Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently updated the list of eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, reflecting the evolving needs of Canada’s labour market. This update is particularly significant for international students pursuing non-degree programs (diplomas and certificates) who aim to work in Canada after completing their studies.
What’s New as of July 4, 2025?
On July 4, 2025, IRCC reinstated several fields of study that had been removed on June 25, 2025. These fields are now eligible again for PGWP, and will remain eligible until the next list update expected in early 2026.
👉 If you applied for your study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, and your program was temporarily removed from the eligibility list during that time, you are still considered eligible for a PGWP upon graduation.
Background: PGWP Requirements Introduced in 2024
As part of the International Student Program reforms, a new rule was introduced in November 2024:
International students in non-degree programs (not in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) must study in an eligible field of study that aligns with Canada’s labour shortages to qualify for a PGWP.
These eligible fields are identified using Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, which are tied to occupations prioritized under programs like Express Entry.
June 25, 2025 – Major CIP Code Changes
The most significant changes came into effect on June 25, 2025, and include:
✅ 119 new fields of study added in sectors with critical labour shortages such as:
Health care and social services
Education
Skilled trades
❌ 178 fields of study removed, as they are no longer linked to occupations with long-term demand.
As a result, the current number of eligible programs for PGWP stands at 920.
Who Is Affected?
Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025: You will remain eligible for a PGWP if your program was on the list at the time of application, even if it has been removed since.- Students applying on or after November 1, 2024 for non-degree programs must ensure that their program is in an eligible field of study.
Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025: You will remain eligible for a PGWP if your program was on the list at the time of application, even if it has been removed since.
Students applying on or after November 1, 2024 for non-degree programs must ensure that their program is in an eligible field of study.Why This Matters
Canada is aligning its international student policies with its labour market needs. These changes ensure that PGWP eligibility supports pathways to permanent residency through sectors experiencing chronic labour shortages.
How to Check If Your Program is Eligible
Visit the IRCC’s official website to find out if your program’s CIP code is currently eligible under the PGWP requirements.
Need Help Understanding Your Eligibility?
We can help you:
Understand PGWP rules based on your study plans
Check if your program and institution qualify
Plan for permanent residency under Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Contact us today for a consultation
Email: info@taimmigration.com
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