In a significant update for international students, Canada has overhauled the list of educational programs that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The new eligibility list, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 25, 2025, reflects an effort to align study programs with current labour market demands.
Key Highlights of the Update
- One hundred nineteen new programs have been added to the PGWP-eligible list.
- One hundred seventy-eight programs have been removed, including most transport-related courses and trades that are no longer experiencing high demand.
- The updated list now features a total of 920 eligible educational programs.
Who Is Affected?
- These changes only apply to students in non-degree programs who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
- Students who submitted their study permits before June 25, 2025, will remain eligible under the previous PGWP rules.
Focus on In-Demand Occupations
The revised PGWP list emphasizes fields facing worker shortages across Canada. Sectors like healthcare, education, skilled trades, and STEM-related design fields have gained prominence.
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Newly Added Fields of Study:
Healthcare
- Veterinary Medicine
- Dentistry
- Dental Sciences
Education
- French Language Teacher Education
- Biology Teacher Education
- Chemistry and Drama Education
Skilled Trades
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork
- Construction Project Management
- CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Machining
STEM & Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Advanced Architectural Design
Newly Approved PGWP-Eligible Programs
- French Language Teacher Education – Education
- Biology Teacher Education – Education
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM) – Healthcare
- Dentistry (DDS, DMD) – Healthcare
- Architecture & Advanced Architectural Design – STEM & Design
- Landscape Architecture – STEM & Design
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork – Skilled Trades
- Construction Project Management – Skilled Trades
- CNC Machinist – Skilled Trades
- Drama and Dance Teacher Education – Education & Arts
For a complete and categorized list, consult the official IRCC website.
Programs Removed from Eligibility
Due to reduced demand in certain fields, IRCC has eliminated several programs from the PGWP list.
- No Longer Eligible Programs Include:
- All transport-related fields
- Most agriculture programs (only one agri-food program remains)
- Environmental studies
- Marine resources management
- Solar energy
- Drywall installation
IRCC explains these removals by stating that the related occupations no longer face labour shortages.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must still meet language requirements depending on their level of education.
Required CLB/NCLC Scores:
- Non-university program graduates: Minimum level 5
- University graduates: Minimum level 7
- Flight school graduates: Exempt from field-specific eligibility rules
This exemption continues to provide a unique pathway for aspiring pilots.
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