Canada has announced an important update to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria for international students enrolled in non-degree programs. Effective June 25, 2025, the list of eligible fields of study has been revised to better align with Canada's long-term labour market needs and Express Entry priorities. This update impacts students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and are pursuing programs other than bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.
Updated Eligibility for Non-Degree Programs
Under the refreshed policy, international students in non-degree programs—such as diplomas or certificates—must complete studies in fields directly linked to occupations experiencing long-term labour shortages in Canada. This measure aims to ensure that international graduates are prepared for jobs in sectors where their skills are most needed, supporting Canada's economic growth. The updated list of eligible fields now includes 920 specific areas of study.
The June 25, 2025, revision significantly alters the previous list. A total of 119 new fields of study have been added, specifically in critical sectors like healthcare, social services, education, and various skilled trades. Conversely, 178 fields of study that are no longer considered to be in long-term labour shortage occupations have been removed from the list.
Important Dates and Exceptions
It is crucial for students to note the effective dates for these changes. The initial requirement linking PGWP eligibility to specific fields of study for non-degree programs came into effect for study permit applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024. For the most recent changes to the list itself, students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will still be eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the approved list at the time of their study permit application, even if it has since been removed.
These adjustments are part of broader changes to Canada's International Student Program, reflecting the government's strategy to better match immigration outcomes with national economic and labour market demands. By focusing on fields that address skill shortages, Canada aims to optimize the contributions of international students to the workforce and support strategic immigration targets, including those identified through Express Entry.
International students considering or currently enrolled in non-degree programs should carefully review the updated list of eligible fields of study. Understanding these requirements is essential for planning academic pathways and ensuring future eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. The full, updated list organized by the Classification of Instructional Programs system is available on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Read the full announcement at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/update-requirement-post-graduation-work-permits.html
