Ottawa, June 25, 2025 – As part of ongoing reforms to the International Student Program, the Government of Canada introduced a new requirement in 2024 for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility. International students enrolled in non-degree programs (i.e., not at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level) must now complete their studies in an eligible field that aligns with occupations experiencing long-term labour shortages—many of which are prioritized under the Express Entry system. This requirement applies to students who submitted their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.
Effective today, the list of eligible fields of study has been updated to align with Canada’s 2025 Express Entry occupation priorities. Key changes include:
- 119 new fields of study added in critical sectors such as health care, social services, education, and skilled trades.
- 178 fields of study removed that are no longer associated with long-term labour market needs.
As a result, a total of 920 fields of study are now considered eligible for a PGWP.
International students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will remain eligible for a PGWP based on the eligibility list in effect at the time of their application, even if their field of study has since been removed.
To view the updated list of eligible programs, categorized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system, please visit our official website.
