Canada Updates PGWP Eligibility: Key Changes for International Students

Canada’s International Student Program has introduced significant updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria for international students. Liberty Immigration is here to guide you through these changes, effective from June 25, 2025.
To qualify for a PGWP, international students must now complete a program in an eligible field of study tied to occupations addressing long-term labor shortages, aligning with Express Entry priorities.
Major Updates to PGWP Eligibility
A new requirement, introduced in 2024 and expanded in 2025, applies to students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024. Key changes include:
- Removed Fields: 178 fields of study, no longer linked to high-demand jobs, have been eliminated.
- Added Fields: 119 new fields in critical sectors—healthcare, social services, education, and trades—have been added.
- Current Total: This adjusts the eligible fields to 920 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes.
Eligibility Rules
- Field of Study Requirement: Applies to non-degree programs (e.g., diplomas, certificates). Your program must match an eligible CIP code on the list when you apply for your study permit or PGWP.
- Grandfathering: If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, you remain eligible for a PGWP based on the list at that time, even if your field is now removed.
- Exemptions: No field of study requirement if:
- You applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024.
- You graduated from an eligible flight school.
- You hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
- You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024.
How This Affects You
These updates reflect 2025 Express Entry priorities, focusing on sectors with labor shortages. Students must verify their CIP code eligibility when applying for a PGWP to avoid delays.
For personalized assistance in navigating these new rules, contact our expert Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Mr. Vineet, at Liberty Immigration. Book your $89 consultation today to secure your post-graduation pathway!