In a significant move to align international education with current labour market needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced substantial changes to the eligible fields of study for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Effective June 25, 2025, these adjustments primarily impact international students enrolled in non-degree programs (those not leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree) who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
The overhaul has resulted in 119 new fields of study becoming eligible for a PGWP, while 178 fields have been removed from eligibility. This brings the total number of PGWP-eligible fields to 920.
Key Changes and Rationale:
The newly eligible programs are directly linked to occupations in key sectors of the Canadian economy currently experiencing persistent labour shortages. Conversely, fields no longer eligible are those whose associated occupations are no longer facing such shortages.
- Newly Eligible Fields: Significant additions are seen in Healthcare and social services, Education, and Trades. Programs in Education are entirely new to the PGWP-eligible list.
- Examples of newly eligible programs: Veterinary medicine (DVM), Dentistry (DDS, DMD), various teacher education programs (e.g., French language, Biology, Computer), Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction management, Cabinetmaking and millwork, Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinist technology/CNC machinist, and Professional Diver and Instructor.
- Removed Fields: Notably, all educational programs in Transport have been completely removed, and only one program remains eligible in the Agriculture and Agri-food field. Other removed programs include some in Environmental studies, general Agricultural business and management, and certain trade programs like Solar energy technology/technician and Building/property maintenance.
- Examples of removed programs: Agriculture, general; Agricultural business and management, general; Multicultural education; Environmental studies; Public transportation and infrastructure planning/studies; and various aircraft maintenance and engine machinist programs.
Grandfathering Clause:
Students who submitted their study permit application before June 25, 2025, will be grandfathered. This means they will remain eligible for a PGWP as long as their field of study was on the approved list at the time of their application, even if it has since been removed.
Link to Express Entry Categories:
These changes to PGWP-eligible fields of study directly mirror the prioritization of occupations in Canada’s Express Entry categories. Both are regulated by IRCC and are designed to address the country’s labour market demands, ensuring that both temporary work permits and pathways to permanent residence align with Canada’s economic needs.
General PGWP Requirements (beyond Field of Study):
Regardless of the field of study requirement, all students must meet specific language proficiency requirements to obtain a PGWP. These vary based on the level of study:
- University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral programs: English or French language proficiency equivalent to a CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking). These programs generally do not have field of study restrictions for PGWP eligibility.
- Other University Programs (e.g., Associate degrees, Graduate Certificates/Diplomas not leading to a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree): English or French language proficiency equivalent to a CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four language abilities. Must have graduated from an eligible field of study.
- College Programs or other non-university programs (e.g., Diploma, Certificate, Trade programs): English or French language proficiency equivalent to a CLB/NCLC Level 5 in all four language abilities. Must have graduated from an eligible field of study.
Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools are exempt from field of study requirements. This is a breaking news story, and further details are expected to emerge.