The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has long been a key part of Canada’s framework for international students, allowing eligible graduates to obtain an open work permit and gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. Although PGWP experience may contribute toward permanent residence eligibility—particularly through the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry—the PGWP itself is not an immigration program. Its legal purpose is defined under Canadian immigration regulations: to provide temporary work authorization to recent graduates from eligible programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs).
In 2024, the Government of Canada introduced a new condition to further define who can benefit from this work authorization. As of November 1, 2024, international students enrolled in non-degree programs—such as post-secondary diplomas, or certificates—must complete a program in a field of study that appears on a government-approved list to qualify for a PGWP. This requirement was introduced as part of broader reforms to the International Student Program and is designed to align post-graduation work rights with labour market needs.
The list of eligible fields of study is based on long-term labour shortages identified by the federal government and closely linked to categories targeted under Express Entry’s category-based selection. This means that a student’s program of study must correspond to a field of instruction that leads to employment in an occupation facing sustained demand in the Canadian labour market.
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released an updated list of PGWP-eligible fields of study to reflect 2025 economic priorities. The changes are based on national occupational forecasts and recent Express Entry targets. Key updates include:
119 new fields of study added, with concentrations in health care, early childhood education, social services, skilled trades, and applied technologies.
178 fields of study removed, where no longer aligned with occupations currently experiencing long-term labour shortages.
A revised total of 920 eligible fields, all classified using the CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) system adopted across Canadian institutions.
This list plays a critical role in determining PGWP eligibility for non-degree students. A student who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024 must ensure their chosen program is included on the list in effect at the time of their application. Importantly, students who submitted their study permit application before June 25, 2025, remain eligible based on the version of the list that was current at that time—even if their program has since been removed. This transitional measure ensures consistency and fairness in application processing.
For international students exploring diploma or certificate programs in Canada, this update adds a new layer of responsibility. In addition to reviewing admission requirements and tuition fees, students must now verify that their field of study qualifies for PGWP eligibility under the most recent policy. The full list of eligible instructional programs is available on IRCC’s official website and is expected to be reviewed periodically.
Designated learning institutions (DLIs) offering non-degree programs must also ensure transparency when promoting programs to prospective students. Misalignment between program offerings and PGWP eligibility may result in confusion or unintended ineligibility after graduation. Institutions should guide applicants to the latest PGWP rules and support them in making informed decisions.
This policy does not affect students in degree programs—such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees—as these remain PGWP-eligible by default, provided all other requirements are met. However, for thousands of students pursuing diplomas or certificates, the updated list is now central to future plans for working in Canada after graduation.
To avoid complications, students and advisors are strongly encouraged to consult the IRCC’s official list of PGWP-eligible fields of study before submitting a study permit application. The list is organized by CIP code and program title, and remains the most authoritative reference on current PGWP eligibility requirements.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration and labour strategies, these regulatory updates signal a closer link between international education and workforce planning. While the PGWP remains a vital option for gaining Canadian experience, it is no longer automatically available to all non-degree graduates. Careful program selection and up-to-date information are now essential parts of the application process.
Planning to study in Canada?
Your program choice now directly affects your ability to work after graduation.
Before you apply, make sure you understand the updated PGWP eligibility requirements—book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant.
