Canada is expected to issue significantly fewer Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) to international students in 2025, with numbers projected to drop by nearly one-third compared to last year. The decline follows new federal rules introduced to reduce the temporary resident population by tightening eligibility for international graduates.
On This Page You Will Find
- How many PGWPs are being approved in 2025
- The main changes affecting eligibility
- Breakdown by education level and field of study
- Top countries of origin for PGWP recipients
- Economic impact of the decline in PGWPs
According to ApplyBoard, a platform connecting international students with educational institutions, just 143,600 PGWPs are expected to be issued in 2025, down from 205,117 in 2024. From January to June alone, only 75,000 applications were approved – a 29 per cent drop compared to the same period in 2024.
The steepest declines came in May and June, with approvals falling by over 56 per cent year over year. According to an article by the Toronto Star, if the downturn continues at this pace, total approvals could fall below 130,000 by year-end – the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of New PGWP Rules
The sharp reduction in approvals is tied to recent changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These include:
- New language proficiency standards
- Restrictions on eligibility for joint public–private college programs
- Field-of-study limitations for non-degree programs
These measures are designed to curb the number of temporary residents and promote higher standards in international education.
ApplyBoard notes that PGWP eligibility was once one of Canada’s biggest selling points for international students. With fewer students qualifying, Canadian colleges and universities may find it harder to attract applicants.
Which Students Are Still Getting Work Permits?
Between January and June 2025:
- 65% of PGWPs went to college graduates – up from 62% in 2024
- 9% went to university undergraduates – the lowest share since 2022
- 17% went to postgraduate students – steady year over year
The remaining approvals were unspecified. ApplyBoard believes the share going to college students will likely decrease in future as older rules are phased out and new restrictions take hold.
Field of Study Breakdown
Business and management programs accounted for 44% of all PGWPs in the first half of 2025 – the highest share in five years. Other fields included:
- 15% computing and IT
- 10% health and general sciences
- 9% arts, social sciences and humanities
- 6% engineering
- 16% other disciplines
While business remains dominant, its share may drop as ineligible college-level business programs are removed. STEM fields are expected to gain ground in the coming years.
Country of Origin Breakdown
Top countries of origin for PGWP recipients from January to June 2025:
- India – 43,803
- China – 4,129
- Nigeria – 3,831
- Philippines – 3,418
- Nepal – 2,280
- Bangladesh – 1,110
- France – 1,053
- Iran – 943
- Colombia – 942
- Algeria – 866
ApplyBoard warns that reduced PGWP access could affect not only institutional recruitment but also the Canadian economy. Graduates with PGWPs fill labour shortages in key areas like health care and technology. A significant decline in these permits could worsen existing skills gaps.
FAQ
Why is Canada issuing fewer post-graduation work permits in 2025?
The federal government introduced new rules in 2024 and 2025 to limit the temporary resident population. These include language requirements and restrictions on program types.
Who is still eligible for a PGWP in 2025?
College graduates received most PGWPs in early 2025, followed by postgraduate students. University undergraduates received the fewest. Future rules favour university study.
Which programs are most affected by the new PGWP rules?
Graduates of joint public–private college partnerships and many non-degree programs are now less likely to be eligible. Business programs are also seeing changes.
What countries are most impacted by the decline in PGWPs?
India remains the top source country, but all countries are seeing a decline. Other top countries include China, Nigeria, the Philippines and Nepal.
How will the drop in PGWPs affect Canada’s economy?
Fewer PGWPs could mean fewer skilled graduates in the workforce. This may worsen labour shortages in sectors like health care and technology.
