Canada’s PGWP Update: What You Need to Know. On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revised the PGWP-eligible program list to address long-term labor shortages in key sectors. With 119 programs added and 178 removed, the total eligible programs now number 920.
Full PGWP Guide — Includes Newly Eligible Programs (June 25, 2025)
1. Why this update matters
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) adjusted the PGWP program to better align international graduates with Canada’s labor needs. The result:
- 119 new fields added
- 178 fields removed
- A total of 920 eligible programs now available canada.ca+13canada.ca+13nccanadaimmigration.com+13economictimes.indiatimes.com
A grace period (June 25–July 4, 2025) ensures programs removed during that window remain valid through early 2026 .
2. Who needs to check the new list?
This only affects non-degree graduates (diplomas, certificates, trades):
- Before Nov 1, 2024: No field-of-study requirement applies
- After Nov 1, 2024: Must graduate from an eligible program to qualify sait.ca+7moving2canada.com+7canada.ca+7
Degree holders (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) and students with study permits applied before hitting June 25, 2025, are automatically covered regardless of their program field canada.ca+5moving2canada.com+5norquest.ca+5.
3. How to verify your program
Use IRCC’s official database to confirm eligibility:
- Find your program’s CIP code
- On IRCC’s portal, select June 4, 2025 list
- Search your CIP by code/title—entries are grouped into STEM, Healthcare, Education, Trades, etc. norquest.ca+9coastmountaincollege.ca+9youtube.com+9kpu.ca+6canada.ca+6canada.ca+6
4. Newly Added Fields – Highlights
These emphasize Canada’s priority areas (not exhaustive):
Education
- Teacher education: Early childhood, Montessori, Waldorf, Special needs, STEM methods (CIP 13.12xx)
- Teaching assistants & support specialists (CIP 13.1501)
Health & Social Services
- Community health, lab tech, pharmaceutical residencies (CIP 60.08xx)
- Paramedicine, pharmacy tech, mental health care
Skilled Trades
- Construction management (CIP 52.2001–52.2002)
- Diver professional/instructor (CIP 49.0304)
- Welding, CNC machinist, cabinetry (CIP 48.x)
STEM & Engineering
- Environmental tech, robotics, telecoms, building engineering (CIP 15.xx series)
- Architecture & urban planning (CIP 04.02xx–04.03xx)
Transport & Infrastructure
- Public transportation planning (CIP 44.0403)
5. Programs Removed (Examples)
Programs previously eligible but removed include:
- Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management (CIP 12.05xx, 52.09xx)
- Business Administration variants (marketing, HR, finance)
- Non-degree IT, animation, policing, auto/body repair sait.ca+14nccanadaimmigration.com+14canada.ca+14canada.cacoastmountaincollege.ca+12nbcc.ca+12canada.ca+12
6. What You Should Do
| Your Status | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Planning a program | Confirm your CIP code against IRCC’s “Currently Eligible CIP codes” list studytravel.network+15canada.ca+15kpu.ca+15 |
| Already studying (post-Nov 2024) | If your program is eligible, continue uninterrupted. If not, consider switching fields or using the grace period |
| Applying after June 2025 | Only choose programs listed as eligible |
7. Why this matters for Express Entry
Fields tied to in-demand roles (healthcare, STEM, education, trades) receive higher priority in Express Entry streams like Canadian Experience Class. Choosing the right program can accelerate your PR path norquest.ca+14moving2canada.com+14canadavisa.com+14.
Final Steps
- Step 1: Identify your program’s CIP code
- Step 2: Verify on IRCC’s official “Field of Study: Currently Eligible CIP codes” list (updated July 4, 2025) applyboard.com+5canada.ca+5canada.ca+5
- Step 3: Plan your study permit accordingly—especially if you start college/diploma programs
- Step 4: Keep documentation (study permit application, program transcripts) safe in case of auditing
If you need help confirming your program’s eligibility or selecting one aligned with Canada’s PR priorities, let me know—I can walk you through a personalized assessment.
