In a decisive move to align international student pathways with Canada’s economic needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has overhauled the eligibility criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). The update, effective June 25, 2025, introduces a new structure for non-degree programs that qualify for PGWP, based on updated labour market demands projected for 2025 and beyond.
This policy shift is particularly significant for international students pursuing college diplomas, certificates, and other non-degree credentials. While 119 new programs have been added to the PGWP-eligible list, 178 have been removed — reflecting a shift in focus toward sectors facing critical labour shortages.
Also Read Canada Made Major Shift in PGWP Eligibility, Targets High-Demand Sectors
Who Is Affected by the Changes?
The revised eligibility criteria specifically apply to:
- Students enrolled in non-degree granting programs (excluding those pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degrees).
- Students who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
However, IRCC has included a transitional clause. International students who applied for their study permits before June 25, 2025, will remain eligible under the PGWP rules that were in effect at the time of their application, even if their program has since become ineligible.
What Has Changed?
As per the new update, PGWP eligibility now covers 920 educational programs, revising which fields of study qualify graduates for a Canadian open work permit. This aligns with IRCC’s effort to streamline the student-to-worker transition pipeline into sectors where demand for skilled professionals remains high.
Highlights of the Changes:
- 119 programs have been added.
- 178 programs have been removed.
- Fields prioritized: Healthcare, Education, Trades, Architecture.
- Fields scaled back or removed: Transport, Agriculture, Natural Resources.
Breakdown of Affected Fields of Study
Below is a detailed view of newly added and removed programs, categorized by field of study, including their CIP (Classification of Instructional Program) codes:
Agriculture and Agri-Food
IRCC has significantly downsized this category, removing all listed programs, with no additions made.
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Agriculture, general | 01.0000 |
| Agricultural business and management, general | 01.0101 |
| Farm/farm and ranch management | 01.0104 |
| Agricultural power machinery operation | 01.0204 |
| Crop production | 01.0304 |
Education
This field sees a net gain, with multiple additions — a notable change as education-related programs had not previously featured in PGWP-eligible non-degree programs.
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| French language/French language arts education | 13.1325 |
| Biology teacher education | 13.1322 |
| Computer teacher education | 13.1321 |
| Chemistry teacher education | 13.1323 |
| Drama and dance teacher education | 13.1324 |
No programs were removed from this category.
Healthcare and Social Services
While some interdisciplinary or niche education programs were removed, IRCC expanded eligibility for core healthcare professions.
Removed Programs:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Bilingual, multilingual and multicultural education | 13.0299 |
| Multicultural education | 13.0202 |
| Indigenous education | 13.0203 |
| College student counselling and personnel services | 13.1102 |
| Student counselling and personnel services, other | 13.1199 |
Added Programs:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Veterinary medicine (DVM) | 01.8001 |
| Veterinary/animal health technology/technician | 01.8301 |
| Dentistry (DDS, DMD) | 51.0401 |
| Dental clinical sciences, general (MS, MSc, PhD) | 51.0501 |
| Oral biology and oral and maxillofacial pathology (MS, MSc, PhD) | 51.0503 |
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
A mixed update: older environmental science programs removed; architectural and design fields added.
Removed Programs:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Agricultural and extension education services | 01.0801 |
| Natural resources/conservation, general | 03.0101 |
| Environmental studies | 03.0103 |
| Water, wetlands and marine resources management | 03.0205 |
| Environmental/natural resources management, other | 03.0299 |
Added Programs:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Architecture (various degree levels) | 04.0201 |
| Advanced architectural design | 04.0202 |
| Landscape architecture | 04.0601 |
Trades
Several programs linked to outdated or oversaturated trades have been removed, while new trade-related management and CNC technologies have been added.
Removed Programs:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Solar energy technology/technician | 15.1703 |
| Electrical and power transmission installation/installer, general | 46.0301 |
| Building/property maintenance | 46.0401 |
| Building/home/construction inspection/inspector | 46.0403 |
| Drywall installation/drywaller | 46.0404 |
Added Programs:
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Construction management, general | 52.2001 |
| Construction project management | 52.2002 |
| Diver, professional and instructor | 49.0304 |
| Cabinetmaking and millwork | 48.0703 |
| Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinist technology | 48.0510 |
Transport
This sector was hit hardest. All listed programs were removed with no replacements added.
| Program Name | CIP Code |
| Public transportation and infrastructure planning/studies | 44.0403 |
| Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology | 47.0607 |
| Engine machinist | 47.0615 |
| Marine maintenance/fitter and ship repair technician | 47.0616 |
| High performance/custom engine technician/mechanic | 47.0617 |
Why This Change Matters
Canada’s immigration strategy increasingly links educational outcomes with Express Entry categories — which govern the selection of permanent residents. By narrowing PGWP eligibility to programs that directly lead to in-demand jobs, IRCC aims to better funnel skilled talent into high-need sectors and streamline the transition from temporary to permanent residency.
“This realignment allows IRCC to prioritize labour market needs more efficiently while ensuring international students have a clearer, more direct path to long-term settlement in Canada.”
Updated Language and Eligibility Requirements for PGWP
Regardless of field of study, applicants must meet language proficiency standards according to their level of study:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
| College bachelor’s degree | CLB/NCLC 7 (English/French) | Not Applicable |
| University bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral | CLB/NCLC 7 (English/French) | Not Applicable |
| University non-degree program | CLB/NCLC 7 (English/French) | Must be in PGWP-eligible field |
| College or non-university program | CLB/NCLC 5 (English/French) | Must be in PGWP-eligible field |
| PGWP-eligible flight schools | Not specified | Field of study requirement not applicable |
Looking Ahead
With immigration policy becoming increasingly occupation-driven, prospective students should carefully evaluate their educational pathways. The revised PGWP eligibility list, in tandem with Express Entry changes, will play a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s next generation of skilled immigrants.
