The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has long been one of Canada’s most attractive offers to international students, because it is a very viable route to work experience and permanent residency in Canada.
However in 2025, this pathway has become narrower. Last year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced major reforms to the PGWP that directly affects international students who plan to study in Canada in 2025 and beyond. This elevates the due diligence required of international students planning to study in Canada, with a desire to explore the Canadian job market upon completion of studies.
What Has Changed?
1. New Restrictions on Public-Private College Partnerships
As announced by the IRCC and put into effect from May 15, 2024, international students enrolled in programs from public-private partnership (PPP) colleges will no longer be eligible for a PGWP, regardless of the duration of study or credential obtained. This policy is targeted at certain private colleges that operate under licensing arrangements with public institutions, often referred to as “Public College Private Partnership” programs.
Implication: Students seeking to apply to Canadian colleges must now first verify that the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with independent PGWP eligibility status. Second, that the program is delivered directly by the public college itself, not through a third-party private operator. This verification can be done independent of the institution by searching the IRCC website for the list of DLIs and programs with PGWP status.
2. In-Demand Fields for Non-Degree Programs
As of November 1, 2024, only students who submitted their study permits prior to the date of this new rule can pursue diploma and certificate programs (not a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree) without restrictions and remain eligible for a PGWP upon completion.
For post November 1, 2024 study permit applicants, non-degree students must meet an additional criterion, which is that their program must fall within Canada’s regularly updated list of In-Demand occupations. This list reflects the national labour shortages and uses Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to define eligible fields.
The Canadian government frequently updates this list, but the current in-demand and eligible fields are Healthcare, Education, Social Services and Skilled Trades. Transport and Agriculture were recently reinstated temporarily, after being classified as ineligible earlier this year.
Implication: Before applying to non-degree programs, check the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website regularly for the most up-to-date list of eligible non-degree programs. What was eligible last month may have changed now.
3. Mandatory Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants
Another major shift in the new PGWP eligibility requirement is the need to prove language proficiency in English or French. The required level, however, depends on the type of program completed:
• Degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD): Minimum CLB 7 (or NCLC 7 in French)
• Non-degree programs (Diplomas, Certificates): Minimum CLB 5 (or NCLC 5 in French)
As such, applicants must take an approved language test such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada. At the time of the PGWP application, the result must be less than two years old.
4. Guaranteed 3-Year PGWP for Master’s Graduates
On a positive note, the IRCC has increased the length of PGWP for a master’s program to 3 years even if the length of the program is less than 2 years, as long as the program was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Notably, this does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.
What Has Not Changed (But Is Still Important to Note)?
Despite the recent reforms, several foundational PGWP requirements are still in force.
• The school must appear on the government’s list of DLIs with PGWP-eligible programs.
• The program must be at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for eligible Quebec programs)
• Students must have maintained full-time status throughout their program, with the exception of their final semester.
• The PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of program completion.
• At least 50% of the program must be completed within Canada, any remote study done from outside Canada no longer counts towards PGWP eligibility.
What Are The Necessary Steps To Take?
Anyone considering a study pathway to work and permanent residency in Canada must now plan with greater precision. The PGWP, which had always been the most viable way, has now become more selective and stringent. Every step must be deliberate, from selecting a program, verifying its eligibility status, confirming its delivery method to preparing for language proficiency testing.
1. Only apply to colleges on the DLI list with PGWP eligibility.
2. Avoid programs whose CIP codes are not PGWP-eligible.
3. Check the eligibility status up to the date you want to submit your study permit application, not the date of acceptance or program start.
4. Prepare early for language proficiency testing.
5. Reach out to our team of professionals here at JBLaw Professional Corporation for legal immigration guidance and services.
The best source of truth remains the official IRCC website, as policies are constantly evolving. JBLaw Professional Corporation is always in the update and ready to assist you.