On This Page You Will Find
- Why Canada linked non-degree PGWP eligibility to field of study
- The 2025 update: 119 additions, 178 removals, 920-program total
- Sectors now favoured – and those that lost eligibility
- How Express Entry changes shaped the new list
- What current and future students should do next
Canada’s New PGWP Landscape
Ottawa has refreshed its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules, adding nearly 120 new non-degree fields of study and removing 178 that no longer line up with long-term labour shortages. As of 25 June 2025, international graduates who start a college or diploma program must choose from 920 eligible programs if they hope to work in Canada after graduation.
The field-based requirement was first introduced on 1 November 2024 to steer talent into sectors facing chronic shortages. Students who applied for their study permit before today keep the protection of the earlier list, even if their field was dropped.
What Was Added – And Why
Priority sectors
- Health care and social services – nursing, medical technology and counselling diplomas
- Education – early childhood education, special-needs assistance and teacher-support programs
- Skilled trades – industrial mechanics, HVAC, carpentry and welding certificates
These new options mirror Express Entry’s 2025 focus on education workers, health professionals and tradespeople, giving graduates a clearer bridge from study to permanent residence.
Fields removed
Programs in general business, basic computing and many transport-related specialties were deleted because their corresponding occupations dropped off the Express Entry shortage list for 2025.
How Express Entry Drove the Update
IRCC’s March 2025 overhaul of Express Entry re-ranked occupations for category-based draws. Five big themes emerged:
- Education professionals promoted
- Many STEM, transport and agriculture jobs removed
- Canadian work experience weighted more heavily
- Francophone candidates kept their advantage
- Overall targets cut to 395,000 newcomers
The 79 occupation list that now guides draws is dominated by health, education and trades roles, with sample jobs ranging from registered nurses and social workers to carpenters and welders.
By aligning the PGWP list with these same fields, Canada ensures graduates leave college ready for invitations under the flagship immigration system.
What Students Need To Do
- Check the updated PGWP list – confirm your program code appears.
- Apply for the right study permit – applications on or after 25 June 2025 must name an eligible field.
- Plan for Express Entry early – pick co-ops, practicum sites and part-time work that boost Canadian experience.
- Maintain documents – transcripts and letters of completion are still required for PGWP.
- Mind the deadlines – you have 180 days after final marks to apply for the permit.
Transitional Protection
If you lodged your study-permit application before 25 June 2025, you keep PGWP eligibility even if your program is no longer on the list. The same grandfathering applies to students already in Canada. That safety net prevents mid-program rule shocks and honours earlier commitments.
Impact On Colleges And Employers
Designated learning institutions can expect surging demand for newly eligible diplomas, particularly in health-care assistant and early childhood streams. Employers in hospitals, schools and construction will gain a larger pool of graduates with open work permits, smoothing hiring for hard-to-fill roles.
Looking Ahead
IRCC says it will review fields each spring to stay in step with Express Entry priorities and updated labour-market data. Prospective students should therefore track both the PGWP list and Express Entry occupation targets before choosing a program.
FAQ
How many fields of study now qualify for a PGWP?
There are 920 eligible non-degree programs after the 2025 update. IRCC added 119 new programs and removed 178 whose related jobs no longer rank as long-term shortages.
Does the update affect students already in Canada?
No. Anyone who applied for a study permit before 25 June 2025 remains PGWP-eligible under the list in force on their application date, even if their field was later removed.
Why did Canada link PGWP eligibility to specific fields?
The aim is to match graduate talent with occupations that Express Entry targets for permanent residence, ensuring study-permit holders can fill genuine, persistent labour gaps in health care, education and skilled trades.
Are bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students affected?
Degree-level students keep automatic PGWP access regardless of field. The new rules apply only to certificate, diploma and other non-degree programs.
What if my program was removed after I applied?
You are still eligible if your study permit application was submitted before the June 25, 2025 update and your program was on the list at that time.
