Canada has made significate update to its International Student Program, IRCC has announced that changes will effect the PGWP eligibility for international students in non-degree programs( such as certificates, diplomas and post graduate certificates).
Effective June 25 2025 an updated list of eligible field of study programs is published by IRCC. This new list is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry occupations priorities, and aims to help address Canada’s critical labor shortage.
On June 25 2025 , the list of eligible field of study is updated. 119 new fields of study are added, particularly in:
- healthcare
- skilled trades
- early childhood education
- community and social services workers
178 fields of study were removed as they longer aligned with the Canada’s labor market needs. The total eligible fields are 920. These are categorized based on Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system.
What is Post Graduation Work Permit
Post graduation work permit enables international graduates in Canada to gain work authorization after completing an eligible Canadian education. This can be degree, diploma and certificate.
This is an important step towards gaining Canadian work experience which is highly required in many permanent residency programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program.
The length of PGWP depends on the length of your education. Up to 3 years of PGWP after 2 years of education and up to equal length of your program if less than 2 years and more than 8 months.
Who is Effected
You are effected by this change if you are planning to enroll in non degree programs( certificate ,diplomas and post graduate certificate).You applied for study permit on or after November1, 2024.
You are not affected if you applied or study permit before June 25, 2025 ( you remain eligible based on old PGWP eligible list).
You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024 then none field of study requirements are eligible on you.
Key Sectors prioritized in PGWP
The updated list showcases the growing demand for certain sector of workers. The prioritized fields are:
- healthcare
- trades and construction
- early childhood , social services and education
- stem
- agriculture and Agri food
You will still be eligible for a PGWP if you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025 and your program was on the list at that time. You won’t be eligible for PGWP if you applied after June 25, 2025 and your field is no longer in the eligible list of PGWP.
It’s very important to check the CIP codes of your study programs before taking admission at DLI so that you remain PGWP eligible after completion of your program.
The full list of eligible fields of study is organized by CIP codes available on the official IRCC website.
Need Help Admissions?
Contact Canada Updates Immigration – your trusted partner for admissions, visa filing, and PGWP guidance.
✅ September 2025 and January 2026 intakes now open
✅ Special support for PGWP-eligible programs in health care, trades, and ECE
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