IRCC Overhauls Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced major updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes aim to align international student pathways with the current needs of Canada’s labour market.
Under the revised rules, 119 new fields of study are now eligible for PGWPs. At the same time, 178 programs have been removed from eligibility. These changes apply specifically to international students enrolled in non-degree programs—programs that do not lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree—who submit their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024.
However, students who applied for study permits before June 25, 2025 will remain eligible under the previous PGWP rules, even if their field of study is no longer on the approved list. This “grandfathering” ensures they are not affected retroactively.
New Eligible Programs Reflect Labour Market Demands
As of this update, there are now 920 PGWP-eligible fields of study. The 119 newly added programs are primarily in healthcare, education, and skilled trades—sectors identified by the government as facing persistent labour shortages.
Conversely, fields removed from eligibility are linked to occupations that no longer have such shortages. Notably, the Transport category has been removed entirely, while only one Agriculture and Agri-Food program remains on the eligible list.
Program-Specific Changes: Additions and Removals
1. Agriculture and Agri-Food
Removed Programs:
Agriculture, General (01.0000)
Agricultural Business and Management (01.0101)
Farm and Ranch Management (01.0104)
Agricultural Machinery Operation (01.0204)
Crop Production (01.0304)
No new programs were added in this field.
2. Education
Newly Added Programs:
French Language Teacher Education (13.1325)
Biology Teacher Education (13.1322)
Computer Teacher Education (13.1321)
Chemistry Teacher Education (13.1323)
Drama and Dance Teacher Education (13.1324)
No programs were removed from this field.
3. Healthcare and Social Services
Removed Programs:
Multicultural and Bilingual Education (13.0299)
Multicultural Education (13.0202)
Indigenous Education (13.0203)
College Student Counselling (13.1102)
Student Counselling, Other (13.1199)
Newly Added Programs:
Veterinary Medicine (01.8001)
Veterinary Assistant (01.8301)
Dentistry (DDS, DMD) (51.0401)
Dental Clinical Sciences (51.0501)
Oral Biology and Pathology (51.0503)
4. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Removed Programs:
Agricultural Education Services (01.0801)
Natural Resources Conservation (03.0101)
Environmental Studies (03.0103)
Marine Resource Management (03.0205)
Environmental Policy, Other (03.0299)
Newly Added Programs:
Architecture (04.0201)
Advanced Architectural Design (04.0202)
Landscape Architecture (04.0601)
5. Trades
Removed Programs:
Solar Energy Technician (15.1703)
Electrical Installation (46.0301)
Property Maintenance (46.0401)
Construction Inspection (46.0403)
Drywall Installation (46.0404)
Newly Added Programs:
Construction Management (52.2001)
Construction Project Management (52.2002)
Professional Diving (49.0304)
Cabinetmaking and Millwork (48.0703)
CNC Machinist Technology (48.0510)
6. Transport
Removed Programs:
Public Transportation Planning (44.0403)
Aircraft Maintenance Technology (47.0607)
Engine Machinist (47.0615)
Marine Repair Technology (47.0616)
Custom Engine Mechanic (47.0617)
No new programs were added under Transport.
How PGWP Ties to Express Entry and Labour Strategy
IRCC regulates both PGWP fields and Express Entry categories with the aim of aligning immigration with labour market realities. The recent PGWP changes closely mirror February’s updates to Express Entry priority occupations. These parallels signal a strategic effort to streamline temporary study-to-work pathways with permanent residency options.
Language and Study Requirements Still Apply
Even with a qualifying field of study, all PGWP applicants must meet language proficiency benchmarks based on their program level:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| College bachelor’s degree | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills | Not applicable |
| University degree (bachelor’s/master’s/PhD) | CLB/NCLC 7 | Not applicable |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 | Must be in an eligible field |
| Non-university/college diploma | CLB/NCLC 5 | Must be in an eligible field |
Graduates from eligible flight schools are exempt from the field of study requirement but must still meet language benchmarks.
More Information Available
A full list of the 920 PGWP-eligible fields is available on the official IRCC website. This update reflects Canada’s commitment to building a workforce that matches evolving economic needs, and it reinforces the PGWP program’s role in supporting that vision.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on Canadian immigration policy.
