Following the many inquiries and repeated questions we received regarding studying in Canada, we decided to gather all the information for you in one place and make order out of the chaos ๐
PGWP in 2025: What International Students Need to Know
Canada remains a top choice for international students, thanks in part to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which allows graduates to stay and work in Canada for 1 to 3 years.
But with the IRCC changes announced on November 1, 2024, not all programs are PGWP-eligible anymore. These updates created uncertainty for many students โ but if you choose the right program, you can still build a strong path to work and reach permanent residence in Canada.
This guide outlines which programs are safest in 2025, which ones lost eligibility, and what options exist for spouses.
โ Programs that remain PGWP-eligible
1. Bachelorโs Degrees at Public Institutions
– Still the safest option for international students.
– All fields of study at the bachelorโs level remain eligible, as long as they are pursued at a public college or university.
– Typical outcome: a 3-year work permit for programs lasting at least 2 years.
Examples:
โข Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
โข Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Finance/Marketing)
โข Bachelor of Engineering
2. Diploma and Advanced Diploma (Public Colleges)
These 2- to 3-year programs remain a popular pathway. High-demand areas that continue to qualify include:
โข IT & Computer Science (Software Development, Cybersecurity, AI, Data Analytics)
โข Business & Accounting (Finance, Marketing, International Business)
โข Engineering Technologies (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics)
โข Healthcare & Nursing (selected programs only)
โข Early Childhood Education (ECE)
3. Masterโs, MBA, and Post-Graduate Diplomas
– All Masterโs (MA, MSc, MBA) programs at public universities remain eligible.
– Many post-graduate diplomas (1โ2 years) at public colleges also still qualify, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering.
โ Programs that lost PGWP eligibility
According to the 2024 policy changes, several program categories no longer make students eligible for a PGWP. These include:
โข Most programs in Arts, Humanities, and General Social Sciences (unless tied to a high-demand field)
โข Hospitality & Tourism diplomas at many colleges
โข General office/administration programs with no specialized training
โข Programs offered by private colleges (even when they have a public partner institution)
๐ Students should confirm eligibility before applying using the official Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) list.
๐ Spousal Open Work Permit
Spouses of international students may still qualify for an Open Work Permit (OWP) if the student is enrolled in:
โข A Masterโs program (MA, MSc, MBA)
โข A Bachelorโs program at a public institution
โข A high-demand post-graduate diploma in areas such as technology, engineering, or healthcare
This option lets one partner study while the other works, providing stability for families.
๐ Key Takeaways
– Still safe: Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees at public institutions.
– Strong options: Diplomas and advanced diplomas in technology, business, healthcare, and engineering.
– Lost eligibility: Many arts, humanities, tourism, and private-college programs.
When planning your studies in Canada in 2025, choose carefully and always verify program eligibility before applying.
Feel free to contact us for consultation, our Canadian educational counselors wi be happy to find the right pathway for you – free of charge, no strings attached ๐
UCI & Lana Immigration Group
08-6640006
Info@ uci.co.il
