New update grants relief to international students affected by earlier policy cuts
Canada has extended eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)—a major shift impacting thousands of international students. Originally, many study programs were set to be removed from PGWP eligibility on June 25, 2025. But now, in a surprising July 4 update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has delayed that decision until early 2026.
This grace period not only allows more students to qualify for open work permits, but also expands the list of PGWP-eligible programs from 920 to 1,107—offering a critical lifeline for applicants caught in the transition.
What This Means for Students
The sudden June 25 rule change had removed 178 programs from PGWP eligibility. Now, students enrolled in those programs can still apply for PGWPs—as long as they meet other general eligibility criteria. Those who applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4 also benefit from the amendment.
The restored eligibility applies mainly to college-level diploma and certificate programs. Importantly, university bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs remain unaffected, as they are exempt from field-of-study restrictions.
PGWP: A Gateway to Canadian Work Opportunities
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit granted to international students who complete eligible programs in Canada. It:
Is valid for up to three years
Allows graduates to work for any employer
Helps students gain Canadian work experience, which can count toward permanent residency pathways
How the Classification System Works
PGWP eligibility is determined using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system, which is based on the curriculum—not the name—of the program.
In the June update, IRCC:
Removed 178 CIP codes, including all “Transport” category programs
Added 119 CIP codes, including many in the “Education” category
The July update doesn’t reverse these changes but postpones their effect for newly applying students until 2026, giving institutions and students more time to adjust.
Key Requirements for PGWP Eligibility
To qualify for a PGWP, students must:
Complete at least an 8-month program (or 900 hours in Quebec)
Attend a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution
Maintain full-time student status, except in their final semester
Apply within 180 days of program completion
Hold a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days
Meet relevant language requirements
Who Doesn’t Need to Meet Field of Study Rules?
Some applicants are exempt from the field-of-study requirement:
Students applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Those with a valid job offer and work authorization in Canada, even if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
However, all Express Entry profiles still require a proof of funds update and other supporting documentation to ensure ongoing eligibility.
What Students Should Do
If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, you’re safe under the previous rules. If you applied between June 25 and July 4, you now qualify again under the grace period.
To remain eligible, ensure:
Your study program appears on the updated eligible list
You maintain valid documentation and apply for your PGWP on time
You monitor further updates from IRCC, as policies may continue to evolve
For now, international students can breathe a sigh of relief. Canada’s delay offers not only more clarity but also a fairer window to complete studies and apply for work permits.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Canadian immigration, education, and employment pathways.
