IRCC Updates Eligible Diploma Fields for Canada Visa

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 27, 2025June 27, 2025International Students & GraduatesCanadian immigration, eligible fields, IRCC updates, visa sponsorship, work permits

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently updated the eligible fields for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) for international students enrolled in non-degree programs, like diplomas and certificates. As of June 25, there are now a total of 920 fields available.

This change means that international students who hold a Canadian student visa can apply to stay and work in Canada after they finish their studies. But there’s a catch: students earning their credentials must be in a field that’s experiencing a long-term labour shortage in Canada. This requirement was implemented for all international students last November, but was later withdrawn for those in degree programs.

What Changes Were Made?

The updated list reflects Canada’s priorities regarding skilled immigration through programs like the Express Entry system, which selects candidates for permanent residency based on their qualifications. A total of 178 fields have been removed, indicating that Canada no longer has workforce shortages in those areas. Meanwhile, 119 new fields in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades were added.

Importantly, if you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025, you’ll still qualify for a PGWP as long as your field was on the approved list when you applied.

How to Find Eligible Fields

The IRCC has removed programs related to transport, while only one agriculture-related program continues to qualify. The new programs correlate with sectors that are facing significant worker shortages, which is great news for international students looking to make their mark in Canada.

Here are some examples of newly added fields:

Healthcare and Social Services: Veterinary medicine, nutrition studies
STEM Fields: Urban planning, environmental design
Education: Special education, multilingual education
Trades: HVAC engineering technology, welding technology

Visa Sponsorship and Finding Work in Canada

If you are thinking about visa sponsorship or permanent residency (PR) in Canada, being in a strong job sector can certainly ease your journey. Occupations that are included in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) can help you position yourself for these opportunities. Strong sectors not only expand your job prospects but can also enhance your scores in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is crucial for Express Entry applications.

So whether you’re eyeing the healthcare sector or a skilled trade, focusing on in-demand fields can make your transition to working in Canada much smoother.