Canada Reinstates PGWP Eligibility For 178 Study Fields Until 2026: Your Pathway Just Got Wider!

ByExtreme Performace Travel Consult

Canada Reinstates PGWP Eligibility For 178 Study Fields Until 2026: Your Pathway Just Got Wider!

On July 4, 2025, Canada dropped an update for international students. 178 fields of study removed from the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list on June 25, 2025 are back in play. The sudden removal of 178 study fields from PGWP eligibility on June 25, 2025, sent shockwaves through Canada’s international student community. Just nine days later, on July 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reversed course, reinstating these fields until early 2026 . This isn’t just bureaucratic whiplash—it’s a lifeline for thousands. Let’s unpack why this matters and how you can secure your Canadian dream.

What is the PGWP and Why Does It Matter?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who graduate from eligible Canadian programs to work in Canada for up to 3 years. It’s the golden bridge to permanent residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominees .

  • No job offer needed: PGWP is an open work permit .
  • PR advantage: 1 year of skilled work in Canada makes you eligible for Express Entry .
  • Who’s exempt? Degree holders (bachelor’s/master’s/PhD), flight school grads, and those who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024 .

The July 4, 2025, PGWP Update: What Changed?

IRCC’s rollercoaster adjustments reflect Canada’s push to align education with labor shortages. Here’s the breakdown:

  1. June 25, 2025: 178 fields removed; 119 added (focused on healthcare, trades, education) .
  2. July 4, 2025: The 178 fields reinstated until early 2026 .
  3. Grandfathering protected:
  • Your eligibility is locked in if your study permit application used a CIP code valid at that time .
  • Example: Applied June 30, 2025? Your since-removed field still qualifies you for PGWP .

Table: Impact of July 4 Reinstatement

GroupPGWP Eligibility
Study permit applied before June 25, 2025Eligible even if field later removed
Study permit applied June 25–July 4, 2025Reinstated fields qualify you
Study permit applied after July 4, 2025Must choose from current eligible CIP codes

Why This Update is a Game-Changer

  1. Breather for mid-2025 applicants: Students who applied during the 9-day removal window (June 25–July 4) retain eligibility .
  2. Labor market alignment: Fields like renewable energy (e.g., Wind Energy Technology) and education (Early Childhood Education) were added, while oversupplied fields like logistics management were cut .
  3. Stability until 2026: Reinstated fields (e.g., agricultural management, data science) won’t face another review until early 2026 .

“This reversal acknowledges the chaos sudden changes cause. Students now have 18 months to graduate under secure rules.” — IRCC Notice

What is a CIP Code?

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a 6-digit code classifying every Canadian study program. It’s the key to PGWP eligibility .

  • Find your CIP code:
  1. Check your institution’s website (e.g., Humber College lists them ).
  2. Search Statistics Canada’s CIP catalogue .
  3. Contact your Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Table: Examples of Reinstated vs. Newly Eligible Fields

Reinstated Fields (CIP Examples)Newly Eligible Fields (CIP Examples)
Agricultural Business (01.0101)Preschool Education (13.1209)
Data Science (11.xxx)Sustainable Agriculture (01.0308)
Aerospace Engineering (14.xxxx)Wind Energy Technician (15.1704)

How to Check If Your CIP Code is Eligible

  1. Official list: Use IRCC’s current CIP code table (updated July 4, 2025) .
  2. Institution resources: Schools like NBCC are updating program eligibility lists by July 10, 2025 .
  3. Tool tip: Search your 6-digit CIP in the “Category” or “CIP Title” columns .

⚠ Critical: If your code was removed June 25 but reinstated July 4, you’re safe if you applied for your study permit in that window .

Meeting the Field of Study Requirement: 3 Scenarios

  1. Exempt? You are if you:
  • Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD .
  • Applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024 .
  1. Non-degree students (diploma/certificate): Your program’s CIP must be on the eligible list when you apply for your study permit or PGWP .
  2. Language adds: PGWP applicants after November 1, 2024, need CLB 5 (college) or CLB 7 (university) in English/French .

What Comes Next?

  • Early 2026: The reinstated 178 fields face re-evaluation. IRCC may remove those not aligned with labor needs .
  • Pro tip: Enroll by 2025 to lock in eligibility under current rules.
  • Institutions adjusting: NBCC, Humber, and others are updating program lists—check your school’s site by mid-July .

Action Plan: Secure Your PGWP Eligibility

  1. Verify your CIP code using your DLI’s resources or IRCC’s table .
  2. Document everything: Save proof of study permit application dates and CIP eligibility at that time.
  3. Apply early: Submit PGWP within 180 days of graduation .
  4. Consult experts:
  • Use ICC Immigration for PR pathway planning .
  • Book a eligibility check with our team Booking & Assessment

“Confusion is natural with shifting rules. Our advice: act fast, lock in your status, and leverage expert guidance.” — Humber College Advisory

Final Thoughts

IRCC’s July 4 reversal isn’t just policy cleanup—it’s a commitment to protecting students mid-journey. For those in reinstated fields like data science or agriculture, the 2026 extension is your runway to graduate and apply for PGWP. Stay vigilant, verify your CIP, and remember: Canada still wants you.

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