with the country’s labor market priorities. These adjustments underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that the PGWP program serves as a bridge between international education and Canada’s economic goals.
The reforms primarily affect students in non-degree programs, such as diplomas and certificates, who must now choose from the 920 eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP. However, students pursuing degree programs—such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees—remain unaffected, as their programs are still automatically eligible for the permit. A grandfathering rule applies to students who submitted their study permit applications before June 25, 2025. These individuals retain eligibility for a PGWP as long as their field of study was approved at the time of their application, even if it is no longer on the updated list.
The 920 eligible fields are organized into broad categories that reflect Canada’s labor market needs. These include Agriculture and Agri-Food, Health and Social Services, Education, Skilled Trades, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and other sectors experiencing long-term labor shortages. The detailed list, sorted by the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system, is available on official Canadian immigration resources.
For international students, understanding these changes is crucial. Those pursuing non-degree programs must now ensure their field of study is among the eligible 920 to qualify for a PGWP. This shift is designed to funnel international talent into sectors where Canada needs skilled workers most, ultimately creating a more streamlined pathway to permanent residence.
Learn more about Canada’s updated PGWP eligibility criteria here.
What’s Changed for 2025
The 2025 update has introduced significant changes to the PGWP program. Notably, 119 new fields of study have been added across crucial sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and trades. These additions reflect Canada’s strategic approach to addressing labor shortages in these areas. Concurrently, 178 fields of study have been removed from the eligibility list, as they no longer align with the country’s long-term labor market needs. This culling ensures that the PGWP program remains targeted and effective in meeting Canada’s economic goals.
Who is Affected?
The reforms have distinct implications for different groups of international students:
- Non-degree students (diploma, certificate, etc.): Students in non-degree programs must now pursue studies within the 920 eligible fields to qualify for a PGWP. This rule applies to those who submitted their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024.
- Degree program students: Students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs remain unaffected by these changes. Their programs are still automatically eligible for the PGWP.
- Grandfathering rule: Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, are still eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the approved list at the time of their application. This rule applies even if the field has since been removed from the eligibility list.
Categories of Eligible Fields
The 920 eligible fields of study are organized into broad categories that reflect Canada’s labor market priorities. These categories include:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Health and Social Services
- Education
- Skilled Trades
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Other sectors experiencing long-term labor shortages
For the full, detailed list of eligible study fields, students should consult the official list, which is organized according to the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system.
What This Means for International Students
International students must now carefully consider their field of study when applying for non-degree programs. To qualify for a PGWP, they must ensure their chosen field is among the 920 eligible ones. This change is designed to direct international talent into sectors where Canada most needs skilled workers, thereby improving pathways to permanent residence under Express Entry.
Students should reference the most recent eligible fields list before applying for a program or study permit if their goal is to secure post-graduation work rights in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my field was removed? If you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025, you remain eligible for a PGWP if your field was then approved.
Do the new rules apply to all international students? The restrictions only apply to non-degree program students who applied on or after November 1, 2024. Degree students are unaffected.
Where can I check eligibility? The complete and updated list of 920 fields, sorted by category, is available on Canadian immigration authorities’ official resources.
In summary, Canada’s 2025 PGWP changes focus on ensuring that the international graduates who stay and work contribute directly to the country’s most pressing labor force priorities.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2025 Post-Graduation Work Permit update marks a strategic shift in aligning international education with the country’s labor market demands. The revised list of 920 eligible fields of study targets key sectors like healthcare, education, skilled trades, and STEM, ensuring international graduates contribute to Canada’s economic priorities. While non-degree students must now choose from these fields to qualify, degree program students remain unaffected. The grandfathering rule protects those who applied before June 25, 2025. These changes streamline pathways to permanent residency, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled workers where they are most needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my field of study was removed from the eligibility list? If you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025, you remain eligible for a PGWP if your field was approved at the time of application.
Do these changes apply to all international students? The new rules only affect non-degree program students who applied on or after November 1, 2024. Degree students are unaffected and remain automatically eligible for a PGWP.
Where can I find the updated list of eligible fields of study? The complete list of 920 eligible fields, organized by category, is available on official Canadian immigration resources and sorted by the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system.
What is the grandfathering rule? The grandfathering rule allows students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, to remain eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was approved at the time of application, even if it is no longer on the updated list.
