Dreaming Of Studying In Canada And Landing A Work Permit? Big News Canada Adds 119 New Fields To Its Pgwp Program
If you’re dreaming of studying in Canada and staying to work afterward, here’s some big news you should know: On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) eligibility—but only for certain programs. Here’s what changed:
Key Update: 119 New Fields Added to PGWP Eligibility
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| What changed? | IRCC added 119 new fields of study to the PGWP-eligible list and removed 178 fields, bringing the total to 920 eligible programs . |
| Who’s affected? | Students in non‑degree programs (diplomas, certificates) who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024 . |
| Exemptions | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree graduates remain fully eligible regardless of field . |
| Grandfathering rule | If you submitted a study permit before June 25, 2025, your program remains eligible—even if it’s been removed since . |
What’s New?
The 119 newly eligible fields include programs aligned with Canada’s Express Entry priorities and highlight sectors with labor shortages:
- STEM & Architecture (e.g. landscape architecture, advanced architectural design
- Health care (e.g. nursing, dental, veterinary tech)
- Education (e.g. early-childhood, teacher assistant, French/biology/chemistry teacher education)
- Skilled trades (e.g. cabinetmaking, construction management, CNC machinist)
Meanwhile, 178 fields were removed, including low-demand programs in transport, general business, environmental studies, and some trades like solar tech and drywall installation
What It Means for You
- Choose your program carefully
- If you’re entering a non-degree program after November 1, 2024, ensure your CIP code is on the updated eligible list.
- Interested in degrees? Good news—they remain PGWP-eligible regardless.
- Check your permit application dates
- Applied before June 25, 2025? You’re locked into the old rules—your program still qualifies.
- Applied after? Only the new eligible programs count.
- Consider your long-term plans
- Launching your career in high-demand sectors now gives you a stronger pathway to a PGWP and eventual permanent residency via Express Entry.
- Stay informed
- IRCC maintains the full updated list by CIP code—check before accepting admission.
Canada’s June 2025 PGWP overhaul is a strategic move to prioritize international grads in healthcare, education, trades, and STEM. If you’re aiming to study non-degree programs, make sure your chosen field is among the 119 new eligible ones, and that you applied for your study permit at the right time.
