✨ Planning to study in Canada? Big news just dropped — and it’s a game-changer for diploma, certificate, and PG certificate students! Here’s everything you need to know 👇
📌 What Exactly Changed?
On June 25, 2025, Canada’s IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) officially announced:
From now on, only specific fields of study will qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — if you’re doing a certificate, diploma, or postgraduate certificate program.
🛑 Yes, you read that right! Not all non-degree programs are PGWP-eligible anymore. But there’s more to it — keep reading.
✅ Who’s Still Safe?
No stress if you’re doing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. These programs are NOT affected by this change — they still qualify for PGWP regardless of your field.
Also SAFE are:
- Students who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025
- Students who are already in Canada and studying
- Students who apply for degree-level programs
- Students in flight training programs (specific ones)
💡 What’s the New PGWP Rule?
For non-degree program students (like diplomas, certificates, or PG certificates):
You’ll only get a PGWP if your course falls under one of Canada’s labour shortage fields.
Canada wants students to study in areas that are actually needed in the job market — and contribute directly to the country’s economic growth.
🧠 Why This Happened?
Because Canada is facing skill shortages in sectors like:
- 👩⚕️ Health care
- 👩🏫 Education
- 🔧 Skilled trades
- 💻 STEM fields (tech, science, engineering)
So now, the government is encouraging students to choose programs in these sectors — and discouraging non-relevant, low-demand courses.
📚 So… Which Courses Are Affected?
🟢 119 new fields have been ADDED to the PGWP-approved list. These include:
- Nursing, pharmacy, dental hygiene, midwifery
- Early childhood education, special education
- Construction management, plumbing, carpentry
- Cybersecurity, computer programming, architecture
- Veterinary tech, medical lab tech, optician courses
Basically, any field that connects directly to Canada’s labour shortage or Express Entry demand.
🔴 But 178 programs have been REMOVED. These include:
- Aircraft maintenance
- General transport & logistics programs
- Solar energy & wind installation
- Building inspection
- Environmental and agricultural courses (many of them)
- Fire prevention & security systems
- Recreation & fitness studies (some)
Yes, these will no longer qualify for PGWP if you apply now.
💥 What If I Already Applied?
If you applied before June 25, 2025 — you’re totally safe! Your PGWP eligibility is based on the rules at the time you applied, not now. That means:
- No stress or changes needed
- Continue your studies with full confidence
Degree students? Not a single change. You’re 100% PGWP eligible as usual.
📍 What Should YOU Do Next?
Let’s break it down based on your situation:
| 🎓 Student Type | ✅ PGWP Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD | ✅ Yes, no matter what you study |
| Certificate/Diploma/PG Cert | ✅ Only if your field is on the updated PGWP-eligible list |
| Applied before June 25, 2025 | ✅ Safe under old rules |
| Applying now? | ⚠️ Must choose a course in one of the 920 eligible fields |
✈️ Thinking of Applying Now?
Here’s your action plan:
- ✔️ Double-check your program’s CIP code on the college/university website.
- ✔️ Make sure it’s in the list of 920 PGWP-approved fields (we have this list — DM us).
- ✔️ Avoid low-demand, removed programs (ask us if you’re unsure — don’t guess).
- ✔️ If possible, go for a degree-level program to be completely safe.
🧭 Why This Still Works in Your Favour
This update isn’t here to make your journey harder — it’s to guide you smartly. Canada is:
- Filtering out useless programs that don’t help your career
- Giving priority to students in real, future-proof careers
- Making PGWP meaningful for PR and long-term settlement
If you follow the new rules wisely, you can still study, work, and settle in Canada — successfully.
🧾 OFFICIAL SOURCE:
Read Canada’s official update here
👉 Canada.ca – PGWP Field of Study Update (June 25, 2025)
Let me know your course name, and I’ll personally check if it’s PGWP-approved or not. Don’t take chances — this update is serious but manageable with the right info. 🙌
Stay sharp. Choose smart. We’ve got your back. 💙
– Team AJOverseas