Canada’s immigration department paused the planned exclusion of many college and vocational programs from PGWP eligibility to give students more certainty and time to adjust. In its July 4, 2025 update, IRCC acknowledged concerns from post‑secondary institutions and provincial partners about the sudden removal of 178 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes on June 25. By restoring those codes until early 2026, IRCC maintains a broad list of 1,107 eligible programs, up from 920, and ensures that sectors facing labor shortages—such as skilled trades, health sciences, and business support services—continue to feed into Canada’s workforce.
Updated PGWP Eligibility Timeline
July 4, 2025: IRCC issued a notice restoring 178 vocational and college program codes that had been removed on June 25, 2025. These fields will stay on the PGWP eligibility list until the next scheduled review in early 2026.
June 25, 2025: IRCC initially added 119 new CIP codes and removed 178, reducing the total eligible fields from 1,039 to 920. The removed programs covered trades, transport, business support, and other non‑degree areas.
Early 2026 (Projected): IRCC will publish a comprehensive update to the PGWP field‑of‑study list. Until then, all programs—whether added or removed on June 25—remain eligible under the July 4 grace period.
Why the Grace Period Matters
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Application Window Protection: Students who applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4 automatically benefit from the restored list. Their programs count toward PGWP eligibility at graduation.
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Grandfathering Pre‑June 25 Applicants: Anyone whose permit application was already in before June 25 keeps the field‑of‑study status in place at their application date.
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Time to Plan: Colleges, universities, and students gain breathing room to assess program choices, avoid rushed decisions, and prepare complete PGWP applications.
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Labor Market Alignment: Sectors facing shortages—such as health sciences, skilled trades, and business services—continue to feed talent into Canada’s workforce without interruption.
What Students Should Do Now
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Check Your CIP Code: Visit IRCC’s official PGWP field‑of‑study page to confirm your program is listed.
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Maintain Full‑Time Status: Stay enrolled full‑time each semester, except in your final term where part‑time study is allowed.
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Save Key Documents: Keep your study permit, transcripts, and completion letters ready for your PGWP application.
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Apply Within 180 Days: Submit your PGWP application online within 180 days of graduation.
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Monitor IRCC Updates: Watch for the early 2026 list revision to understand any further changes to PGWP eligibility.
By following these steps, you secure the right to work in Canada after graduation and maximize your open work permit benefits.
Restored Programs and PGWP Eligibility
Vocational and college-level programs removed on June 25 will stay on the PGWP eligibility list through the grace period. The list now covers 1,107 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, up from 920.
| Program Category | CIP Codes Restored | Total Eligible Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Trades and Technology | 50 | |
| Health and Social Services | 40 | |
| Business Support Services | 30 | |
| Other Vocational Fields | 58 | 1,107 |
Students in these fields can apply for a PGWP if they meet the general criteria.
Newly Added Programs and PGWP Eligibility
Alongside restorations, IRCC added 119 new CIP codes in priority sectors. These include fields in health care, education, and skilled trades. All new codes appear on the PGWP eligibility list effective June 25 and remain valid under the grace period.
Key new sectors:
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Health Care and Social Services
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Early Childhood Education
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Renewable Energy Technologies
Implications for International Students
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Program Choice: Students can enroll in restored programs and maintain PGWP eligibility through early 2026.
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Application Window: Study permit applications submitted between June 25 and July 4, 2025, automatically qualify under the old list.
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Grandfathering Rule: Applicants before June 25 remain eligible if their program was on the list at application time.
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Degree Exemption: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates never faced field‑of‑study restrictions and retain full PGWP eligibility.
This update stabilizes career planning for students in trades and technical fields.
PGWP Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must meet general requirements beyond field of study.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Institution | Complete program at a designated learning institution (DLI) listed by IRCC. |
| Program Length | Minimum 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) |
| Enrollment Status | Full‑time each semester (part‑time allowed in final term) |
| Application Timing | Apply within 180 days of program completion |
| Permit Validity | Hold valid study permit during the 180‑day window |
| Language Proficiency | Meet IRCC’s language requirements per program level |
IRCC publishes the current list of eligible CIP codes on its website. Check your program at:
Field of study requirement for PGWP eligibility.
Steps to Secure PGWP Eligibility
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Verify CIP Code: Confirm your program’s six‑digit CIP code on the IRCC site.
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Maintain Status: Keep full‑time enrollment, except in the final semester.
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Gather Documents: Obtain transcripts, completion letters, and valid study permit.
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Submit Application: File online within 180 days of graduation.
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Monitor Updates: Watch for early 2026 changes to PGWP eligibility.
Expert Advice on PGWP Eligibility
Follow these practical steps to secure and maximize your PGWP eligibility:
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Act Now to Lock In Your Program
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If you applied—or plan to apply—for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, verify your program’s six‑digit CIP code on the IRCC website today. Once confirmed, save a screenshot or PDF of the program’s eligibility listing. This proof will help if IRCC revises the list again in early 2026.
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Consider Degree Programs for Guaranteed Eligibility
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Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs do not face field‑of‑study restrictions. If your career goals allow, weigh the benefits of a degree‑level pathway to avoid future uncertainty around PGWP eligibility. Degrees also often lead to higher earning potential and broader employer options.
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Maintain Full Documentation
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Keep original and certified copies of your study permit, official transcripts, and letter of completion. When you apply for a PGWP, IRCC requires proof of program completion and valid status. Organize these documents in a dedicated, clearly labeled folder—digital and physical—to streamline your application.
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Consult Official and Institutional Resources
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Regularly check IRCC’s field‑of‑study page for updates:
IRCC PGWP Field-of-Study Requirements -
Contact your school’s international student office to confirm ongoing program eligibility and any institution‑specific guidance.
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Plan Your Post‑Graduation Career Path
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Map out potential employers in sectors linked to your CIP code. Use your open work permit to gain Canadian work experience in fields facing labor shortages—such as health care, skilled trades, or technology.
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Network with alumni and professional associations early. Attend job fairs and workshops to build connections before graduation.
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Stay Informed and Flexible
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IRCC will publish a comprehensive eligibility update in early 2026. Set calendar reminders to review changes as soon as they appear.
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If your program faces removal after early 2026, explore alternative study options or supplement your credentials with short-term certificates that qualify under PGWP eligibility.
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By taking these steps—locking in your program, maintaining careful records, and proactively planning your career—you ensure a smooth transition from study to work and fully leverage Canada’s post‑graduation work permit system.
Conclusion
In summary, Canada’s extension of PGWP eligibility until early 2026 gives you the time and certainty to choose or continue your college or vocational program without jeopardizing your work‑permit plans. Verify your program’s CIP code, keep your study‑permit and completion documents in order, and apply for your post‑graduation work permit within 180 days of graduation.
Stay alert for the early‑2026 update and work closely with your school’s international office. With careful planning and prompt action, you can turn your Canadian education into valuable Canadian work experience and launch your career in a field that meets both your goals and Canada’s labor‑market needs.
Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm
Ready to secure your post‑graduation work permit with confidence? Contact Maple Crest Immigration Law today for personalized guidance on PGWP eligibility. Our experienced attorneys will review your study program, verify your CIP code, and ensure your application meets all IRCC requirements. Don’t leave your career plans to chance—schedule your free consultation now and take the first step toward building your future in Canada!
