PGWP Eligibility Overhaul: Courses No Longer Eligible

PGWP Eligibility Overhaul: Courses No Longer Eligible (June 25, 2025)

On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the field-of-study requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). As part of aligning with labour market needs, 178 program streams have been removed from PGWP eligibility. Below, we list the specific courses that are no longer eligible, organized by broad field categories for easy reference.

Overview of Key Updates

Effective for study permits applied on or after November 1, 2024, and PGWP applications on or after June 25, 2025.
178 non-degree program streams no longer qualify for a PGWP due to their link to occupations not facing long-term shortages.
Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, remain protected under the previous list.

Courses No Longer PGWP-Eligible (Examples)

Agriculture & Agri‑Food

Program	CIP Code
Agriculture, General	01.0000
Agricultural Business & Management, General	01.0101
Farm/Farm & Ranch Management	01.0104
Agricultural Power Machinery Operation	01.0204
Crop Production	01.0304

Education

Program	CIP Code
Elementary Education & Teaching	13.1202
Junior High/Middle School Education & Teaching	13.1203
Secondary Education & Teaching	13.1205
Montessori Teacher Education	13.1207
Waldorf/Steiner Teacher Education	13.1208

Healthcare & Social Services

Program	CIP Code
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology & Tech. Asst.	01.8301
Multicultural Education	13.0202
Indigenous Education	13.0203
College Student Counselling & Personnel Services	13.1102
Student Counselling & Personnel Services, Other	13.1199

Implications for International Students

Students in removed programs must complete degrees at bachelor’s level or higher to qualify for a PGWP.
Applicants who filed study permit applications before June 25, 2025, remain eligible under the former list.
Prospective students should confirm CIP codes and PGWP eligibility with their institution before enrolling.

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