Canada Changes Rules for Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility

What Has Changed?

As of June 25, 2025, the Canadian government has updated the eligibility criteria for PGWPs for international students, especially those in non-degree programs (programs other than bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees).

New Focus on Job-Linked Programs

Now, to be eligible for a PGWP, students in non-degree programs must:

• Complete a program that is directly linked to jobs in long-term labour shortages, such as those prioritized under Canada’s Express Entry system.
• This ensures that international students are trained in areas where Canada really needs workers— like health care, education, and skilled trades.

What Programs Are Still Eligible?

To reflect these priorities:

• 119 new fields of study were added, mostly in health, social services, education, and trades.
• 178 fields that are no longer linked to high-demand jobs were removed.
• As a result, there are now 920 eligible fields of study.

Important Dates to Remember

• June 25, 2025: The new list of eligible fields came into effect.
• November 1, 2024: A key date for application rules.

Who Needs to Meet the New Requirements?

You must meet the new field of study requirement if:

• You are in a non-degree program.
• You applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
• Your program must match one of the eligible CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) codes at the time you apply for your study permit or PGWP.

Who is Exempt from the New Rule?

You do not need to meet the field of study requirement if:

• You applied for your PGWP before November 1, 2024.
• You completed a PGWP-eligible flight school program.
• You graduated with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
• You applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024 (even if your program was later removed from the list).

Conclusion

Canada is making sure that PGWPs support graduates in areas where the country truly needs skilled workers. If you’re planning to study in Canada, make sure your program is eligible under the latest list especially if you’re in a non-degree program. Timing matters too, so check the application dates carefully.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Gobal. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).