Major Updates to Fields of Study Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits in Canada

On June 25, Canada’s government updated the list of eligible occupations. While it added 119 new fields of study across key sectors like healthcare, education, and trades, it also removed 178 previously included fields of study – which will not be welcome news to international students who were considering studying in those fields.  

Key Takeaways 

• As of June 25, 2025, there are 920 fields of study eligible for a PGWP for international students in non-degree programs.  

• 178 fields no longer linked to labour shortages were removed from the list.  

Who Do These Changes Impact?  

This change applies to international students studying non-degree programs in Canada. This includes (but isn’t limited to) those studying:  

• Associate degrees 

• Graduate certificates or diplomas 

• Professional development programs 

• Specialized diplomas 

• Diploma programs 

• Certificate programs 

• Trade programs  

• Apprenticeships 

• Continuing education courses 

• Adult education programs.  

Timing of your PGWP Application 

Timing is key when it comes to your PGWP eligibility.  

You don’t need to meet the field of study requirement if your studies fall into any of the below categories of exemption:  

1. You submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024 (regardless of your level of study).  
2. You graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school. 
3. You graduated from a degree program – ie. A Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD program.  
4. You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024.  

There are additional timing considerations when it comes to those who submitted study permit applications after November 1, 2024. We cover those below.

Eligibility for a PGWP for Non-Degree Program Students 

Studying in an in-demand field of study is not the only program requirement international students must meet to be PGWP-eligible after completing a non-degree program.  

You must also meet general eligibility requirements, eligibility requirements based on your location, and eligibility requirements based on the study program.  

• See more here. 

Eligible Fields of Study as of June 25, 2025 

Strap in, it’s a long list.  

Note that this is a direct replica of the IRCC’s official list on June 25. There are a number of duplicate entries, so the list shows 929 occupations, not 920. But there are 920 unique entries.  

A few CIP entries show up more than once: 

• 26.0802 Molecular genetics, 26.0807 Genome sciences/genomics, 26.0899 Genetics, other and 26.091 Pathology/experimental pathology each appear under both Healthcare and social services and Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). 

• 30.1901 Nutrition sciences appears under Healthcare and social services and again under STEM. 

• 15.1001 Construction engineering technology/technician shows up in both STEM and Trade. 

• 14.3301 Construction engineering appears in STEM and again in Trade.

• 48.0507 Tool and die technology/technician is listed twice. 

Fields of Study Added To PGWP-Eligible List From June 25, 2025

These are the new fields of study that are now eligible for a PGWP from June 25, 2025:

2024 PGWP Eligible Fields of Study for Non-Degree Programs 

Here’s the detailed list of 960 fields of study that were PGWP-eligible from November 1 2024 to June 24, 2025. If you applied for your study permit or PGWP during this period, this is the field of studies list that is relevant for you: