International students in Canada have received a reprieve after the federal government walked back a significant change to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Just weeks after announcing that 178 non-degree program fields would no longer be eligible for a PGWP, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now reversed that decision—at least temporarily.
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Original PGWP Changes Took Effect June 25, 2025
In June 2025, the IRCC introduced a major policy shift, stating that students enrolled in 178 specific non-degree programs would no longer qualify for a PGWP. The justification? These programs were reportedly “no longer linked to occupations in long-term labour shortages.”
The move drew concern from students, institutions, and employers, especially as the PGWP is a critical bridge for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience and transition into permanent residency.
Reinstated Programs Will Remain Eligible Until Early 2026
July 4 Announcement Brings Relief
On July 4, 2025, the IRCC updated its decision, reinstating the 178 previously excluded fields of study. The department clarified that these programs will now remain eligible for PGWPs until the list is next updated in early 2026.
This update ensures that students currently enrolled in, or who applied for, one of the 178 programs between June 25 and July 4, will still meet the eligibility requirements upon graduation.
What This Means for International Students and Schools
Current PGWP Eligibility List Expands Again
With the reinstatement, Canada’s list of PGWP-eligible programs has now grown to 1,095 fields of study, up from 920 following the June revision.
The updated list includes a strong focus on sectors with persistent labour demand, such as:
- Healthcare and social services
- Skilled trades
- Education-related programs
International students can view the full list of eligible programs on the official PGWP webpage to ensure their field of study still qualifies.
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A Strategic Pause Ahead of Broader Immigration Policy Changes
This delay gives students, institutions, and provincial governments more time to adapt to shifting immigration priorities. It also aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to address labor shortages through targeted immigration, as seen in this year’s 2025 Express Entry category-based selections.
New Express Entry categories include priority invitations for:
- Healthcare professionals
- Trade workers
- Educators
- Tech specialists
- French-language speakers
Looking Ahead: What Students Should Expect in 2026
While the immediate eligibility for many students has been restored, this is not a permanent reversal. The IRCC has clearly stated that another review and update to the PGWP-eligible programs list is scheduled for early 2026.
Prospective international students should:
- Monitor updates from IRCC regularly
- Ensure their field of study remains aligned with Canada’s labour market needs
- Consider programs in high-demand sectors to maximize post-graduation work and immigration opportunities
Conclusion
Canada’s temporary rollback of its PGWP changes offers international students a crucial window of opportunity. However, with another update expected in 2026, students must remain informed and strategic when choosing their programs. The PGWP remains one of the most important pathways for international students to gain Canadian work experience and pursue permanent residency, especially as Canada continues to refine its immigration system to meet evolving economic and workforce demands.