Effective June 25, 2025, the list of eligible fields of study for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) has been updated to reflect jobs in long-term shortages.

Key Points:

  • The updated list includes 920 fields of study eligible for a PGWP, including the following changes:
    • 119 new fields were added in key sectors like healthcare, social services, education and certain trades.
    • 178 fields were removed as they are no longer linked to occupations in long-term shortages.
  • The updated list reflects the 2025 Express Entry priorities to address labor shortages in key sectors.
  • Students who submitted their study permit applications before June 25, 2025, will remain eligible for a PGWP if their program was on the approved list at the time of application, even if it has been removed since.
  • The full list of eligible fields of study can be viewed here.

Additional Information: In 2024, the International Student Program updated its eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits and started requiring international students in non-degree programs to complete a program in an eligible field of study linked to jobs in long-term shortages. This rule applies to students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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