Effective Date: June 25, 2025Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Major Overhaul Targets Skills Gap in Key Sectors In a significant update to its
Canada Revamps Post Graduate Work Permits -Eligible Study Fields to Match Labour Market Needs
Effective Date: June 25, 2025
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Major Overhaul Targets Skills Gap in Key Sectors
In a significant update to its immigration framework, the Canadian government has revised the list of non-degree study programs that qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). As of June 25, 2025, 119 new programs have been added to the eligibility list, while 178 have been removed. This move aims to align international education streams more closely with Canada’s long-term labour market needs, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, and education.
Focus Sectors: New Inclusions and Key Removals
Newly Added Programs (119 Fields)
Canada has added programs that directly respond to national labour shortages. These include:
- Healthcare & Social Services: Veterinary technicians, dental assistants, medical lab techs, etc.
- Education: Teacher training in subjects like biology, French, chemistry, and drama.
- Skilled Trades: Programs in construction management, CNC machining, cabinetmaking, diver training, and more.
Removed Programs (178 Fields)
Several study fields have been excluded due to misalignment with workforce demands:
- Transport and Logistics: Entirely removed.
- Agriculture: Only one agriculture-related program remains eligible.
- Other STEM and Environmental Fields: Some solar energy and environmental science programs have been cut.
Eligibility Timeline and Student Impact
This change affects non-degree students—such as those pursuing diplomas or certificates—who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024. Those who applied before June 25, 2025 remain eligible under previous rules through a grandfather clause. Degree students are unaffected by these changes.
Additionally, students must meet updated language requirements:
- Colleges: CLB/NCLC 5
- Universities: CLB/NCLC 7
Strategy: Linking PGWP and Express Entry
This reform is part of a larger trend to harmonize various immigration pathways. PGWP eligibility is now more tightly aligned with the Express Entry system, which prioritizes candidates with experience in in-demand fields. By synchronizing these programs, IRCC is fostering a streamlined path from study to permanent residency for international students.
Purpose Behind the Reform
The overhaul addresses three main objectives:
- Workforce Alignment: Matching graduates to Canada’s labour needs.
- Immigration Streamlining: Creating consistent criteria across immigration programs.
- Annual Updates: Ensuring the PGWP list remains relevant through yearly reviews based on labour market trends.
Key Information at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Programs | 920 non-degree fields now qualify |
| Effective From | June 25, 2025 (with grandfather clause) |
| Who It Affects | Non-degree students applying Nov 1, 2024 onwards |
| Language Criteria | College: CLB/NCLC 5; University: CLB/NCLC 7 |
| Grandfather Clause | Students pre-June 25, 2025 are unaffected |
| Future Reviews | IRCC to evaluate the PGWP list annually based on labour data |
Steps for Students to Stay Eligible
- Check Program Eligibility: Ensure your field of study is on the updated list before applying.
- Understand Language Requirements: Meet the required CLB/NCLC levels based on your institution type.
- Watch for Updates: Stay informed about future list revisions and policy changes.
- Align with In-Demand Fields: Consider sectors with higher labour demand such as healthcare, education, and trades.
