For many international students, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the biggest reasons they choose Canada in the first place. It offers a chance to stay back, gain valuable work experience, and take steps toward permanent residency. But a recent update has changed the game, especially for students taking diploma and certificate programs.
On June 25, 2025, Canada’s immigration body, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced significant changes to the PGWP eligibility rules. This update isn’t just a small tweak; it’s a strategic shift that could impact thousands of future students. If your dream is to study, graduate, and work in Canada, this is information you can’t afford to miss.
So, what exactly has changed? Who’s affected? And how can you protect your post-graduation plans? Let’s get right to the details.
First, What Is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have completed eligible programs in Canada to stay and work for up to three years. It’s a crucial pathway for students who want to:
• Gain Canadian work experience
• Qualify for permanent residency (PR) later
What’s New in 2025?
IRCC has revised the list of eligible programs for PGWP specifically for non-degree programs like diplomas and certificates. The changes apply to students applying for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
119 New Programs Added
To better align with Canada’s labor market priorities, IRCC has added 119 new programs to the list of those eligible for the PGWP. These include fields that are in high demand across the country. Some of the additions are programs in: Healthcare, social work, skilled trades, early childhood, and secondary education.
178 Programs Removed
At the same time, 178 programs have been removed from the PGWP eligibility list. These are mostly programs that don’t strongly align with current job market demands.
The removed fields include: General business administration, certain agriculture programs, and some low-demand STEM specializations. Altogether, the revised list now includes 920 eligible CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) codes.
Who Does This Affect?
This update is especially important for international students enrolling in non-degree programs, such as diplomas or certificates. You will not qualify for a PGWP under the new rules if you’re:
• Applying for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and
• Enrolling in a program that is not listed among the 920 eligible CIP codes
Who’s Still Safe?
If you’ve already started your journey or submitted your study permit application before June 25, 2025, you won’t be affected by these changes even if your program has now been removed from the list. You’re also safe if:
• You already have a valid study permit, or
• You submitted your study permit application before the policy change was announced.
What About Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD Students?
Students enrolled in degree-level programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, are not affected by the changes to the CIP code list. Regardless of your field of study, you’ll still be eligible to apply for a PGWP. However, you must meet a minimum language requirement of CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark), either in English or French, depending on your program and the stream you’re applying through.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re already in Canada or you’ve applied to study there, don’t panic. But it’s smart to take action now.
1. Check Your Program’s CIP Code
Each program in Canada has a specific code, the CIP code, that classifies what you’re studying. Ask your school or check your offer letter.
2. Compare With the New PGWP-Eligible List
Visit Canada.ca or ask your international student advisor to see if your program is still eligible.
3. Rethink Your Options if Needed
Planning to apply after November 1, 2024? Make sure your chosen program is on the approved list. If not, you may want to:
• Choose a degree-level program instead
• Switch to a different diploma/certificate in an eligible field
The PGWP update is directing opportunities toward the skills Canada values most. If studying in Canada is part of your plan, now’s the moment to verify your program’s eligibility and make adjustments if needed. The best thing you can do is stay informed, ask questions, and plan. The rules may have changed, but with the right program and plan, your future in Canada is still very much possible.
