Post Graduation Work Permit Changes in Canada 2025 Explained
Canada’s Education at a Turning Point
Canada has made big changes to reduce the number of temporary residents. Because of this, international students are finding it much harder to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — the permit that helps them move from studies to work in Canada.
PGWP Approvals Are Dropping Fast
- In 2024, over 205,000 students got PGWPs.
- In 2025, that number may fall to 143,600 (a 30% drop).
- If the trend continues, approvals could even go below 130,000 — the lowest since the pandemic.
What’s Causing the Decline?
The government introduced new rules that limit who can apply:
- Stricter language requirements.
- No eligibility for joint public–private college programs.
- Restrictions on certain non-degree programs.
These changes were meant to manage population growth but are directly impacting international students’ opportunities.
Who Is Still Getting PGWPs?
From Jan–Jun 2025, here’s the breakdown by field of study:
- Business & Management – 44% (biggest share in 5 years)
- Computing & IT – 15%
- Health & Science – 10%
- Arts & Humanities – 9%
- Engineering – 6%
- Other – 16%
Business dominates, but since many college-level business programs lost eligibility, STEM fields (science, tech, engineering, math) are expected to grow in the future.
Where Are Students Coming From?
Top countries for PGWP approvals (Jan–Jun 2025):
- India – 43,803
- China – 4,129
- Nigeria – 3,831
- Philippines – 3,418
- Nepal – 2,280
- Bangladesh – 1,110
- France – 1,053
- Iran – 943
- Colombia – 942
- Algeria – 866
India remains the largest source of students by far.
PGWPs by Education Level
- Colleges: 65% (slightly up, but expected to decline soon).
- University undergraduates: 9% (big drop from 17% in 2022).
- Postgraduate programs: 17% (stable).
Clearly, the balance is shifting toward university-level studies.
Why This Matters
- For schools: Canada might lose appeal if PGWPs are harder to get.
- For the economy: PGWP holders fill jobs in healthcare, tech, and trades — fewer approvals mean more shortages.
- For students: PGWPs have been Canada’s biggest attraction for international education. Losing this edge could push students to other countries.
Immigration Expert’s View
This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about Canada’s global competitiveness. To stay attractive, policymakers, schools, and employers must work together to create fair, transparent, and reliable pathways for international students who invest their future in Canada.
The 30% cut in PGWPs is not a small tweak — it’s a wake-up call for everyone in the immigration and education system.
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 Global. 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).
