Canada Revises PGWP Eligibility List, Removing 180 Fields of Study
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In a fresh policy update, the Government of Canada has revised the list of programmes eligible for the coveted Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), adding 119 fields while removing 180, a move raising concern among education leaders and prospective students alike.
The update, effective from June 25, 2025, brings the total number of eligible fields to 920 and aims to better align Canada’s post-secondary education landscape with its current labour market needs, particularly reflecting the 2025 Express Entry priorities.
While the revised list includes in-demand programmes in healthcare, education, and some STEM and skilled trade fields, critics argue that key sectors have been overlooked. Fields in agriculture, transport, certain trades, and data science are among those excluded sparking confusion among stakeholders.
Larissa Bezo, president of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), said the changes are “still incongruent with the very real labour market needs that some regions are facing.” She flagged the removal of agri-food programmes as “surprising,” given Canada’s emphasis on food security and rural economic growth. The exclusion of data science roles, she added, was “counterintuitive,” considering their crucial role in innovation.
The new PGWP rules apply to international students enrolled in non-degree programmes who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024. However, students who applied before June 25, 2025, will retain eligibility if their programme was on the approved list at the time.
The update follows months of policy shifts impacting the international education sector in Canada, including tightened student visa caps and altered language requirements. Sector leaders had hoped for greater stability under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in April 2025.
“This level of policy churn is creating uncertainty and confusion,” Bezo warned, urging the government to ensure consistency so institutions and students can confidently plan ahead.
With study permit approvals expected to fall by over 50% this year, education leaders are calling for clarity, consultation, and a more inclusive approach moving forward.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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