Canada Overhauls PGWP Eligibility: What International Students Must Know in 2025

Major Update: New Rules for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

Canada is introducing some exciting updates to the rules around Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)!

As of June 25, 2025, the types of programs that qualify international students for these valuable work permits are changing to better fit what Canada's job market needs right now.

Effective June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised the list of educational programs that qualify international graduates for open work permits under the PGWP.

If you are thinking about studying in Canada—or you are already an international student—these new rules could influence your plans for working and potentially settling in Canada after graduation.

Let us explore whether your program remains eligible so you can benefit from most of your Canadian education and career journey.

Key Updates for International Students

• New Programs Added: 119 new fields of study are now eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This includes programs in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades.
• Removal of Programs: 178 fields of study are removed from the PGWP eligibility list. All programs in the Transport sector are no longer eligible, and most Agriculture programs are ineligible except for Agri-food.
• Effects on International Students: These updates are for students in certificate, diploma, or other non-degree programs who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024. If you applied before this date, you will still be considered under the previous requirements.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

These updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) are all about making sure your studies can help you—and Canada—prepare for the future. By focusing on areas where Canada really needs skilled workers, the goal is to connect your education with real job opportunities and long-term career success.

At the same time, these changes help prevent too many students from choosing fields where job prospects are limited so everyone can make the most of their time and investment in Canada.

Fields Affected by the June 2025 PGWP Changes

Programs Are No Longer Eligible

• Transport programs: All programs, including aircraft maintenance and marine repair, are off the new list.
• Agriculture Programs: Most agriculture programs, such as crop production and farm management, are no longer eligible (except for Agri-food).
• STEM: Certain science and technology fields, like environmental studies and natural resource conservation, are removed.
• Traditional Trades: Programs such as drywalling and solar technology are no longer eligible.

New Eligible Programs

• Healthcare & Social Services: Dentistry, veterinary technology, and related fields are added to the new list.
• Education: Teacher training in biology, French, and computer science is also included.
• Trades: CNC machining, cabinetmaking, and construction management programs now become eligible.
• STEM: Architecture and landscape design

The above-mentioned programs are included in the new list to help students focus on areas where Canada has the greatest need for skilled workers.

College vs. University Programs: What Are the New Rules?

Here is what you need to know about study levels, language requirements, and eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

University Students (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD)

• Language Requirement: You need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7.
• Field of Study: No restrictions—any program is eligible for the PGWP.

College Students (Bachelor's Degree Programs)

• Language Requirement: A CLB of 7.
• Field of Study: No restrictions—any program is eligible for the PGWP.

College Students (Non-degree Programs, like diplomas and certificates)

• Language Requirement: A lower CLB of 5 is required.
• Field of Study: Only programs on the PGWP-eligible list qualify.

Flight Schools (PGWP-eligible)

• Language Requirement: A CLB of 5 is required.
• Field of Study: No restrictions—eligible flight school graduates can apply for the PGWP.

If you are studying for a degree at a university or college, you need higher English or French skills, but you have more flexibility in your choice of program.

If you are in a non-degree college program or a flight school, you must make sure your field of study is eligible for the PGWP and that you can meet the language requirement with a lower score.

Will I Be Grandfathered In?

If you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025, you are lucky! The old PGWP rules will still apply to you, even if your program is no longer eligible under the new changes.

You can still qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit just as you planned, regardless of the recent updates.

Why Your Field of Study Matters for Canada's Immigration Plans?

The list of programs now eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is closely linked to Canada's Express Entry system for permanent residency.

That means the fields of study added to the PGWP are the same ones that Canada is looking for when it invites people to apply for permanent residence.

By choosing a program that's on the latest PGWP list, you are not only opening the door to work after graduation—you are also putting yourself in a stronger position to stay in Canada for the long term since your education will match the country's most important job needs.

If you hope to build your future in Canada, choosing a qualifying program is now more crucial than ever.

Are You Planning to Study and Migrate to Canada in 2025?

Canadian immigration rules are constantly changing. If you are not aware of the latest updates and decide to study without understanding the new policies, it could make things much more difficult for you.

That's why it's always a good idea to stay informed or consult with an immigration lawyer before making big decisions. Getting the right advice can help reduce the risk of delays or rejections—and protect the investment you are making in your future.

If you miss out on essential details, you could end up losing both time and money, so it's best to be prepared from the start.

Do You Need Legal Advice?

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Disclaimer

The details above reflect the latest updates from IRCC as of June 25, 2025. Since everyone's situation is unique, we recommend contacting a licensed immigration lawyer to get personalized advice and to understand how these changes may impact your plans.

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