Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released an important update to the list of eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), directly affecting international students enrolled in non-degree programs such as diplomas, certificates, or other non-university-level qualifications. Background: Changes Introduced in 2024 As part of broader reforms to the International Student Program, IRCC introduced a significant policy change in 2024. Effective for study permit applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, international students enrolled in non-degree programs must complete a program in a field of study that is linked to jobs experiencing long-term labour shortages in Canada, as identified in Express Entry occupation priorities. This requirement does not apply to students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs. What’s Changing as of June 25, 2025 Today, IRCC announced an updated list of eligible fields of study for PGWP purposes, aligned with Canada’s 2025 Express Entry occupational priorities. The update includes the following major changes: 119 new fields of study have been added to the eligibility list. These reflect Canada’s current labour needs in sectors such as health care, social services, education, and skilled trades. 178 fields of study have been removed, as they are no longer linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages. The total number of eligible fields of study now stands at 920. What This Means for International Students Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025: You remain eligible for a PGWP if your field of study was eligible at the time you applied, even if it has since been removed from the list. Students applying on or after June 25, 2025: You must ensure your program falls within the current list of 920 eligible fields of study to qualify for a PGWP. This update reinforces the Canadian government’s intention to better align international education with long-term labour market needs and immigration pathways such as Express Entry. How to Check If Your Program Is Eligible IRCC has published the full list of eligible fields of study using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. To review the current list of 920 eligible fields, visit: 👉 List of Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP – 2025 Update Back to all posts Share this post:
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