Canada Updates PGWP Eligible Fields for 2025 Immigration
Understanding Changes to Work Permit Eligibility in Canada
If you’re considering moving to Canada for studies and work, you’ll want to know about some recent changes regarding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). Effective June 25, 2025, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department (IRCC) has altered which educational programmes qualify for PGWP, a key pathway to working in Canada after graduation.
What is a PGWP?
A PGWP allows international students to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, giving them a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in the Canadian job market. However, not all fields of study are eligible for this work permit.
What’s New?
The IRCC has introduced changes that impact the types of educational programmes that can lead to a PGWP. You may be happy to hear that 119 new fields of study are now eligible. However, 178 fields have been removed from the list, many of which do not align with current labour market demands.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, noted that immigration provides significant economic advantages to Canada but emphasized the importance of maintaining sustainable immigration levels consistent with community capacities.
These adjustments are particularly relevant to students planning to study non-degree programmes, which do not result in a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
New Eligible Fields of Study
The new eligible programmes primarily focus on sectors experiencing labour shortages, such as healthcare, social services, and trades. Unfortunately, most transport and certain agricultural programmes (except for Agri-food) have been removed from the list of eligible fields.
Moreover, this is the first time educational programmes, notably in the education field, are included in the PGWP eligibility criteria, which is exciting news for future educators!
Fields That Are No Longer Eligible
If you’re interested in studying agriculture, you must choose the Agri-food sector to qualify for the PGWP. Other education programmes like French language teacher education and biology education are eligible, while some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields have been removed, such as environment and natural resources.
To apply successfully for a PGWP, you must also meet language proficiency requirements based on your level of study.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
If you’re an international student aiming for a career in Canada, it’s crucial to select fields of study wisely, particularly with these new updates. Ensure your choice aligns with labour market demands, as this greatly influences your chances of securing not just a PGWP but also permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
Canada’s immigration policies are interconnected with job market needs, making it important for future students to stay informed and adaptable to changes.
Have your say!
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The following article was adapted from an external news source for our readers’ benefit. The original version is available here.
VJC-International Students & Graduates
