Canada Updates PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study: What International Students Need to Know in 2025

On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant update to the list of educational programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). These changes reflect Canada’s evolving labor market and aim to align study-to-work pathways with in-demand occupations across the country.

Why This Matters

The PGWP is a critical bridge for international students who wish to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. However, not all programs will qualify going forward. For non-degree programs (i.e., diploma or certificate programs), students must now ensure their field of study is on the revised eligibility list.

🗓️ If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, these changes apply to you.

📌 If you applied before June 25, 2025, your eligibility is protected under the previous rules (grandfathered in).

What’s New in 2025?

IRCC added 119 new fields of study to the PGWP-eligible list and removed 178. The total number of eligible fields now stands at 920.

✅ Newly Eligible Fields:

These are aligned with occupations facing chronic labor shortages in Canada:

• 🩺 Healthcare and Social Services

• 📚 Education

• 🛠️ Trades

📘 For the first time, Education programs have been added to the eligibility list. Some of the newly added programs include:

🎓 Education:

• French Language Arts Teacher Education

• Biology Teacher Education

• Chemistry, Drama, Dance, and Computer Teacher Education

🦷 Healthcare and Social Services:

• Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

• Dentistry (DDS/DMD)

Dental and Oral Health Sciences

🦷 Healthcare and Social Services:

• Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

• Dentistry (DDS/DMD)

• Dental and Oral Health Sciences

🔧 Trades:

• Construction Project Management

• Cabinetmaking and Millwork

• CNC Machinist Technology

• Professional Diving

🏛️ STEM (Architecture Focus):

• Architecture (BArch, MArch, DArch, PhD)

• Landscape Architecture

• Advanced Architectural Design

Fields Removed from PGWP Eligibility

Several programs have been removed, primarily due to their declining relevance in the current labor market. Some notable removals include:

🌾 Agriculture:

• Agricultural Business Management

• Crop Production

Farm Management

✈️ Transport:

• Aircraft Maintenance

• Public Transportation Planning

• Marine and Engine Mechanics

🌿 Environmental Studies (STEM):

• Environmental/Natural Resource Policy

• Water and Wetlands Management

🏗️ Trades:

• Solar Energy Technician

• Electrical Transmission Installation

Drywall Installation

🗣️ Language and Other PGWP Requirements

Regardless of field of study, all PGWP applicants must meet minimum language requirements:

🎓 Level of Study	🗣️ Language Requirement	📘 Field of Study Requirement
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD (university)	CLB/NCLC 7 (all skills)	Not required
Bachelor’s (college)	CLB/NCLC 7 (all skills)	Not required
Other university-level programs	CLB/NCLC 7 (all skills)	Must be PGWP-eligible
Non-degree college/diploma programs	CLB/NCLC 5 (all skills)	Must be PGWP-eligible

🛫 Note: Graduates from PGWP-approved flight schools are exempt from the field of study requirement.

 PGWP and Express Entry: A Connected Strategy

These changes are closely tied to Canada’s Express Entry system. Just like PGWP eligibility is now tied to labor shortages, Express Entry category-based draws are also focused on in-demand occupations. In fact, many of the new PGWP-eligible fields mirror the February 2025 updates to Express Entry priorities.

📝 What Should Students Do Now?

✔️ Check if your program is on the new eligibility list

✔️ Meet the language requirements early

✔️ Speak to your DLI or immigration consultant

✔️ Apply for your study permit before November 1, 2024, to avoid the new rules

 Final Thoughts

These changes show a clear trend: Canada is prioritizing international students whose education aligns with real labor market needs. If you’re planning to study in Canada, it’s now more important than ever to choose your program strategically.

📞 Need personalized advice? Consider booking a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to navigate your options.

PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study