PGWP Update: Canada Reverses Course, Reinstates 178 Fields of Study for International Students
- What Changed: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reinstated 178 fields of study for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, reversing a decision made just days earlier on June 25, 2025.
- Who is Affected: International students in non-degree programs (such as diplomas and certificates) who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
- Key Date: The official announcement confirming the reversal was made on July 4, 2025.
On July 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant update to the eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). In an unexpected reversal, the department has restored 178 fields of study that were removed from the PGWP-eligible list on June 25, 2025. This move provides critical clarity and relief for many international students in non-degree programs across Canada.
Who Does This Affect?
This policy update specifically impacts certain groups of international students. It is crucial to understand if these changes apply to your situation:
- Students in Non-Degree Programs: The changes apply to international students enrolled in certificate or diploma programs who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
- Applicants Between June 25 and July 4: Students who submitted a study permit application for a program that was temporarily removed between June 25 and July 4, 2025, will now be considered eligible for a PGWP upon graduation, thanks to this reversal.
- Previously Grandfathered Students: Anyone who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, remains eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of their application, regardless of subsequent changes.
- Degree-Seeking Students: These changes do not affect students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
To understand the importance of the July 4th announcement, it is necessary to look at the events of the preceding week.
The June 25, 2025 Update
On June 25, IRCC updated its list of PGWP-eligible programs for non-degree students to align with the 2025 priorities for Express Entry. In that update, 119 new fields of study were added, but 178 fields were removed because they were no longer linked to occupations in long-term labour shortages. This left a total of 920 eligible fields of study.
The July 4, 2025 Reversal
In a swift policy correction, IRCC announced on July 4 that the 178 fields of study removed on June 25 have been reinstated. According to the government, these programs will now remain eligible until the list is next updated, which is anticipated in early 2026. This decision restores the total number of eligible non-degree fields of study to 1,098.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
The initial change on June 25 was part of a broader strategy by IRCC to more closely tie the International Student Program to Canada's direct economic needs. By limiting PGWP eligibility for non-degree programs to fields of study that feed into in-demand occupations, the government aimed to create clearer pathways to permanent residence for graduates with the most needed skills.
The rapid reversal suggests IRCC may be responding to feedback from educational institutions and students who were caught off guard by the sudden removal of programs. This corrective action provides stability for students who had already committed to their studies based on the previous eligibility list and prevents a situation where applicants could be penalized for a policy change that occurred while their application was in process.
How to Prepare
Affected students should take the following steps to ensure they are well-informed:
- Verify Your Program's CIP Code: All students in non-degree programs should use the official government website to is on the updated eligible list.
- Confirm Your Application Date: The date you submitted your study permit application is critical. Use this to determine which set of rules applies to your case.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain copies of your letter of acceptance and any official documentation showing your program's eligibility at the time you applied for your study permit.
Conclusion
The July 4th reinstatement of 178 fields of study is a welcome development for many international students, offering renewed certainty on their path to a Post-Graduation Work Permit. While this reversal provides immediate relief, it also underscores the dynamic nature of Canadian immigration policy. Prospective and current students should remain vigilant, regularly checking official IRCC sources for updates that may impact their post-graduation plans.
