Canada Updates PGWP Program List – Check New Rules

Canada has made big changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules. On June 25, 2025, the country’s immigration department (IRCC) released a new list of study programs that qualify for the PGWP.

These changes are meant to match international students’ education with jobs that are actually needed in Canada.

What’s New?

• 119 new programs have been added to the PGWP-eligible list

• 178 programs have been removed, including most transport-related and agriculture-related courses

• There are now 920 programs in total that are PGWP-eligible

Who Is Affected?

• These new rules apply to non-degree students who apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024

• If you applied before June 25, 2025, the old PGWP rules still apply to you

Focus on In-Demand Jobs

The updated list highlights careers where Canada needs more workers, such as in healthcare, education, skilled trades, and STEM/design fields.

Some Newly Added Programs:

• Veterinary Medicine

• Dentistry (DDS, DMD)

• French and Biology Teacher Education

• Advanced Architecture & Landscape Design

• Cabinetmaking, CNC Machining, Construction Project Management

You can check the full list of eligible programs on the official IRCC website.

Programs No Longer Eligible

IRCC has removed programs where job demand is low. These include:

• All transport-related fields

• Most agriculture programs

• Environmental studies

• Marine resource management

• Solar energy-related courses

• Drywall installation

Language Requirements

To qualify for PGWP, students must meet the required English/French language scores:

• CLB/NCLC 5 for non-university programs

• CLB/NCLC 7 for university graduates

• Flight school students are exempt from these program rules

This update is a major step toward helping international students prepare for real job opportunities in Canada.

Read More: Funeral Prayers Held for 60 Iranian Martyrs in Tehran