Effective 25 Jun 2025, Canada has revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria. According to the new regulations, international students in non-degree programmes (that is, excluding bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees) need to pursue their studies in a field that is deemed an in-demand occupation, in order to be eligible for a PGWP. These fields align with the 2025 Express Entry priorities.
A total of 119 new fields of study in key sectors facing labour shortage have been added to the list – including healthcare, education and skilled trades. 178 fields that are no longer facing a shortage have been removed, primarily related to transport and environment. This brings the current list of eligible fields to 920.
This new rule applies to all students who have applied for a study permit on or after 1 Nov 2024. Those who applied before 25 June 2025 remain eligible if their programme was on the approved list at the time of application, even if it has since been removed.
All PGWP applicants must continue to meet specified language proficiency (CLB/NCLC) requirements.
This pivotal move by the Canadian government ensures that the incoming students contribute to the social and economic development of the country.
