On June 25, 2025, as part of ongoing reforms to Canada’s International Student Program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes reflect the 2025 Express Entry priorities and are effective immediately.
Key Update: Field of Study Requirement for Non-Degree Programs
Since November 1, 2024, international students enrolled in non-degree programs (other than bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees) must complete a program in an eligible field of study to qualify for a PGWP. These fields are aligned with occupations experiencing long-term labor shortages in Canada and are prioritized under the Express Entry system.
What’s New in 2025?
Effective June 25, 2025, IRCC has made the following updates to the list of eligible fields of study:
- 119 new fields added in high-demand sectors such as:
- Health care and social services
- Skilled trades
- Early childhood education and teaching
- 178 fields removed that are no longer linked to occupations in long-term shortage
- The total number of eligible fields now stands at 920.
Grandfathering Provision
Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will remain eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the eligibility list at the time of their application even if that field has since been removed.
The full list of eligible fields is organized by the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system and is available on the official IRCC website.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.