Delay in the withdrawal of postgraduate study programs from the eligibility for PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) in Canada

Delay in the withdrawal of postgraduate study programs from the eligibility for PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) in Canada

Canada's immigration department has announced significant updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, affecting international students in non-degree programs who applied for their study permit on or after 1 November 2024.

From 25 June, 2025, the eligibility period for PGWPs has been extended for study programs initially removed from eligibility, now running until early 2026. This extension applies specifically to students in non-degree programs.

To qualify for a PGWP, international students must complete a program of study at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution that was at least 8 months in duration (or 900 hours for programs in Quebec). They must also meet language proficiency requirements according to their level of study and maintain full-time student status during each semester of their study program, with the exception of studying part-time in their final semester.

The duration of a PGWP can be up to three years, depending on the length of the study program. It is important to note that PGWPs are open work permits, not tied to a specific employer or job.

On 25 June, 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced substantial changes to the list of educational programs that qualify for PGWP. The update aligns eligibility with labor market priorities, including sectors like health, trades, education, and social services. As a result, 178 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes have been removed from PGWP eligibility, including the totality of the "Transport" category of eligible programs. Simultaneously, 119 new CIP codes have been added to the PGWP-eligible list.

The current list of PGWP-eligible educational programs has grown from 920 to 1,107 programs. These changes officially came into effect on November 1, 2024, and June 25, 2025, respectively.

Students must maintain study permit validity at some point during the 180 days after graduation and before they submit their PGWP application. They must also submit their PGWP application within 180 days of receiving confirmation that they have completed their program of study.

International students who applied for a study permit between 25 June and 4 July, 2025 can still qualify for a PGWP based on the formerly-removed study programs. Those who submitted their study permit application before 25 June 2025 were grandfathered into this new policy.

For more information about PGWP eligibility and the application process, visit the dedicated webpage provided by the IRCC. It is essential for international students to stay informed about these changes to ensure they can take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the PGWP program.

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