Canada Adds 119 New Eligible Programs to PGWP List as of June 2025
The PGWP List as of June 2025 marks a pivotal moment for international students eyeing Canada as their academic and professional launchpad.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently unveiled a transformative update, adding 119 new fields of study to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list while removing 178 others.
This recalibration, effective June 25, 2025, aligns education with labor market demands, prioritizing sectors like healthcare, education, and skilled trades.
For students, this shift is a clarion call to choose programs strategically, ensuring their studies pave a clear path to Canadian work experience and, potentially, permanent residency.
Why does this matter? Because Canada’s immigration system is evolving to balance economic needs with sustainable growth, and students must navigate this landscape with precision.
This update reflects Canada’s broader vision to address long-term labor shortages while maintaining the integrity of its International Student Program.
The PGWP List as of June 2025 now includes 1,107 eligible programs, a figure that underscores the government’s commitment to precision in workforce planning. By focusing on high-demand fields, Canada aims to equip graduates with skills that fuel economic growth.
This article dives into the implications of these changes, offering insights for students, educators, and policymakers. From practical examples to actionable advice, we’ll explore how this policy shapes Canada’s future and what it means for you.
Why the PGWP List as of June 2025 Matters
Canada’s labor market is a dynamic puzzle, with pieces shifting as industries evolve. The PGWP List as of June 2025 is a deliberate move to fit graduates into roles where demand outstrips supply.
By adding fields like nursing, early childhood education, and carpentry, IRCC ensures students contribute to critical sectors.
Conversely, removing 178 fields, such as certain business and transport programs, signals a pivot away from oversaturated job markets. This isn’t just policy jargon it’s a roadmap for students to align their ambitions with Canada’s needs.
Consider Priya, an international student from India. She enrolled in a nursing assistant program at a public college, now eligible under the PGWP List as of June 2025.
After graduating, she secures a three-year work permit, gaining hands-on experience in Ontario’s healthcare system.
Her path to permanent residency through Express Entry is now clearer, thanks to her program’s alignment with labor shortages.
Contrast this with Ahmed, who chose a general business diploma, only to find it removed from the eligibility list. His post-graduation options are now limited, underscoring the stakes of program choice.
The IRCC’s data highlights the urgency: in 2024, Canada faced a shortage of 45,000 registered nurses, a gap projected to grow by 10% by 2030.
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By prioritizing healthcare programs, the PGWP List as of June 2025 directly addresses this crisis. Students in these fields aren’t just studying they’re stepping into roles that keep Canada’s hospitals running.
This strategic alignment makes the PGWP a bridge to both personal success and national stability.
The ripple effects extend beyond students. Educational institutions must adapt, refining curricula to meet eligibility criteria.
Public colleges, already favored for their robust programs, will likely see increased enrollment in PGWP-eligible fields.
Meanwhile, private institutions face scrutiny, as some programs lose eligibility due to low employment outcomes. This shift challenges schools to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
Navigating the New Eligibility Landscape
Choosing a program from the PGWP List as of June 2025 demands foresight. International students must verify their program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code against IRCC’s updated list.
For non-degree programs, eligibility hinges on fields tied to long-term shortages, a rule effective for study permits applied for on or after November 1, 2024. Degree programs, however, remain exempt, offering flexibility for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students.
Imagine a chessboard where each move shapes your future. Picking a program is like choosing your opening move strategic planning can lead to checkmate, or in this case, a work permit.
Students like Maria, studying early childhood education, now benefit from the expanded PGWP List as of June 2025.
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Her program’s inclusion means she can work in Canada’s growing daycare sector post-graduation, a field desperate for qualified professionals.
But those in removed fields, like certain hospitality diplomas, face a tougher game, needing to pivot to other work permit options.
The updated list also introduces language requirements, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for non-degree programs.
This ensures graduates can integrate into the workforce effectively. Students must plan early, checking their program’s CIP code on their Designated Learning Institution’s (DLI) website.
Pro tip: contact your DLI directly to confirm eligibility, as program titles can be vague.
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Timing is critical. If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, you’re grandfathered under the old list, even if your program was later removed.
This grace period, extended until early 2026, offers breathing room but also urgency. Students must act swiftly to secure their PGWP within 180 days of graduation, ensuring their study permit remains valid during this window.
The Economic and Social Impact
Canada’s immigration strategy is like a well-tuned engine, balancing economic growth with social cohesion. The PGWP List as of June 2025 fine-tunes this engine by channeling talent into high-demand sectors.
Healthcare programs, for instance, now include medical laboratory technology, addressing a critical need in diagnostics. Education fields, like teacher assistant programs, support Canada’s push for quality schooling, while trades like plumbing bolster infrastructure development.
This focus isn’t just about filling jobs it’s about building communities. Graduates in eligible fields contribute to Canada’s social fabric, from caring for the elderly to teaching young children. Yet, the removal of 178 fields sparks debate.
Critics argue it limits opportunities for students in creative or generalist programs, potentially stifling diversity. Supporters, however, see it as a necessary step to curb exploitation by “diploma mills” and ease pressure on housing and services.
The economic stakes are high. International students contributed $22.3 billion to Canada’s economy in 2023, per IRCC data. By refining PGWP eligibility, Canada ensures these contributions align with long-term goals.
But provinces worry about losing tuition revenue from removed programs, particularly at private colleges. The challenge lies in balancing economic benefits with sustainable immigration levels, a tightrope Canada walks carefully.
Students also face social pressures. Those in eligible programs must navigate cultural integration while meeting academic and language benchmarks.
Support systems, like Seneca Polytechnic’s immigration advising, become crucial. These resources help students like Juan, a Filipino student in a newly eligible welding program, transition smoothly from classroom to workplace, enriching Canada’s multicultural tapestry.
A Closer Look at the New Programs
The 119 additions to the PGWP List as of June 2025 span critical sectors, as outlined in the table below, sourced from IRCC’s official update:
| Field of Study | Example Programs | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nursing Assistant, Medical Lab Tech | 51.3902 |
| Education | Early Childhood Education, Teacher Aide | 13.1210 |
| Skilled Trades | Carpentry, Electrical Work, Plumbing | 46.0503 |
| Social Services | Social Work, Community Support Worker | 44.0701 |
These additions reflect Canada’s labor market priorities, with education programs like Montessori teacher training now eligible for the first time.
This shift responds to a growing demand for educators, especially in underserved regions. Trades programs, like electrical work, address infrastructure needs, while social services programs support an aging population.
Each field is a cog in Canada’s economic machine, turning education into tangible societal benefits.
For students, these programs offer clear career paths. Take Aisha, a Nigerian student in a social work program.
Her PGWP eligibility ensures she can work with vulnerable communities in Canada, gaining experience that strengthens her Express Entry profile.
But the removal of fields like transport logistics, previously eligible, forces students to reassess their plans. The key? Research early and align with Canada’s evolving needs.
The IRCC’s July 4, 2025, amendment also reinstated 178 fields until early 2026, offering temporary relief for students caught in the transition.
This pragmatic move acknowledges the disruption of sudden changes, giving students time to adapt. Yet, it also signals that future updates may further refine eligibility, urging prospective students to stay vigilant.
Preparing for Success in the New PGWP Era
How can students thrive in this shifting landscape? Start by researching programs meticulously. The PGWP List as of June 2025 is your guide, but it’s not static.
Check IRCC’s website or your DLI for the latest CIP codes. Engage with career advisors to align your studies with Express Entry priorities, maximizing your residency chances.
Co-op programs or part-time work in your field can also boost your Canadian experience, a key factor in immigration applications.
Language proficiency is non-negotiable. Achieving CLB 5 or higher requires preparation, so invest in language training early.
Platforms like ApplyBoard can streamline your program search, highlighting PGWP-eligible options. Finally, stay informed about policy updates.
The IRCC’s dynamic approach means the list could shift again by 2026, affecting your plans if you’re not proactive.
Beyond logistics, mindset matters. Approach your studies as a stepping stone to a Canadian career. Network with industry professionals, attend job fairs, and leverage DLI resources.
The PGWP isn’t just a permit it’s a launchpad to a life in Canada, provided you play your cards right.
Conclusion: Seizing Opportunities in a Changing Landscape
The PGWP List as of June 2025 is more than a policy update it’s a signal of Canada’s evolving priorities. By adding 119 programs and removing 178, IRCC is steering international students toward fields that power the nation’s future.
This shift demands adaptability, urging students to choose programs with precision and purpose. Whether you’re drawn to healthcare, education, or trades, the opportunities are vast, but the window to act is narrow.
Canada remains a beacon for international students, offering world-class education and a path to permanent residency. Yet, the path requires strategy.
By aligning your studies with the PGWP List as of June 2025, you’re not just earning a degree you’re building a future in a country that values your skills. So, what’s your next move? Will you seize this chance to shape Canada’s tomorrow?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is affected by the *PGWP List as of June 2025* changes?
A: Non-degree students applying for study permits on or after November 1, 2024, must choose from the updated list of 1,107 eligible programs.
Q: Are degree programs affected by the new PGWP rules?
A: No, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs remain eligible for PGWP regardless of field, provided other criteria are met.
Q: What happens if my program was removed from the eligibility list?
A: If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, you’re grandfathered and remain eligible, even if your field was later removed.
Q: How can I confirm my program’s eligibility?
A: Check your program’s CIP code on your DLI’s website or IRCC’s official list to ensure it’s on the PGWP List as of June 2025.
Q: What are the language requirements for PGWP eligibility?
A: Non-degree graduates need a minimum CLB 5 in English or French across all four language skills. Degree programs require CLB 7.
