Canada Has Made a Sweeping Change to its Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canada Updates PGWP Criteria to Support Priority Sectors
Canada has made a sweeping change to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, redefining the academic pathways that lead international students to work opportunities after graduation. As of June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has realigned the eligible fields of study for non-degree programs in response to labour market forecasts for 2025 and beyond.
Who Will This Impact?
- Non-degree students – Those in certificate, diploma, and other non-university or non-college degree programs.
- Study permit applicants from November 1, 2024, onward.
Students who submitted their study permits before June 25, 2025, are protected under the rules in place at their time of application, even if their field has since been excluded.
Field-by-Field Breakdown of Program Eligibility Changes
Summary of Key Changes:
- 119 fields of study were newly added.
- 178 programs were removed.
- Transport-related programs were eliminated.
- Education programs were introduced.
What’s New in the PGWP Landscape?
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most affected program categories, including their Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes:
Agriculture and Agri-Food
All previously eligible programs in this category have been removed, and no new ones have been introduced.
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Agriculture, general | 01.0000 |
| Agricultural business and management, general | 01.0101 |
| Farm/ranch managemen | 01.0104 |
| Agricultural power machinery operation | 01.0204 |
| Crop production | 01.0304 |
Education
A brand-new addition to PGWP eligibility, this field includes various subject-specific teaching tracks. No removals were made in this category.
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| French language/French language arts education | 13.1325 |
| Biology teacher education | 13.1322 |
| Computer teacher education | 13.1321 |
| Chemistry teacher education | 13.1323 |
| Drama and dance teacher education | 13.1324 |
Healthcare and Social Services
Programs that offer broader educational themes were trimmed, but core healthcare degrees and certifications were newly added.
Programs Removed:
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Bilingual/multilingual education (other) | 13.0299 |
| Multicultural education | 13.0202 |
| Indigenous education | 13.0203 |
| College student counselling | 13.1102 |
| Student services (other) | 13.1199 |
Programs Added:
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Veterinary medicine (DVM) | 01.8001 |
| Veterinary technology/technician | 01.8301 |
| Dentistry (DDS, DMD) | 51.0401 |
| Dental clinical sciences (MS, MSc, PhD) | 51.0501 |
| Oral biology/oral and maxillofacial pathology (MS, MSc, PhD) | 51.0503 |
STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
The new criteria favour architectural fields while scaling back environmental programs.
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Agricultural and extension education | 01.0801 |
| Natural resources/conservation | 03.0101 |
| Environmental studies | 03.0103 |
| Marine and water resources management | 03.0205 |
| Environmental/natural resources policy (other) | 03.0299 |
Programs Added:
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Architecture (BArch, MArch, PhD, etc.) | 04.0201 |
| Advanced architectural design | 04.0202 |
| Landscape architecture | 04.0601 |
Trades
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Solar energy technician | 15.1703 |
| Electrical installation (general) | 46.0301 |
| Building maintenance | 46.0401 |
| Construction inspection | 46.0403 |
| Drywall installation | 46.0404 |
Programs Added:
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Construction management (general) | 52.2001 |
| Construction project management | 52.2002 |
| Professional diver/instructor | 49.0304 |
| Cabinetmaking and millwork | 48.0703 |
| CNC machinist technology | 48.0510 |
Transport
This field was completely cut from PGWP eligibility. None of the previously listed transport-related programs were retained, and no new ones have been introduced.
| Program | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Public transportation infrastructure planning | 44.0403 |
| Aircraft maintenance technology | 47.0607 |
| Engine machining | 47.0615 |
| Marine repair and maintenance | 47.0616 |
| High-performance/custom engine mechanics | 47.0617 |
Why This Realignment Matters
Updated Language Requirements: Who Qualifies and How?
Aside from choosing the right program, PGWP hopefuls must also meet language proficiency standards. These vary based on the type of institution and credential pursued:
| Type of Program | Language Proficiency | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| College bachelor’s degree | CLB/NCLC 7 (English/French) | Not required |
| University undergraduate or graduate degree | CLB/NCLC 7 (English/French) | Not required |
| Other university-level credentials | CLB/NCLC 7 (English/French) | Program must be on eligible list |
| College diplomas/certificates | CLB/NCLC 5 (English/French) | Program must be on eligible list |
| Flight school programs | Not defined | Field of study requirement waived |
What Students Should Do Next
Prospective applicants should consult the latest list of PGWP-eligible programs before submitting study permit applications, especially for non-degree tracks.
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