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Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has long been one of the most attractive features of studying in Canada. It allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies — offering a pathway to gain valuable Canadian work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.

However, significant changes introduced in 2024 — and updated again on June 25, 2025 — have reshaped the PGWP landscape, particularly for students enrolled in non-degree programs. These changes are part of the federal government’s broader strategy to align international education with Canada’s evolving labour market needs and long-term immigration goals.

In this post, we’ll break down the new field of study requirement, who it applies to, what has changed as of June 2025, and how prospective students can ensure they remain eligible for the PGWP.

Background: Why the Change?

In recent years, Canada has seen record numbers of international students entering the country — many with hopes of staying in Canada permanently after completing their studies. While this has brought economic and cultural benefits, it has also raised questions about the alignment between study programs and Canada's labour force needs.

To address this, in late 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a field of study requirement for non-degree program graduates applying for a PGWP. The goal: ensure that students in these shorter, more specialized programs are training for jobs where Canada is experiencing long-term labour shortages.

June 2025 Update: What’s New?

On June 25, 2025, IRCC updated the list of eligible programs to reflect current Express Entry priorities and labour market demand.

Here are the key updates:

• ✅ 119 new fields of study have been added, especially in sectors facing acute labour shortages, such as health care, early childhood education, skilled trades, community services, and IT-related programs.
• ❌ 178 fields of study were removed from the eligibility list because they are no longer tied to occupations experiencing long-term shortages.
• As a result, there are now 920 approved fields of study that qualify students for a PGWP under the new rules.

This updated list ensures that PGWP eligibility better reflects the current and future labour market needs in Canada.

Who Needs to Meet the Field of Study Requirement?

This requirement only applies to certain students. Specifically, it is relevant if:

• You are enrolled in a non-degree program (certificate or diploma) that is not a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
• You applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

If both conditions apply to you, your program must be on the list of eligible fields of study — as classified by a 6-digit CIP code — to qualify for a PGWP after graduation.

Who Is Exempt from the New Rule?

If you meet any of the following criteria, you do NOT need to meet the field of study requirement:

1. 🎓 You are graduating from a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program.
2. 🛩️ You completed your education at a PGWP-eligible flight school.
3. 🕒 You submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024.
4. 📅 You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, regardless of your program type.

This means that current students who began their studies before the cutoff date will generally be assessed under the old PGWP rules — even if their program has since been removed from the eligible list.

Understanding CIP Codes: The Key to PGWP Eligibility

The heart of the field of study requirement lies in CIP codes — the Classification of Instructional Programs codes used by Statistics Canada to organize and classify all post-secondary programs offered in Canada.

IRCC uses the 6-digit CIP code of your program to determine whether it is eligible for a PGWP under the new rules.

🔍 How to Find Your CIP Code:

You can find your program’s CIP code by:

• Visiting your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) website. Most schools list PGWP eligibility and CIP codes with their program details.
• Contacting your college or university’s registrar’s office or international student department for the exact CIP code.
• Searching the Statistics Canada CIP Classification Catalogue to locate your program and ensure it matches the eligible program list.

Important: Program titles can be broad or misleading. Always read the detailed descriptions, examples, and exceptions within the CIP classification to ensure an accurate match.

Why the Field of Study Matters More Than Ever

For international students in non-degree programs, this update can have a significant impact on future work and immigration opportunities. If your program is not on the eligible list, you may no longer qualify for a PGWP, which in turn limits your ability to:

• Gain Canadian work experience post-graduation
• Qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs
• Establish long-term roots in Canada

This underscores the importance of choosing your program strategically — not just based on interest, but also based on the current and future needs of the Canadian labour market.

Best Practices for Future Students

If you are planning to apply for a study permit after November 1, 2024 — and especially if you are enrolling in a certificate or diploma program — here are some key tips:

1. ✅ Check the latest list of eligible CIP codes before finalizing your program.
2. ✅ Choose programs linked to in-demand jobs, such as nursing, trades, early childhood education, tech, social work, and more.
3. ✅ Keep documentation of the CIP code associated with your program at the time of your study permit application.
4. ✅ Consult your institution or a licensed immigration professional before applying to avoid any confusion or ineligibility later.

Conclusion: A More Strategic Future for International Education

Canada’s revised PGWP rules are part of a broader effort to build a skills-based immigration system — one that encourages students to gain qualifications aligned with the country’s economic needs.

While this may introduce more complexity for international students, it also presents an opportunity: by choosing programs in priority fields, students can maximize their chances of securing a PGWP, gaining valuable Canadian work experience, and ultimately qualifying for permanent residency.

As always, the key is planning ahead and staying informed. For students and educational institutions alike, this marks a shift toward a more targeted, long-term approach to international education in Canada.

Need Help Navigating PGWP or Study Permit Options?

At IMB Immigration Law, we specialize in guiding international students through every step of the Canadian immigration process — from choosing the right study program to securing work permits and PR. If you have questions about your eligibility or want personalized guidance, feel free to reach out.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on Canada’s immigration and student policies.