Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially published a comprehensive list of 920 programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as of 2025. This significant update is part of a major policy shift rolled out in late 2024, aimed at aligning Canada’s international education pathways with national labour market needs.
Starting in 2025, international students pursuing non-degree credentials—such as diplomas, certificates, or attestations—must graduate from a program that appears on this approved list to qualify for a PGWP. The change is designed to more closely link post-secondary education with in-demand occupations and Canada’s immigration priorities, including sectors highlighted under the Express Entry system.
The government’s new criteria focus specifically on long-term labour shortages. Eligible programs are spread across key occupational categories such as health care, skilled trades, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and early childhood education. These targeted areas align with Canada’s broader efforts to attract talent in sectors facing sustained workforce gaps.
According to Maple News, the eligibility list provides much-needed clarity to current and prospective international students. Those already enrolled or who apply to their program before June 25, 2025, will continue to be evaluated under the eligibility list that was in effect at the time of their application. This grandfathering policy offers transitional protection for students mid-way through their academic journey.
The updated PGWP rules reflect a broader national strategy to synchronize the international education sector with Canada’s labour force development. By focusing on programs that lead to employment in critical industries, the policy aims to increase retention of skilled international graduates and support long-term economic growth.
As a result, education institutions across Canada are expected to see a shift in program demand, with a likely uptick in enrollment for fields aligned with PGWP eligibility. Prospective international students are advised to consult the latest eligibility list before choosing their academic path.
This change also reinforces the importance of carefully-planned educational strategies for students eyeing permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or other economic immigration streams. A PGWP is often a key stepping stone to gaining Canadian work experience and eventually securing permanent residence.
Additional guidance, including the official list of 920 approved fields categorized by sector, is available through the Canadian government, but Maple News will continue to provide updates and expert analysis to help students and institutions navigate these evolving pathways.
In light of these changes, international students are urged to seek academic advising and immigration consultation early in their planning process to ensure program eligibility and optimize their immigration prospects.