New Changes in Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Policy

Canada has introduced important changes for international students who want to work after completing their studies. On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a revised list of study programs that are now eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This update aims to better connect students’ education with the current job market needs in Canada.

What Has Changed?

The new list includes more programs that are in demand and removes those that are no longer needed in the Canadian workforce. Here’s a breakdown of the main changes:

• 119 new programs have been added to the list.
• 178 programs have been removed, especially in transport and outdated trades.
• The total number of PGWP-eligible programs is now 920.

These changes show Canada’s efforts to attract students into careers that are needed the most, such as in healthcare, education, skilled trades, science, and technology.

Who Will Be Affected?

Not every student is affected by this update. Here’s who needs to pay attention:

• The new rules apply to non-degree program students who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
• Students who already applied for their study permits before June 25, 2025, can still benefit from the previous PGWP rules.

So, if you are planning to study in Canada soon, make sure your program is on the updated eligible list before applying.

Focus on Jobs That Are in Demand

Canada is focusing more on areas where worker shortages exist. This includes sectors like:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Skilled trades
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Architecture and design

Newly Added Programs (Examples)

Here are some of the new programs that are now eligible for PGWP. These fields are expected to offer more job opportunities in Canada:

Healthcare:

• Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Dentistry (DDS, DMD)
• Dental Sciences

Education:

• French Language Teacher Education
• Biology Teacher Education
• Chemistry and Drama Education
• Drama and Dance Teacher Education

killed Trades:

• Cabinetmaking and Millwork
• Construction Project Management
• CNC Machining (Computer Numerically Controlled Machines)

STEM & Architecture:

• Landscape Architecture
• Advanced Architectural Design

These additions mean that students who choose these programs will have a better chance of getting a work permit after graduating.

Programs No Longer Eligible for PGWP

IRCC has also removed several programs from the list because they are no longer in high demand. These include:

• All transportation-related programs
• Most agriculture programs (except one related to agri-food)
• Environmental studies
• Marine resource management
• Solar energy
• Drywall installation and related trades

According to IRCC, these programs were removed because there is no longer a shortage of workers in those areas.

Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants

To apply for the PGWP, students still need to prove their English or French language skills. The required score depends on the type of program completed:

Type of Graduate	Required CLB/NCLC Score
Non-university (college or diploma)	Minimum Level 5
University (degree programs)	Minimum Level 7
Flight school students	Exempt from program-specific rules

Flight school graduates are still exempt from many of the field-based eligibility rules, giving them a special pathway to work in Canada as future pilots.

If you’re planning to study in Canada and work afterward, make sure your chosen program is eligible for the PGWP under the new list. This update helps international students make smarter choices and ensures that they are studying programs with real job opportunities in Canada.

For a full and updated list of eligible programs, always check the official IRCC website.

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