Looking to study in Canada and qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2025? This detailed guide explains which education programmes, fields of study, and credentials are PGWP-eligible according to IRCC guidelines. Learn how to choose the right course, avoid ineligible programmes, and increase your chances of permanent residency through Express Entry.
Understanding PGWP: A Key Pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada
For international students in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is more than just a work opportunity—it’s a critical bridge to building a future in Canada. The PGWP allows graduates of eligible Canadian educational institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can significantly boost their chances of qualifying for Canadian immigration pathways like Express Entry and various Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs).
As of 2025, the Government of Canada has updated the criteria for PGWP eligible fields of study, and this article will help you understand:
- Which PGWP eligible programs qualify under the new 2025 rules
- The role of CIP codes in determining PGWP eligibility
- Changes to healthcare and transport programs and their PGWP status
- How to ensure your college programme meets PGWP program requirements
Choosing the right programme is essential not just for your future career, but also for your immigration to Canada process. Let’s explore what you need to know.
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Overview of the PGWP
The PGWP is an open work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international graduates to work for any employer in Canada after completing their studies. This permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the educational programme.
Key PGWP Program Requirements
- You must complete a full-time programme at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Your programme must be at least eight months in duration
- The programme must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks
Most importantly, not all programmes or institutions qualify. Your choice of field and institution will directly affect your eligibility. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider a free immigration assessment to evaluate your best options.
PGWP Eligible Fields of Study 2025: What Has Changed?
With updates announced by IRCC for 2025, it’s more important than ever to verify whether your intended programme is part of the PGWP eligible fields 2025. The Canadian government is refining the list of programmes and institutions that qualify, focusing on labour market needs and alignment with immigration pathways.
The Role of CIP Codes in PGWP Eligibility
The Classification of Instructional Programmes (CIP) codes are numeric codes used by educational institutions and IRCC to classify academic fields. These codes help determine whether a particular field of study qualifies for PGWP.
In 2025, IRCC has emphasized aligning eligible CIP codes with Canada’s economic priorities, such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Students and applicants should be aware that PGWP eligibility is increasingly tied to your CIP code.
Where to Find CIP Codes
CIP codes are usually listed on your letter of acceptance or transcript. If not, you can request this information from your school. Ensure that the field of study listed aligns with IRCC’s PGWP field of study list.
PGWP Eligible Programs by Field: 2025 Outlook
Based on current IRCC guidelines and updates, here are some of the major PGWP-eligible fields of study for 2025:
- Healthcare Programs PGWP: Nursing, medical laboratory science, physiotherapy, and other allied health programmes remain eligible. However, some healthcare certifications that don’t meet degree-level criteria may not qualify.
- Information Technology and Computer Science: Highly sought after in Canada’s tech sector, most IT-related diploma and degree programmes are PGWP-eligible.
- Engineering and Skilled Trades: Mechanical, civil, electrical engineering, and construction-related trades are eligible, especially those aligned with Red Seal trades.
- Education and Early Childhood Development: These remain eligible and are in demand in many provinces.
- Business, Finance, and Accounting: Most diploma and degree programmes in this category qualify for PGWP.
To verify whether your programme is eligible, it’s wise to determine your eligibility with a professional advisor who understands the latest PGWP policies.
Transport Programs PGWP Removed in 2025
One of the more notable changes in 2025 is that certain transport programs have been removed from PGWP eligibility. This includes some non-degree programmes in fields like truck driving and logistics that previously qualified but no longer meet the updated criteria.
Students interested in transport-related fields should ensure they enrol in programmes that lead to a diploma or higher and are offered by a DLI. As this area is in flux, exploring your Canadian immigration options before choosing a course is highly recommended.
Non-Degree and College Programs: Are They Still Eligible?
Non-Degree PGWP Eligibility
A common question among international students is whether non-degree programmes still qualify for PGWP. The answer is: it depends. Some non-degree PGWP eligibility still exists, particularly for diploma and certificate programmes offered at public colleges or DLIs.
However, the IRCC has become stricter about institutions offering private college programmes under public-private partnerships. In many provinces, such as Ontario, these private colleges no longer lead to PGWP eligibility unless clearly stated otherwise.
Tips to Ensure Your College Programme is PGWP-Eligible
- Confirm the institution is on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list with PGWP eligibility
- Check if the programme leads to a diploma, degree, or certificate
- Verify the CIP code with your institution’s registrar
- Review the programme’s duration (minimum 8 months required)
Still unsure if your programme qualifies? A professional immigration evaluation can help you make an informed decision before you apply for a study permit.
College Programs PGWP: What to Watch For
Canadian colleges offer a wide range of technical and professional programmes. While many are still PGWP-eligible, students should be cautious of:
- Private institutions without DLI status or PGWP eligibility
- Short-term programmes under 8 months
- Online-only or hybrid programmes without in-person instruction
- Programmes not aligned with Express Entry or PNP occupational demand
To improve your long-term immigration prospects, choose college programmes in high-demand sectors such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and early childhood education. These fields not only qualify for PGWP but also improve your CRS score under Express Entry.
How PGWP Helps You Qualify for Permanent Residency
PGWP and Express Entry
Once you gain Canadian work experience through your PGWP, you may become eligible for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This pathway gives you a significant advantage in the immigration system by awarding points for Canadian work experience.
For example, one year of skilled Canadian work experience can add up to 70 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This can be the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or waiting years for another chance.
PGWP and Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs)
Many provinces have specialized PNP streams targeting international students who graduate from colleges and universities in their province. These streams often require that you:
- Graduate from a post-secondary institution in the province
- Have a valid PGWP
- Have a job offer or work experience in a high-demand occupation
For example, British Columbia’s International Graduate stream and Ontario’s Employer Job Offer: International Student stream are popular options. If you plan ahead, your PGWP can be a powerful stepping stone to a successful immigration to Canada process.
Language and Credential Requirements
To transition from PGWP to permanent residency, you’ll need to meet language requirements such as:
- IELTS General Training or CELPIP for English
- TEF or TCF Canada for French
You’ll also need to ensure your foreign credentials are recognized through Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if applying through Express Entry using overseas education. However, Canadian education completed under a PGWP-eligible programme does not require an ECA.
Need help planning your transition from student to permanent resident? Use our free immigration assessment today to assess your immigration options.
How to Choose a PGWP-Eligible Programme in 2025
Understand the Importance of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
Not all schools in Canada are created equal in the eyes of IRCC. To be eligible for the PGWP, your programme must be completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is approved for PGWP purposes. This is an important distinction—some DLIs may offer study programmes, but not all of them are eligible for a PGWP upon graduation.
Before applying to a college or university in Canada, confirm two things:
- The institution is on the official DLI list
- The DLI offers programmes that qualify for a PGWP
If you’re unsure how to verify this, a professional immigration evaluation can help you avoid costly mistakes and choose the right institution for your goals.
Align Your Studies with In-Demand Occupations
Whether you’re planning to stay in Canada temporarily or become a permanent resident, choosing a field of study that aligns with Canada’s labour market needs will improve your chances at every step. In 2025, IRCC is emphasizing sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, IT, and education for both PGWP eligibility and immigration pathways.
Top Fields for PGWP and Immigration Pathways
- Healthcare: Nursing, physiotherapy, medical technology, and personal support worker programmes
- Technology: Software development, cybersecurity, data science, and AI
- Skilled Trades: Electrician, plumber, welder, HVAC technician—especially Red Seal trades
- Early Childhood Education: High demand across provinces, especially in community colleges
- Business and Finance: Accounting, financial planning, and human resources
To ensure your chosen programme supports your long-term goals, explore your Canadian immigration options before you submit your application to a school.
Check Programme Structure: Duration and Delivery Format
Programme duration and format are key factors in PGWP eligibility. IRCC requires that your study programme:
- Be at least 8 months long
- Be completed full-time
- Include in-person instruction (not online-only)
Programmes delivered fully online—even if offered by a DLI—do not qualify for PGWP. Hybrid programmes may be considered if most of the learning is done in person. Always confirm with your institution and refer to IRCC guidelines before committing.
Important Note on Accelerated Programmes
If your programme is completed in less time than scheduled but still meets the 8-month minimum, you may still be eligible for a PGWP. For example, if you finish a 12-month programme in 10 months by taking extra courses, IRCC may still grant a work permit based on the original programme duration.
PGWP Field of Study List: How to Interpret CIP Codes
What Are CIP Codes and Why They Matter
CIP codes (Classification of Instructional Programmes) are standardised identifiers used to categorise academic fields in Canada. Each programme at a DLI is assigned a CIP code, which IRCC uses to determine eligibility for immigration-related programmes like PGWP.
As of 2025, IRCC is closely aligning PGWP eligibility with CIP codes to ensure that graduates are equipped for roles in high-demand sectors. This means that even if your programme has a job-focused title, it may not qualify unless its CIP code matches an approved field.
Common PGWP-Eligible CIP Code Categories
- 51.* – Health Professions and Related Programmes
- 11.* – Computer and Information Sciences
- 14.* – Engineering
- 13.* – Education
- 52.* – Business, Management, Marketing
Find your CIP code on your offer letter or transcript, or request it from your registrar. Cross-reference it with IRCC’s PGWP-eligible list or consult a professional advisor to verify your field’s eligibility.
Fields Under Review or Recently Removed
IRCC continues to review and update its PGWP field of study list. As mentioned earlier, some transport programmes PGWP eligibility has been removed, particularly those tied to truck driving or short-term logistics training that do not result in a diploma or certificate from a DLI.
Similarly, some healthcare programmes PGWP eligibility has been narrowed. Programmes that do not meet the Canadian credential standards or are too short in duration may be excluded, even if they are healthcare-related. Always verify the full requirements before enrolling.
Strategic Planning for International Students in 2025
Pathways to Permanent Residency After PGWP
Your PGWP is more than a work permit—it’s a strategic stepping stone toward permanent residency. Once you gain one year of skilled Canadian work experience, you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
To maximize your chances, choose a programme that leads to employment in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 job. These are the only categories that count as “skilled” for immigration purposes. For example:
- Software engineers (NOC 21231 – TEER 1)
- Registered nurses (NOC 31301 – TEER 1)
- Early childhood educators (NOC 42202 – TEER 2)
Once you have Canadian work experience in these roles, your immigration to Canada process becomes significantly smoother via Express Entry or PNPs.
Work While Studying and After Graduation
As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. However, this work does not count toward skilled Canadian work experience for PR purposes.
Only the full-time work you do after graduation on a PGWP will contribute to your eligibility for Express Entry or PNPs. That’s why it’s crucial to:
- Start job hunting before graduation
- Target employers in NOC TEER 0-3 occupations
- Use career services offered by your college or university
Provincial Nominee Programmes for International Graduates
Each Canadian province has at least one Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) that prioritizes international graduates. These are powerful pathways to permanent residency and often have lower language and work experience thresholds than Express Entry.
Examples of PNP Streams for PGWP Holders
- Ontario: Employer Job Offer – International Student stream
- British Columbia: International Graduate stream
- Manitoba: International Education Stream
- Nova Scotia: International Graduate in Demand stream (for nurses and ECEs)
To qualify, you’ll usually need to:
- Have completed your studies in that province
- Hold a valid PGWP
- Have a job offer in a high-demand occupation
It’s a good idea to assess your immigration options early so you can pick the right province and programme from the start.
Tips for a Successful PGWP and Immigration Journey
Plan Your Immigration from Day One
Start thinking about your Canadian immigration journey before you even arrive. The choices you make now—your school, field of study, and province—will shape your options later.
Smart Planning Tips
- Choose a PGWP-eligible programme aligned with in-demand jobs
- Pick a province with favourable PNP pathways
- Maintain full-time status and good academic standing
- Start gaining Canadian work experience as soon as you’re eligible
Make sure to determine your eligibility with experienced immigration professionals who can guide you every step of the way.
Prepare for Language and Credential Requirements
To qualify for PR, you must meet IRCC’s language requirements. Most applicants take:
- IELTS General Training or CELPIP (English)
- TEF Canada or TCF Canada (French)
Although your Canadian education doesn’t require an ECA, any foreign credentials used in your immigration application do. It’s best to get started with your ECA early if you plan to combine qualifications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students unknowingly choose ineligible programmes and lose their chance at a PGWP. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Enrolling in private colleges without PGWP eligibility
- Choosing programmes under 8 months
- Selecting fields not aligned with in-demand occupations
- Not applying for your PGWP within 180 days of completion
When in doubt, speak with a regulated immigration consultant. The Canadian immigration pathways can be complex, but the right advice makes a big difference.
Conclusion: Start Strong with the Right Education Choice
The PGWP eligible fields of study 2025 reflect Canada’s evolving economic and immigration priorities. By choosing a qualifying programme in a high-demand industry, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re building a future in Canada.
Whether you’re pursuing a college diploma in Ontario, a healthcare degree in British Columbia, or an IT programme in Alberta, the key is making informed decisions from the beginning. The right programme, institution, and work experience can open the door to permanent residency through Canadian immigration pathways like Express Entry and PNPs.
Still unsure which programme is right for you? Let our experts help you make the right move. Start with a free immigration assessment and take your first step toward studying, working, and settling in Canada with confidence.
