📰 What Changed?
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the list of international graduate programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The revision added 119 new fields of study and removed 178, aligning eligibility with sectors facing long-term labour shortages—including healthcare, education, skilled trades, and STEM fields.
That change initially reduced the number of PGWP‑eligible fields to 920 CIP codes
Then on July 4, 2025, IRCC reversed the removals: the 178 removed fields were reinstated, adding a grace period extending eligibility until the next update in early 2026. This brings the total possible eligible programs back to 1,107, though some may expire in early 2026
📌 Who Is Impacted?
Non‑degree students
Those enrolled in certificate, diploma, trade, or apprenticeship programs studied under a 6‑digit CIP code must now ensure their program aligns with eligible codes.
Timing matters
Study permit applications submitted prior to June 25, 2025, remain valid for PGWP eligibility—even if their program was later removed.
- • Applicants between June 25 and July 4, 2025, are protected by the July reversion, so their eligibility stands under the rules prior to June 25.
- • Study permits submitted after July 4, 2025, are subject to the newly established list; only the fields still listed will qualify until early 2026
Degree-level students
Those completing bachelor's, master's, PhD, medicine, law, or dentistry programs remain exempt from field-of-study restrictions altogether. These programs qualify automatically for PGWP based solely on duration and institution designation.
🧭 What Do These Changes Mean?
| Scenario | PGWP Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Applied before June 25, 2025 | ✅ Eligible if program was on list at time of study permit submission |
| Applied between June 25–July 4, 2025 | ✅ Eligible under grace period |
| Applied after July 4, 2025 | ➖ Eligible only if program appears in latest list |
| Studying in a degree program | ✅ Exempt from field-of-study criteria |
✅ Tips for Students & Institutions
Verify your CIP code
Check your 6‑digit CIP code with your institution's admissions or international office.
Check IRCC's current list
Review IRCC's current PGWP‑eligible list before applying for a study permit or PGWP
Protection for early applicants
If your CIP code was eligible at time of permit application, you remain protected—even if it's removed later.
Degree programs offer stability
Degree programs are still not subject to field-of-study restrictions, so they offer the most stable path.
Get written confirmation
Reach out to your DLI for written confirmation of eligibility status if unsure
🧾 Why This Should Matter to You
- • This policy ensures alignment between international education pathways and Canada's labour market priorities.
- • Students in education, healthcare, trades, and STEM now have greater pathways to PGWPs, especially via Express Entry‑aligned categories.
- • With another update expected in early 2026, prospective students should plan ahead—especially non-degree applicants.
- • Employers and immigration consultants must remain vigilant: since eligibility may shift depending on the timing of study permit or PGWP submission, accurate and timely guidance is crucial.
🏁 Key Dates to Remember
119 fields added; 178 removed
Removals reversed, reinstated fields temporarily eligible
Next anticipated update of eligibility list