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Canadian authorities have made it more difficult for international students to qualify for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) by narrowing down the list of eligible fields of study.
This change was detailed in a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on June 25, 2025.
The update revealed that as of this date, 119 new fields of study across health, trades, education, and social services were added to the list of those eligible for PGWP, while 178 fields were removed.
The statement clarified that international students in non-degree programs (which are neither bachelor’s, master’s, nor doctoral degrees) must now complete studies in an eligible field linked to professions with long-term shortages, particularly those prioritized under Express Entry.
The updated list reflects the Express Entry priorities for 2025, with 119 new fields in essential sectors like healthcare and education added and 78 fields removed that are not connected to occupations facing long-term labor shortages.
With these revisions, Canada now has a total of 920 fields of study that qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
According to the announcement, students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, remain eligible for a PGWP, even if their chosen field has been removed since their application, provided it was on the list at the time of their application.
