Canada’s New List of PGWP Eligible Fields of Study: What International Students Should Know?
Canada’s new list of PGWP eligible fields of study, are announced in June 2025. This list brings significant changes for international students. The government has updated the Post-Graduation Work Permit criteria, adding 119 new fields and removing 178 Fields. This will better align with Canada’s labour market needs. These changes impact students in non-degree programs the most, especially those students, who are interested in sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, education, and STEM.
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Table of Contents
- Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility in 2025
- Which Sectors are Added and Removed
- Canada’s New List of PGWP
- Exemptions and Grandfathering Clause
- How to Check If Your Program Is Eligible
- Applying for the PGWP: Steps
- What Is the PGWP?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility in 2025
Starting from June 25, 2025, Canada’s new list of PGWP eligible fields of study is in force. The government revised the list to address, the long-term labour shortages and to support Express Entry and other immigration streams. Now, 929 fields are eligible for the PGWP, with a strong focus on healthcare, education, skilled trades, and STEM categories.
Which Sectors are Added and Removed
In the latest news, the Canadian Government released a new list of PGWP’s eligible fields, and added 119 new fields.
- Health care and social services
- Education
- Skilled trades
- STEM
Along with the addition, Canada also removed 178 fields:
- Those programs, that are not linked to in-demand jobs or long-term labour shortages are removed from the eligible category.
But students in these removed fields who applied before June 25, 2025, are still eligible under the old rules.
Canada’s New List of PGWP Programs
The new list includes a wide range of programs, such as:
- Nursing, medical laboratory technology, social work
- Early childhood education, teaching assistant, special education
- Carpentry, electrician, plumbing, welding
- Computer science, engineering, architecture, biotechnology
For the full, detailed list, check the official government website, in this way, you can get the information very clearly.
Exemptions and Grandfathering Clauses in the new List
Some students are exempt from the new field of study requirement, only if they are:
- Applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024
- Graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school
- Completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
- Applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024
If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, you remain eligible if your program was on the list at that time, even if it’s now removed by the Government.
How to Check If Your Program Is Eligible
To check, whether your program is eligible or not, you can follow these steps.
- Review the updated PGWP-eligible fields on the government’s website.
- Find your program’s CIP code and compare it to the new list.
- Ask your school’s international student office for confirmation,related to your program,.
Step by Step Guide- To apply for the PGWP
Here is a step by step guide, to apply for a Post graduation Work permit in Canada.
- Confirm your program is on Canada’s new list of PGWP.
- Collect required documents: transcripts, completion letter and your passport.
- Apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
- Monitor Canadian immigration updates for any changes. If any changes are made, make sure to work fast as per the new requirements.
What Is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit, is way that let international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years. It is an open work permit, so students can work for any employer. The PGWP is a popular pathway to permanent residency through the Express Entry and other immigration programs.
However changes are made in this stream every year for the better use of the stream.
Conclusion
Canada’s new list of PGWP eligible fields of study, is specially designed to attract talent in such sectors, that are facing labour shortages. International students should check the updated list to ensure their program qualifies for a work permit.
These changes support Canada’s economic needs and offer more opportunities in high-demand fields. So, it’s a great chance for International graduates to work in Canada and gain points for PR.
FAQ
Q1: What is Canada’s new list of PGWP?
Ans: Canada’s new list of PGWP is an updated set of eligible study programs for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, effective June 25, 2025. It focuses on fields linked to in-demand jobs and labour market needs.
Q2: Which fields were added to the PGWP list?
Ans: Fields in healthcare, education, skilled trades, and STEM were added. These sectors are experiencing long-term labour shortages in Canada.
Q3: Who is exempt from the new PGWP requirements?
Ans: Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, or who completed certain degrees, are exempt from the new field of study rules.
Q4: How do I check if my program is eligible?
Ans: Check your program’s CIP code against the updated PGWP eligibility list on the official government website, or consult your school’s international office.
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