Canada’s New List of PWGP-Eligible Field of Study Update
The Canadian government has introduced a revised list of eligible field of study for international students in non-degree programs.119 new field of study are now eligible for PGWP, while 178 fields of study have been removed from the eligibility listed effective today.
Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility in 2025
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program underwent significant reforms effective June 25, 2025, to align international education with national labour priorities. Here are the critical updates:
- 119 New Fields Added: Focused on sectors with chronic shortages, including healthcare (e.g., veterinary medicine, dentistry), education (e.g., early childhood, STEM teaching), and skilled trades (e.g., construction management, welding) .
- 178 Fields Removed: Programs like agricultural business, solar energy technology, and transport-related studies (e.g., aviation maintenance, logistics) were delisted due to reduced labour demand .
- *Grandfathering Protection: Students who applied for a study permit *before June 25, 2025, remain eligible even if their program was later removed. Exemptions also apply to degree holders (bachelor’s/master’s/PhD) and PGWP applicants before November 1, 2024 .
- Total Eligible Programs: 920 fields now qualify, down from 1,098 in 2024, reflecting tighter labour market alignment .
Impact on International Students
- Non-degree students (diplomas/certificates) who applied for study permits on/after November 1, 2024, must graduate from an eligible field. Degree seekers face no such restrictions .
- Agriculture and Transport sectors were hardest hit, with only one agriculture program (Meat Cutting, CIP 12.0506) retaining eligibility and all transport programs removed .
Full List of PGWP-Eligible Study Programs
Note: Always verify your program’s 6-digit CIP code via your institution or the official IRCC list .
Education and Agriculture Programs
Education dominates the new additions, addressing Canada’s teacher shortages:
- Early Childhood & Special Education:
- Early Childhood Education (CIP 13.1210)
- Montessori Teacher Education (CIP 13.1207)
- Special Education for Autism (CIP 13.1013) .
- Subject-Specific Teaching:
- French Language Arts (CIP 13.1325)
- Computer Teacher Education (CIP 13.1321)
- Biology Teacher Education (CIP 13.1322) .
Agriculture eligibility is now extremely limited:
- Only Program Retained: Meat Cutting/Butchery (CIP 12.0506) .
Table: Key Education Programs
| CIP Code | Program Name |
|---|---|
| 13.1210 | Early Childhood Education |
| 13.1325 | French Language Arts Teacher Education |
| 13.1321 | Computer Teacher Education |
| 13.1501 | Teaching Assistants/Aides |
Trade Programs
Skilled trades saw major expansions to support infrastructure goals:
- Construction & Engineering Trades:
- Construction Management (CIP 52.2001)
- Electrician (CIP 46.0302)
- Plumbing (CIP 46.0503) .
- Energy & Manufacturing:
- Wind Energy Technician (CIP 47.0704)
- CNC Machinist (CIP 48.0510)
- Welding Technology (CIP 48.0508) .
Table: Newly Eligible Trade Programs
| CIP Code | Program Name |
|---|---|
| 46.0302 | Electrician |
| 48.0510 | CNC Machinist |
| 49.0304 | Professional Diving |
| 52.2001 | Construction Management |
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
STEM fields prioritized architecture and engineering:
- Newly Eligible:
- Architecture (CIP 04.0201)
- Biomedical Engineering (CIP 14.0501)
- Computer Science (CIP 11.0701) .
- Removed Programs: Environmental Studies (CIP 03.0103), Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing .
Healthcare and Social Services
Healthcare expansions target clinical and allied health roles:
- Clinical Programs:
- Veterinary Medicine (CIP 01.8001)
- Dentistry (CIP 51.0401)
- Dietetics (CIP 51.3101) .
- Support Roles:
- Veterinary Assistants (CIP 01.8301)
- Social Work Technologies .
How to Check If Your Program is PGWP-Eligible
- Locate Your CIP Code:
- Check your institution’s website (e.g., Seneca Polytechnic lists codes per program) .
- Use Statistics Canada’s CIP catalogue .
- Verify Against IRCC’s List:
- Cross-reference your 6-digit code with the current eligible CIP codes .
- Timing Matters:
- If your study permit application predates June 25, 2025, use the 2024–2025 eligibility list
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How to Prepare for the PGWP Application Process
- Language Proficiency: Non-degree graduates need CLB 5; degree holders require CLB 7 .
- Documentation: Secure official transcripts, completion letters, and passport copies.
- *Deadlines: Apply within *180 days of graduation.
- Strategic Tips:
- Confirm your program’s CIP code at study permit application and PGWP submission.
- Monitor annual IRCC updates—lists may change .
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years, providing a pathway to permanent residency via Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. Key features:
- Eligibility Basics: Graduation from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a program ≥8 months.
- Duration: Matches the length of study (up to 3 years).
- Labour Market Alignment: The 2025 updates ensure PGWP holders meet Express Entry category-based draws (e.g., Healthcare, STEM, Trades) .
Conclusion: Navigating the New Landscape
Canada’s PGWP reforms prioritize economic immigration and labour market needs. International students should:
- Verify Eligibility: Use CIP codes, not program names, to confirm status.
- Act Early: Apply for study permits/PGWP before eligibility thresholds shift.
- Consult Resources: Regularly check IRCC’s official page for updates .
“These changes protect students from false hope while ensuring their skills fill urgent gaps in our economy.” – IRCC Statement, June 2025 .
For the complete list of 920 eligible fields, visit Canada’s official webpage.
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