Japa: Canada Cuts Down Courses Eligible For Post-Graduation Work Permits
Canada has revised the list of courses eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP), reducing the number of approved fields and tightening criteria for international students in non-degree programmes.
According to a statement published on June 25, 2025, by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the updated list aligns with the 2025 Express Entry priorities, focusing on labour market needs.
The statement, titled “Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits,” noted that 119 new fields of study cutting across health, trades, education and social services were added to the list eligible for PGWP, while 178 fields were removed.
“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 prioritised under Express Entry,” it said.
“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 the 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.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
