Canada is on track to significantly reduce the number of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) issued in 2025, with projections suggesting a nearly 30% decline compared to the previous year. According to new data reviewed by Maple News, an estimated 143,600 permits will be issued by year-end, down from over 205,000 granted in 2024. This drop is part of a broader federal strategy to reduce the population of temporary residents and raise standards for international education pathways.
The most abrupt declines occurred in the second quarter of 2025, particularly in May and June, where PGWP approvals plummeted by more than half year-over-year. If this trend continues, total approvals may fall below 130,000 by December, marking the lowest issuance since the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted immigration.
The reduced permit numbers directly stem from new immigration policies implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These include heightened language proficiency requirements, tightened restrictions on joint public–private college programs, and limited PGWP eligibility for certain non-degree and business-heavy programs, particularly at the college level.
Historically, PGWPs have been a major draw for international students considering Canada as a study destination. These permits provide graduates with an open work opportunity in Canada for up to three years, facilitating a path to permanent residency. However, with the new policy framework in place, many international students may no longer qualify, posing a potential challenge for post-secondary institutions relying on global enrollment.
In the first half of 2025, college graduates accounted for the majority of PGWPs issued (65%), an increase from 62% in 2024. Postgraduate students received 17% of permits, while undergraduate university students saw their share drop to just 9% — the lowest level since 2022. Industry experts suggest that as older rules are gradually phased out, the proportion of PGWPs going to college graduates may decline in favour of degree-based programs at universities.
When examining fields of study, business and management programs dominated with 44% of PGWPs issued, the highest in five years. Computing and IT made up 15%, followed by health and sciences (10%), arts and humanities (9%), and engineering (6%). However, business program figures may soon dip as many college business certificates are rendered ineligible. Experts expect Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields to gain a stronger share under future rules.
The countries most affected by these shifts include India — which remains the leading source of PGWP applicants — followed by China, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Nepal. From January to June, Indian nationals comprised more than 43,000 of approved PGWPs, while China and Nigeria contributed just over 4,000 and 3,800, respectively.
Maple News also notes that a decline in PGWP approvals could have broader repercussions on the Canadian labour market. International graduates often fill critical roles in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades, helping address workforce shortages. Reduced access to work permits may exacerbate existing gaps in essential sectors.
Ultimately, while the federal government aims to maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and international education sector, stakeholders — including colleges, employers, and regional governments — will be closely monitoring the long-term impact.
Stay with Maple News for continued coverage and expert insights on Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.