Major Changes to PGWP-Eligible Programs: International Students Advised to Review Study Plans
Date Posted:June 26, 2025
Last Updated:June 30, 2025
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to the list of educational programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This change is intended to better align international student pathways with Canada’s evolving labour market demands in 2025.
Who Is Affected?
These changes apply to international students enrolled in non-degree programs (i.e. programs that do not lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree) who:
- Apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024
Students who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025 are grandfathered into the previous rules. This means they will still be eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of application, even if it has since been removed.
Summary of Changes
As of this update:
- 119 programs have been added to the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study
- 178 programs have been removed
- The new total is 920 PGWP-eligible programs
The newly added programs are in high-demand sectors such as:
- Healthcare and social services
- Education
- Skilled trades
Conversely, programs linked to occupations no longer experiencing labour shortages were removed. All programs in the Transport sector have been eliminated, and only one Agriculture-related program remains eligible.
Key Program Changes by Sector
Agriculture and Agri-Food programs
The following educational programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| 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 |
No educational programs have been added to PGWP eligibility for this field of study.
Education programs
No educational programs have been removed from PGWP eligibility for this field of study.
The following educational programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
|---|---|
| French language/French language arts teacher 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 |
Healthcare and social services programs
The following healthcare and social services programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
|---|---|
| Bilingual, multilingual and multicultural education, other | 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 |
The following healthcare and social services programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
|---|---|
| Veterinary medicine (DVM) | 01.8001 |
| Veterinary/animal health technology/technician and veterinary assistant | 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 |
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs
The following STEM programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| 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 and policy, other | 03.0299 |
The following STEM programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
|---|---|
| Architecture (BArch, BA, BS, BSc, MArch, MA, MS, MSc, DArch, PhD) | 04.0201 |
| Advanced architectural design (MArch, MA, MS, MSc, DArch, PhD) | 04.0202 |
| Landscape architecture (BS, BSc, BSLA, BLA, MSLA, MLA, PhD) | 04.0601 |
Trade programs
The following trade programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| 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 |
The following trade programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| 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/CNC machinist | 48.0510 |
Transport programs
The following trade programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
|---|---|
| Public transportation and infrastructure planning/studies | 44.0403 |
| Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology/technician | 47.0607 |
| Engine machinist | 47.0615 |
| Marine maintenance/fitter and ship repair technology/technician | 47.0616 |
| High performance and custom engine technician/mechanic | 47.0617 |
No educational programs have been added to PGWP eligibility for this field of study.
A full updated list of the PGWP-eligible fields of study can be found here.
PGWP and Express Entry: A Connected Strategy
Both PGWP eligibility and Express Entry selection categories are regulated by IRCC with a shared focus on Canada’s labour market needs.
- PGWP prioritizes non-degree students who graduate in fields linked to occupations in demand for temporary work opportunities
- Express Entry prioritizes candidates with experience or education in high-demand fields for permanent residency (PR) selection
Because of this connection, updates to PGWP eligibility often mirror changes in Express Entry categories. This was seen earlier in February 2025, and again with the current PGWP changes, which reflect the same occupational priorities added to Express Entry.
Language and Other PGWP Requirements
PGWP applicants must also meet language requirements based on their level of study:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement (CLB/NCLC) | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| College bachelor’s programs | CLB/NCLC 7 (all four skills) | Not required |
| University bachelor’s/master’s/PhD | CLB/NCLC 7 | Not required |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 | Required |
| College/non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 | Required |
| Flight school (PGWP-eligible) grads | Not specified | Not required |
Visa JP Canada – Summary and Advice
This significant revision to PGWP eligibility criteria is particularly important for international students considering non-degree programs such as college or vocational training. If you plan to apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, it is essential to confirm in advance whether your intended field of study is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The PGWP plays a critical role in helping graduates gain Canadian work experience and often serves as a stepping stone toward permanent residency. Since your choice of program and field of study can directly impact your future immigration options, it is more important than ever to research carefully and seek expert advice before enrolling.
At Visa JP Canada, we provide up-to-date guidance on study and immigration pathways, helping clients select suitable schools and programs in line with the latest immigration policies and labour market trends. If you have questions about studying, working, or immigrating to Canada, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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