Overview of the PGWP Changes in 2025
On June 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have brought major updates to the Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. International students who have travelled to Canada and are pursuing higher studies with the aim of a career abroad are the ones being affected by this revision to the post-study work permit Canada. It would greatly affect their study and work in Canada after graduation. Through the updates, we can understand that Canada has removed eligibility for some diploma and certificate programs while adding weightage to high-demand sectors. With this, employees getting hired under Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) are for to meet the labour demand needs. Students who are aiming to apply for post graduation work permit must select their master's program carefully to get selected to meet both educational and immigration goals. The students aiming for a Canada work visa or permanent residency must take into careful consideration of choosing the best course with a future market view. If you are worried about the question, Can I get a PGWP if I study a diploma course in Canada, this blog is your answer.
What is the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) comes under the category of an open work permit. Graduates from designated learning institutions (DLIs) after completing a master's degree can work in Canada for up to three years under PGWP. The duration of the permit may vary depending on the duration of the Canadian credential, but the standard period given is for three years. By acquiring Canadian work experience through PGWP, the permit holder is eligible to apply for pathways like Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry and many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). This led to the smooth transition of the study permit to PGWP Canada and PR Canada.
Why Canada Revised the Eligible Fields of Study
PGWP eligible courses Canada updates are brought with several interrelated goals:
- Alignment with labour market needs: Firstly, the importance of hiring employers for the demanding sectors like healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and clean energy is given to meet the labour market shortages, as these are the crucial sectors.
- Countering program abuse: The short-duration diploma programs or other certificate programs were used as a reason to stay in Canada, without a concentration on genuine educational purposes or career outcomes.
- Ensuring program quality: To further enhance the educational depth due to high competition, changes have been with the program’s length, curriculum depth, and co?op or internship integration has been introduced to ensure educational integrity.
Official Announcement Timeline & Policy Background
In June 2025, IRCC officially announced the updates and changes in the PGWP eligibility list. This came into immediate effect after the policy announcement date, which encourages present students to apply for the programs under the approved list. Students who have already enrolled in programs and have been removed from the work eligibility list may retain eligibility if their program started before the cut-off date. Their profile will be subjected to verification by both the institution and IRCC. The changes brought were part of a broader reform to align the years followed study to work pathway.
Key Updates to the Eligible Fields of Study
What are the updated PGWP eligibility rules for international students in Canada
Removed Programs: Fields No Longer Eligible for PGWP
- Short-term diplomas with eight to twelve months duration for subjects like general business, hospitality, and arts were decertified due to limited economic impact.
- Standalone certificate programs with a duration of one year, which were removed based on very little industry engagement or work-integrated learning.
- Private training institutions offering generic programs with low academic standards are no longer eligible to secure a Canada work visa after graduation.
Newly Added Programs That Now Qualify
What are the new eligible courses for PGWP in Canada
The updates brought by IRCC in adding many programs have created a pathway for graduates aiming for Canada work and study visa advantages.
- Diploma and advanced certificate programs in healthcare, like medical technician, personal support worker, are designed to meet ongoing health-sector worker demand.
- Technology-focused credentials for programs such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development diplomas that align with co-op placements.
- Skilled trades diplomas and apprenticeships in the electric, plumbing, HVAC, and automotive sectors, to tackle the chronic labour shortages.
- Renewable energy and clean-tech credentials, and stackable micro?credentials, are introduced to fill the workplace readiness.
Implications for International Students Planning to Study in Canada
- Informed program selection: Students aiming for a long-term career in Canada should choose the courses that are approved under the newly updated PGWP list.
- Career-oriented planning: Students must opt for programs like built-in workplace experience, which promises assured employment after graduation.
- Immigration strategy integration: Choosing the courses has the most importance for now, as the decision may highly impact the PR pathways, including Express Entry and family sponsorship.
Who is Affected by These PGWP Changes?
Current Students in Canada
Students currently enrolled in programs that have been removed from the eligibility list due to the changes brought may still qualify to apply for PGWP. Listed are the factors supporting the same.
- The selected program must have began before June 2025
- If the students’ institution confirms their eligibility to apply for PGWP under transitional arrangements.
Students can also switch to another qualifying program before completing the present program, which is also a strategic move to be eligible for immigration objectives.
Incoming International Students in 2025 and Beyond
Students who are applying for programs in the fall of 2025 under a valid study permit must check and verify that their selected program falls under the listed programs under IRCC PGWP updates. It is crucial to seek guidance from a licensed consultant or institutional advisors for a Canada work visa after graduation, and your future goals align with PR pathways. Choosing programs outside the list may result in the denial of PGWP and will scatter your PR dreams.
Students Planning to Switch Programs or Institutions
Students who have decided to switch programs must confirm the new program's placement on the updated PGWP-eligible list. Consult with the best immigration consultant like Croyez Immigration to lift all the complicated weightage and confusion. Our expert team will ensure a smooth transition between the courses, backed by accurate documentation, by understanding how changes affect work permit timelines and subsequent Express Entry points.
How These Changes Impact Your Immigration Pathway
PGWP’s Role in Gaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)
PGWP with the necessary work experience leads the pathway to the Canadian Experience Class, which is a high-priority immigration stream. Without a valid PGWP, graduates will not be able to apply for Canadian work experience. Graduates having a valid PGWP and Canadian work experience can apply for Express Entry or pursue nominations through PNPs, accelerating the route to PR.
What This Means for Your Express Entry or PNP Eligibility
- Express Entry: The candidates are selected through a points-based system, CRS points are earned through various factors, and Canadian credentials and work experience are crucial among them; opting for ineligible programs will reduce the CRS score.
- PNP eligibility: Almost all provinces ask for graduation and work experience as the priority criteria; graduating from the program listed on the updated PGWP list will secure the chance to apply for PNP.
- Stacked advantage: Canadian education and work experience are the important factors determining the highest CRS scores, which would ultimately result in strengthening PR profiles.
Strategic Program Selection to Maximise PR Opportunities
- Applicants must prioritise applying for the high-demand sectors like Healthcare, trades, IT, engineering, and clean-tech.
- Students can select co-op or internship programs that surely facilitate job placement and high-quality work experience.
- Choose strong DLIs and reputable institutions to increase the chances of getting hired in top companies and enjoy the PR readiness.
Contact Croyez Immigration for Expert Visa and Study Advice
Start your Canada student visa work permit update journey with Croyez Immigration by exploring programs, navigating transitions, or preparing for study and work in Canada after graduation. Our expert will guide you in every step from study to PGWP, PGWP to PR, with personalised support and ensure to help your future in Canada.
Call Croyez Immigration to book your free consultation today!
