Canada Overhauls PGWP Eligibility for 2025, Updates Full List of Added and Removed Study Programs

Big news for current and future international students in Canada—PGWP eligibility in Canada has just been redefined. In a move to realign education with real-world jobs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced sweeping changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Starting June 25, 2025, several educational programs have been added to or removed from the PGWP eligibility list, with a direct focus on labour market needs. This update affects international students in non-degree programs who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

Let’s break down what’s changed, who it impacts, and what it means for your future in Canada.

Major Shift: What Changed in PGWP Eligibility?

IRCC has carefully assessed Canada’s workforce challenges and made data-driven updates.

• 119 educational programs added
• 178 educational programs removed
• Total PGWP-eligible programs now: 920

The aim? To ensure that the PGWP supports occupations that are actually in demand. Some fields—like healthcare, education, and trades—have seen an increase in eligible programs. Others, such as transport and certain STEM fields, have been scaled back or completely removed.

Here’s a quick look at examples from some major fields:

Programs No Longer Eligible for PGWP

Newly Added PGWP-Eligible Programs

These additions reflect the needs of Canada’s current economy, especially in healthcare, skilled trades, and teaching.

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

Only international students in non-degree programs (i.e., programs that do not lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) are affected. If you applied for a study permit:

• Before June 25, 2025: You’re protected (“grandfathered”) by the old list.
• On or after November 1, 2024: You must graduate from a PGWP-eligible field of study.

PGWP eligibility in Canada is now tightly connected to whether your chosen program meets current labour demands.

PGWP and Express Entry: A Growing Connection

Canada’s immigration system is now better synchronized. IRCC has aligned PGWP eligibility with Express Entry priority categories.

Here’s how:

• PGWP updates target occupations with real job openings at the entry level.
• Express Entry now prioritizes permanent residence (PR) candidates in those same fields.

For example, programs in education and healthcare were recently added to PGWP eligibility. These same sectors are now listed in Express Entry’s occupation-based draws. So, if you’re a student aiming to stay in Canada long term, your field of study could directly impact both your work permit and PR pathway.

Language Requirements Still Apply

Regardless of your field, you’ll also need to meet language benchmarks.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

CLB/NCLC 5 or 7 is required across all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

PGWP Eligibility in Canada Just Got Smarter

This change marks a major shift in how international education is connected to the job market. PGWP eligibility in Canada is no longer just about graduating—it’s about graduating with the right skills for Canada’s workforce. If you’re planning to study in Canada, choosing the right program just became more important than ever. The program you pick can now shape your chances of getting a work permit—and eventually permanent residency. Not sure if your program qualifies? Talk to experts and book a consultation today! To stay ahead and updated, subscribe Canada Immigration News!

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