“New eligible field list reflects labour shortages; 119 programs added, 178 removed as of June 25, 2025.”
Canada has updated the list of academic programs that qualify international students for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), in line with ongoing reforms to the International Student Program and the nation’s shifting labour needs.
As of June 25, 2025, the federal government has revised the list of eligible fields of study tied to PGWPs. This update reflects current priorities in the Express Entry immigration system, which now places even greater emphasis on sectors facing long-term labour shortages — notably health care, social services, education, and skilled trades.
The changes are significant: 119 new fields of study have been added, while 178 programs no longer deemed linked to in-demand occupations have been removed. The revised list now includes 920 eligible fields in total.
The move builds on a policy introduced in 2024, which tightened PGWP eligibility for students in non- degree programs — that is, those outside of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral tracks. Under the rule, non- degree students must now complete a program directly tied to sectors experiencing persistent labour gaps to qualify for a PGWP.
Importantly, the changes apply only to students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024. Those who applied before June 25, 2025, will remain eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the approved list at the time of application — even if that program has since been removed from the updated list.
This policy shift is part of a broader effort by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to better align immigration pathways with Canada’s labour market needs, reduce exploitation in the international education sector, and support newcomers in finding meaningful employment after graduation.
CONNECTION TO EXPRESS ENTRY AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY
These PGWP changes are closely aligned with the direction of Canada’s Express Entry immigration system in 2025. This year, the federal economic class draws are primarily focused on candidates with Canadian work experience—notably those in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This makes the PGWP an even more critical step toward permanent residency for many international graduates.
In addition, IRCC will conduct category-based invitation rounds to address acute labour shortages and meet Francophone immigration targets. These rounds will prioritize candidates who:
- Demonstrate strong French language skills, or
- Have work experience in key sectors, including:
- Health care and social services: family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors.
- Trades: carpenters, plumbers, contractors.
- Education: teachers, child care educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities
This means international students who pursue education in these fields—and later gain Canadian work experience through a PGWP—are better positioned to qualify for permanent residence under these Express Entry categories.
For international students and prospective applicants, it’s now more important than ever to check whether their intended field of study qualifies under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system — the standardized framework used to categorize the eligible programs.
