Canada Revamps PGWP Eligibility: New Fields of Study Added and Removed in 2025

Overview: Major Update to PGWP-Eligible Programs

In a strategic move to align post-graduation immigration opportunities with Canada's evolving workforce needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of educational programs that qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Effective June 25, 2025, 119 new fields of study have been added, while 178 have been delisted from PGWP eligibility. However, as of July 4, 2025, IRCC has officially announced a temporary suspension of these changes, pending further notice.

This shift primarily affects non-degree program students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

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Who Is Affected by the PGWP Changes?

These changes apply only to students enrolled in non-degree programs (programs that do not result in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD). Here's how students are impacted:

• Impacted: Students applying for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024

• Not impacted: Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025 are grandfathered in, even if their program is now excluded.

Real-World Case: An international student from India who applied for a diploma in Solar Energy Technology in May 2025 will still be eligible for a PGWP even though the program is now removed. But a new applicant in July 2025 won’t qualify unless IRCC updates the eligibility list again.

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What Fields of Study Were Affected?

✅ Newly Added PGWP-Eligible Programs (119 fields)

The update introduces programs in sectors with long-standing labour shortages, including:

• Healthcare and Social Services

• Education

• Skilled Trades

Example – Education Programs (Newly Eligible):

Program Name	CIP Code
French Language Teacher Education	13.1325
Biology Teacher Education	13.1322
Computer Teacher Education	13.1321

 

Real Case: A graduate of "Computer Teacher Education" from a Canadian college can now apply for a PGWP and gain work experience in a public school, eventually boosting their chances in the Express Entry Education category.

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❌ Removed from PGWP Eligibility (178 programs)

Programs linked to occupations no longer facing shortages were removed. Entire sectors like Transport were dropped, and Agriculture saw a major cull.

 Removed Example – Agriculture Programs:

Program Name	CIP Code
Agriculture, General	01.0000
Agricultural Business and Management	01.0101
Farm/Farm and Ranch Management	01.0104

 

Real Case: A student enrolling in "Crop Production" post-November 2024 may not qualify for a PGWP unless they switch to a newly eligible program like "Construction Project Management" or a teaching-focused course.

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Healthcare, STEM, Trades – Key Shifts

Healthcare – In:

Program Name	CIP Code
Dentistry (DDS, DMD)	51.0401
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)	01.8001

 

STEM – In:

Program Name	CIP Code
Architecture (Various Levels)	04.0201
Landscape Architecture	04.0601

 

Trades – In:

Program Name	CIP Code
CNC Machinist Technology	48.0510
Construction Project Management	52.2002

 

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❌ Programs Removed (Examples):

• Transport: Aircraft Maintenance (47.0607), Marine Repair (47.0616)

• Trades: Drywall Installation (46.0404), Solar Energy Technician (15.1703)

• STEM: Environmental Studies (03.0103)

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PGWP Eligibility and Express Entry: What's the Connection?

The IRCC is clearly aligning PGWP-eligible fields of study with the priority categories under Express Entry.

This means:

• Programs newly eligible for PGWP often mirror the occupations added to Express Entry categories.

• Students from these programs are more likely to qualify for PR under category-based Express Entry draws.

Real Case: A student who completes a diploma in "Dental Clinical Sciences" may qualify for PGWP and then gain enough Canadian work experience to enter the Healthcare Express Entry stream, where draws have recently favored occupations like dental assistants and technologists.

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PGWP Language and Eligibility Criteria – A Refresher

All PGWP applicants must meet language requirements (English/French) and study field criteria, depending on their level of education:

Level of Study	Language Requirement	Field of Study Requirement
Bachelor's/Master’s/PhD (University)	CLB/NCLC 7	Not Applicable
Non-University Programs (Diplomas etc.)	CLB/NCLC 5	Must be in eligible field

 

Exception: Flight school graduates (PGWP-eligible institutions) are exempt from field of study requirements.

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What Should International Students Do Now?

✅ Steps for current and future students:

1. Check the latest PGWP-eligible program list before choosing your course.

2. Apply for study permits early to avoid getting caught in future policy shifts.

3. Consider programs that match priority Express Entry categories.

Pro Tip: Choose a study program that gives you both PGWP eligibility and high PR potential – such as nursing, education, IT trades, or veterinary sciences.