Canada Updates PGWP Visa Rules for International Applicants

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 27, 2025June 27, 2025International Students & Graduates2025 regulations, Canada immigration, PGWP updates, visa sponsorship, work permits

Photo above by Sanket Mishra

If you’re considering studying in Canada, it’s important to be aware of recent changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which could affect your job prospects after graduation. The Canadian government is tightening eligibility rules to better align education with labour market needs, which can be great for students and employers alike!

As of now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of eligible fields of study for the PGWP, in line with 2025 Express Entry priorities. This means 119 new programs have been incorporated in areas experiencing labour shortages—like health care, education, and skilled trades—while 178 programs that no longer match job market demands have been removed.

The total number of eligible fields of study now stands at 920. This update applies to international students in non-degree programs (meaning those not seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) who apply for study permits on or after November 1, 2024. Students who applied for study permits before June 25, 2025, will still be eligible under the old criteria, giving them some peace of mind.

A focus on labour market alignment

These changes come as part of a wider overhaul of Canada’s International Student Program, aiming to align international education with the country’s economic goals. The hope is to ensure that students are better prepared for the workforce and that they aren’t misled about opportunities for permanent residency.

Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller pointed out concerns about students being misled regarding job prospects, leading to misplaced expectations about PR pathways. The new rules aim to ease pressures on essential services like housing and healthcare while promoting student success.

Previously, PGWPs were granted automatically to graduates of any post-secondary program lasting over eight months. Now, the focus is on programs that lead directly to in-demand careers, such as nursing and IT support.

The impact on international students

For international students—who often pay significantly higher tuition than domestic students—Canada’s reputation for quality education and potential PR pathways has been a massive draw. The PGWP has been a vital avenue for gaining Canadian work experience, essential for applying to immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

However, the recent tightening of study permit caps and PGWP restrictions has sparked uncertainty, especially for those in programs like general business or early diploma-level IT, who may now find themselves ineligible.

While critics have raised concerns over the pace of these changes, supporters argue that the new structure will better match students with job opportunities, ensuring a more sustainable pathway to employment and PR.

If you’re considering non-degree programs in Canada, it’s essential to check the updated list of eligible fields before applying. The government plans to review this list annually based on labour market developments.

To find the complete list, visit the IRCC website.