Canada Delays Removal of Study Programs from PGWP Eligibility: What It Means for You
On July 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a delay in removing 178 study programs from the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list. These programs will now remain eligible “until early 2026”, giving students crucial extra time to qualify.
✅ What this means:
- Programs removed on June 25, 2025 are still eligible until early 2026.
- Students who applied for study permits between June 25 and July 4, 2025 remain eligible .
- The total number of eligible programs increased from 920 to 1,107.
1. Why This Matters for VisaMasterCanada Visitors
| Key Concern | How This Helps You |
|---|---|
| Applying for programs previously at risk | You now have extra time to get in before changes take effect |
| Planning non-degree programs (college diplomas) | Many college-level paths remain safe for PGWP applications |
| Understanding your rights if applied late July | Applications between June 25–July 4 are still protected |
| Making informed PR and immigration plans | No need to rush—better planning time toward PR pathway |
2. Who Is Affected?
- College diploma and certificate students in non-degree programs are most impacted. University degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) are exempt from field-of-study restrictions .
- Students who applied for study permits before June 25, 2025 already qualified under the old rules.
- Students applying during the June 25–July 4 grace period also qualify.
3. Why IRCC Postponed the Removal
- Allows consultation with educational institutions to manage transitions smoothly.
- Ensures existing and incoming students aren’t unfairly penalized mid-stream.
- Ensures PGWP aligns with labour-demand sectors, such as healthcare, education, and trades.
4. What You Should Do Next
- Verify your CIP code against the updated IRCC list to ensure your program remains eligible .
- If you’re applying before early 2026, consider enrolling now—especially for college diploma/ certificate programs.
- Consult with VisaMasterCanada’s expert advisors to build a PGWP-to-PR strategy.
- Apply for your study permit promptly during this grace period.
- Monitor IRCC updates, and revisit your PGWP eligibility before early 2026.
5. How VisaMasterCanada Can Help
- CIP code checks: Confirm if your program is eligible.
- PGWP eligibility assessment: Ensure your diploma qualifies under both old and new rules.
- Immigration planning: Seamlessly transition from study to work to permanent residency.
- Timely alerts: Stay updated on Canada’s evolving international student policies.
he IRCC’s postponement provides a valuable opportunity for international students—especially those in college-level programs. With the extended grace period, you can enroll in eligible programs, safeguard your PGWP eligibility, and strategically prepare for your future in Canada.
Check your program, apply during the grace window, and connect with VisaMahttps://www.visamastercanada.com/sterCanada for dedicated guidance.
