PLANNING TO STUDY IN CANADA? ENSURE YOUR COURSE QUALIFIES FOR A POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT

As Canada continues to fine-tune its immigration programs to meet labour market needs, a significant update has been introduced affecting international students pursuing non-degree programs. These changes directly impact eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — a vital pathway for students who wish to gain valuable work experience in Canada and eventually transition to permanent residency.

If you're planning to study in Canada or are already preparing your study permit application, here's what you need to know.

The 2024 Requirement: What Changed?

Since November 1, 2024, international students in non-degree programs are only eligible for a PGWP if their program of study is in an eligible field tied to occupations facing long-term labour shortages in Canada. These are fields being prioritized under Canada’s Express Entry system, which plays a key role in economic immigration.

What’s New as of June 25, 2025?

The Canadian government has updated the list of eligible fields of study, based on current labour market demands. Here's what you need to know:

• 119 new fields of study were added, including areas in:

  1)      Health care

  2)      Social services

  3)      Education

  4)      Skilled trades (e.g., construction, electrical, mechanical)

• 178 fields of study were removed because they are no longer aligned with priority occupations.

• The total number of eligible fields is now 920, organized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. 

Who Is Affected?

• Students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024:

You must ensure your program is in one of the 920 eligible fields of study to qualify for a PGWP.

• Students who applied before June 25, 2025:

You are still eligible for a PGWP based on the list in place at the time of your study permit application, even if your program has now been removed from the list.

Why This Matters for Your Career and PR Pathway?

The PGWP is not just a temporary work permit — it is a critical stepping stone toward gaining valuable Canadian work experience and transitioning to permanent residency via programs like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.

By updating the eligible fields of study, Canada aims to ensure that international graduates are entering sectors that truly need workers — making your post-study and immigration pathway more secure and relevant.

How to Protect Your Future?

These changes highlight the importance of choosing the right course and institution before applying for a Canadian study permit. Selecting a program outside the eligible list could mean missing out on the PGWP — and ultimately, the chance to build your future in Canada.

If you're unsure whether your intended program qualifies for a PGWP, or if you're planning to apply for a study permit soon, don’t leave your future to chance.

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📧 Email: support@fortuneimmigration.com

Disclaimer: This article is valid only at the time of initial publication and is subject to change. The content does not constitute legal advice or recommendations and should not be relied upon as such.  Always seek legal and professional immigration or education advice as your situation may differ from the general guidelines provided.