Published June 26, 2025 · by AARA Canada Immigration Insights
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enacted a significant update to the PGWP-eligible fields of study list. The revised list now includes 920 eligible fields—after adding 119 programs and removing 178—that reflect current labour-market priorities in Canada.
This blog decodes how the changes impact international students, especially those in non‑degree programs. We explore what fields are newly eligible, which have been removed, and how grandfathering affects certain applicants. Plus, we cover PGWP eligibility criteria and alignment with Express Entry labour priorities.
Why This Matters: Aligning Education with Labour Market Needs
IRCC’s 2024 policy introduced a requirement that non‑degree international students must graduate from a field of study that aligns with occupations experiencing long‑term shortages to qualify for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The June 25 update ensures that the list of eligible fields stays in line with Express Entry category updates and reflects ongoing labour shortages in critical sectors such as:
- Healthcare & social services
- Education
- Trades
What Changed on June 25, 2025
✅ New Additions (119 Fields)
- Teacher Education programs in French, Biology, Chemistry, Computer, Drama, and Dance (CIP 13.1321–13.1325)
- Veterinary Medicine (01.8001), Animal Health Tech (01.8301), Dentistry (51.0401), Dental Clinical Sciences (51.0501), Oral Biology (51.0503)
❌ Removed Programs (178 Fields)
- General agriculture, crop production, machinery operation, farm/ranch management (CIP 01.0000, 01.0304)
- Counselling, Indigenous Education (CIP 13.1102, 13.0203)
- Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Marine Resources Management (CIP 03.0101, 03.0103)
- Aircraft Maintenance, Marine Maintenance, Engine Mechanic programs (CIP 47.0607, 47.0616)
📊 Overview
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Total eligible fields | 920 |
| New additions | 119 |
| Fields removed | 178 |
Grandfathering: Key Protection
Students who submitted study permits before June 25, 2025 are grandfathered in. Even if their program is now ineligible, they remain PGWP‑eligible—as long as it was on the approved list at the time of application.
PGWP Eligibility Requirements
- Study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Minimum program length: 8 months
- Language requirement: CLB 5 for non-degree programs, CLB 7 for degree programs
- Program field must be on the new eligible list (for non-degree applicants)
Express Entry Connection
The PGWP field list aligns with Express Entry categories for in-demand occupations, helping to streamline pathways from study to permanent residence.
What This Means for You
- Confirm your program’s CIP code and DLI eligibility
- Apply before key deadlines to be grandfathered in
- Consult an immigration consultant if your field is uncertain
Steps to Take
- Check your DLI’s PGWP status
- Identify your CIP code
- Match it to the eligible fields list
- Prepare for application with all supporting documents
Conclusion
Canada’s June 2025 update to PGWP eligibility ensures alignment with labour market needs and protects existing students. Whether you’re currently enrolled or planning to study soon, be sure to confirm your program’s eligibility and act within deadlines.
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