Canada Delays Removal of Key Study Programs from PGWP Eligibility Until 2026
BREAKING: Temporary Reprieve for Thousands of International Students Affected by PGWP Changes
In a major development for international students studying in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the removal of several college-level study programs from the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list has been postponed until early 2026.
This update, released by IRCC on July 4, 2025, offers a grace period to students caught in the transition period and reinstates several programs that had been deemed ineligible under the previous June 25 policy revision.
Over 180 Study Programs Temporarily Reinstated
The temporary reversal of the June 25 update means that the list of PGWP-eligible programs has expanded from 920 to 1,107. International students who applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, are now included in this revised eligibility framework.
This change directly impacts those pursuing college diplomas and certificates, which are subject to specific field-of-study requirements.
Students enrolled in university bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are not affected by these field-of-study changes and remain fully eligible for PGWPs.
What Is a PGWP and Why It Matters
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit offered to international students graduating from PGWP-eligible Canadian institutions. It allows them to work for most employers across Canada, gaining valuable Canadian work experience that can support their permanent residence goals.
PGWPs are typically valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the completed academic program.
Background: What Changed on June 25?
IRCC introduced a sweeping update on June 25, 2025, targeting non-degree programs by revising the list of eligible Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. These codes are used to categorize programs based on their curriculum.
Key changes on June 25 included:
- 119 new programs added to PGWP eligibility (notably in the Education field)
- 178 programs removed, including all from the “Transport” category
- Changes applied only to non-degree programs (not bachelor’s, master’s, or PhDs)
This update applied to students who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and was immediately implemented on June 25—until the July 4 grace period was announced.
Grace Period Offers Lifeline to Affected Students
Students who applied between June 25 and July 4, 2025, are now covered under the previous eligibility list. This retroactive exception restores eligibility for many students who had unknowingly applied under programs removed in the June 25 update.
This decision reflects IRCC’s response to widespread concerns from colleges, employers, and international student advocates who warned that the abrupt implementation could jeopardize student futures and disrupt labor market pipelines.
General PGWP Eligibility Rules (2025)
Aside from field-of-study eligibility, students must meet the following conditions to apply for a PGWP:
- Complete a full-time program at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- The program must be at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec)
- Maintain full-time student status throughout the program (except final semester)
- Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing the program
- Have a valid study permit at some point during that 180-day period
- Meet any language requirements depending on the program level
Looking Ahead: What Happens in 2026?
IRCC has stated that the revised eligibility list will come into force in early 2026, meaning students applying after that date will be subject to the stricter field-of-study limitations. Institutions and students are encouraged to monitor IRCC communications closely and plan accordingly.
Final Word: Students Urged to Act Quickly and Stay Informed
With these updates, Canada has shown flexibility in its approach to immigration-linked education policy. However, international students are encouraged to seek legal or institutional guidance to understand their eligibility and avoid missteps.
The grace period offers relief—but the window to benefit from it is narrow. Those planning to begin their studies in fall 2025 should act now to ensure PGWP eligibility before the new restrictions take full effect.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
