The Canadian government has announced a significant update to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, changing the list of educational programs that can lead to a work permit after graduation.
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced substantial revisions to the PGWP-eligible fields of study, ensuring they reflect the evolving demands of Canada’s job market for 2025 and beyond.
A total of 119 new study programs have been added, while 178 existing programs have been removed from the eligibility list.
Who Will These Changes Affect?
This new policy specifically applies to:
International students enrolled in non-degree programs (programs that don’t result in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree), and
Those who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024
Students who submitted their study permit application before June 25, 2025 are grandfathered into the previous eligibility list. They remain eligible for a PGWP based on the program list active at their time of application.
What’s Changed in the PGWP-Eligible Study Fields?
As per the latest revision, there are now 920 PGWP-eligible programs.
Notably, Transport programs have been entirely removed from the eligibility list, and in the Agriculture and Agri-Food sector, just one program remains eligible.
The 119 newly approved programs are concentrated in industries experiencing long-term labour shortages, while the 178 removed programs belonged to sectors that no longer face significant workforce demand.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Programs
The following educational programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP Code |
| Agriculture, general | 01.0000 |
| Agricultural business and management, general | 01.0101 |
| Farm/farm and ranch management | 01.0104 |
| Agricultural power machinery operation | 01.0204 |
| Crop production | 01.0304 |
No new educational programs have been added to PGWP eligibility for this field of study.
Education Programs
No educational programs have been removed from PGWP eligibility for this field of study.
The following educational programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| French language/French language arts teacher 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
The following healthcare and social services programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Bilingual, multilingual and multicultural education, other | 13.0299 |
| Multicultural education | 13.0202 |
| Indigenous education | 13.0203 |
| College student counselling and personnel services | 13.1102 |
| Student counselling and personnel services, other | 13.1199 |
The following healthcare and social services programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Veterinary medicine (DVM) | 01.8001 |
| Veterinary/animal health technology/technician and veterinary assistant | 01.8301 |
| Dentistry (DDS, DMD) | 51.0401 |
| Dental clinical sciences, general (MS, MSc, PhD) | 51.0501 |
| Oral biology and oral and maxillofacial pathology (MS, MSc, PhD) | 51.0503 |
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Programs
The following STEM programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Agricultural and extension education services | 01.0801 |
| Natural resources/conservation, general | 03.0101 |
| Environmental studies | 03.0103 |
| Water, wetlands and marine resources management | 03.0205 |
| Environmental/natural resources management and policy, other | 03.0299 |
The following STEM programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Architecture (BArch, BA, BS, BSc, MArch, MA, MS, MSc, DArch, PhD) | 04.0201 |
| Advanced architectural design (MArch, MA, MS, MSc, DArch, PhD) | 04.0202 |
| Landscape architecture (BS, BSc, BSLA, BLA, MSLA, MLA, PhD) | 04.0601 |
Trade Programs
The following trade programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Solar energy technology/technician | 15.1703 |
| Electrical and power transmission installation/installer, general | 46.0301 |
| Building/property maintenance | 46.0401 |
| Building/home/construction inspection/inspector | 46.0403 |
| Drywall installation/drywaller | 46.0404 |
The following trade programs are now PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Construction management, general | 52.2001 |
| Construction project management | 52.2002 |
| Diver, professional and instructor | 49.0304 |
| Cabinetmaking and millwork | 48.0703 |
| Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinist technology/CNC machinist | 48.0510 |
Transport Programs
The following transport programs are no longer PGWP-eligible:
| Program name | CIP code |
| Public transportation and infrastructure planning/studies | 44.0403 |
| Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology/technician | 47.0607 |
| Engine machinist | 47.0615 |
| Marine maintenance/fitter and ship repair technology/technician | 47.0616 |
| High performance and custom engine technician/mechanic | 47.0617 |
No new educational programs have been added to PGWP eligibility for this field of study.
The Link Between PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study and Express Entry Categories
Both the PGWP eligibility list and Canada’s Express Entry categories are regulated by IRCC to closely reflect the Canadian labour market’s immediate needs.
While the PGWP eligibility list ensures international students at the non-degree level can gain work permits in sectors where demand exists, Express Entry categories prioritize permanent residence (PR) applications for occupations facing labour shortages.
Interestingly, updates made to Express Entry draws earlier this year directly align with the recent changes made to PGWP-eligible programs — indicating a consistent government strategy across both immigration pathways.
What Other Requirements Must Be Met to Qualify for a PGWP?
Aside from enrolling in an eligible program, international students must meet language proficiency requirements based on their level of study:
| Level of study | Language requirements | Field of study requirements |
| College bachelor’s degree programs | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
| College program or other non-university program | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
For students from Gujarat aspiring to study in Canada and take advantage of these updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) opportunities, it’s crucial to work with experienced and reliable visa consultants who can guide you through the new program eligibility criteria and immigration policies. This is where SWEC, one of the most trusted Canada Student Visa Consultants in Ahmedabad and Surat, comes in. With years of experience in the overseas education and immigration industry, SWEC has helped thousands of students successfully secure study permits and PGWPs in Canada. Their team of certified counsellors stays up to date with the latest IRCC regulations, including the recent overhaul of PGWP-eligible programs, ensuring that students select the right courses aligned with Canada’s labour market demands. Whether you’re applying for non-degree diploma programs, bachelor’s, or master’s courses in Canada, SWEC offers personalized counselling, documentation support, university application assistance, visa interview preparation, and post-landing services. For students in Ahmedabad, Surat, and across Gujarat aiming to build a successful career pathway in Canada through education and post-study work permits, SWEC remains the go-to destination for expert, transparent, and reliable immigration services.
