The Canadian authorities have tightened eligibility of international students for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) by reducing the number of fields of study that qualify for it.


This was announced in a statement on the website of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada titled, “Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits,” published on June 25, 2025.

It noted that effective from June 25, 119 new fields of study cutting across health, trades, education and social services, were added to the list eligible for post-graduation work permits, while 178 fields of study were removed.


The statement noted, “To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), international students in non-degree programs (programs other than bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees) must complete a program in an eligible field of study linked to jobs in long-term shortages, such as those being prioritized under Express Entry.’’

“The list of eligible fields of study has been updated to reflect the 2025 Express Entry priorities, and the following changes were made: 119 new fields of study in key sectors like health care and social services, education and trades were added. 78 fields of study no longer linked to occupations in long-term labour shortages were removed.”


With the current update, Canada now has a total of 920 fields of study eligible for post-graduation work permit.


According to the statement, students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will still be eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the list when they applied for their study permits even if it has since been removed.