Canada Revokes 178 Study Fields for PGWP Eligibility

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 30, 2025International Students & GraduatesCanada immigration, post-graduation work permits, study fields, visa eligibility, work permits

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits in Canada

If you’re considering studying in Canada and potentially moving here, it’s important to stay updated on the regulations regarding post-graduation work permits (PGWPs). Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the eligibility of fields of study for PGWPs.

What Changed?

As of June 25, 2025, 178 fields of study will no longer qualify for PGWPs. This includes certain programs in areas like technical training, building maintenance, and agriculture. These fields have been deemed not directly linked to professions that currently face long-term labour shortages in Canada.

This update primarily affects international students enrolled in non-degree programs. If you apply for a study permit after June 25, 2025, and your program falls under one of the removed fields, you won’t be eligible for a PGWP. However, if you submitted your study permit application before this date and were enrolled in an eligible program at that time, you’ll still qualify for a PGWP—even if your program later gets excluded.

New Opportunities Ahead

On a brighter note, alongside the removed fields, 119 new programs have been added for key sectors, such as healthcare, education, and trades. This expands the total number of eligible programs for PGWPs to a solid 920. If you’re interested in these areas, you’ll find more opportunities to gain work experience after your studies and improve your chances of remaining in Canada.

How Does This Relate to Moving to Canada?

Understanding the landscape of work permits in Canada can help you navigate your pathway to Canadian permanent residency (PR). While programs like PGWPs can provide valuable work experience, it’s essential to consider fields that offer the best chance for future opportunities. If you’re looking at different programs, focusing on those newly added could serve you well in both securing a job post-graduation and enhancing your PR application down the road.

Additionally, if you’re interested in staying in Canada long-term, getting employment in sectors facing worker shortages can be beneficial. This is where Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) come into play. An LMIA assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian job market and is often a crucial step in obtaining job offers that can lead to PR.