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Breaking: Canada Unveils 920 PGWP-Eligible Fields for International Students - Major Changes in Healthcare, Education & Trades Programs
- Pouya Shafabakhsh
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Executive Summary
On June 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented groundbreaking changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, affecting thousands of international students aged 18-35 seeking Canadian college education pathways. 119 new fields were added while 178 fields were removed, creating a refined list of 920 PGWP-eligible programs specifically targeting Canada's labor market demands in healthcare, education, and trades sectors.
Total Eligible Programs: 920
New Fields Added: 119
Fields Removed: 178
Ready to Secure Your Canadian Future?
Radsam Education Agency's expert advisors will review your eligibility and answer your two most important questions within 1-2 business days.
Understanding the June 2025 PGWP Changes
The Post-Graduation Work Permit program serves as Canada's primary bridge connecting international education to permanent residence. This latest update reflects Canada's commitment to addressing critical labor shortages while providing international students with clear pathways to Canadian careers.
What Changed:
✅ Added Fields (119 New Programs):
Healthcare & Social Services: Veterinary medicine, dental programs, healthcare technology
Education: French language teaching, subject-specific education programs
Trades: Construction management, CNC machinist technology, professional diving
❌ Removed Fields (178 Programs):
Transportation sector programs (completely eliminated)
Agricultural programs (reduced to minimal offerings)
Certain STEM programs no longer in high demand
The Three Priority Sectors: Healthcare, Education & Trades
Healthcare & Social Services
Canada's aging population creates unprecedented demand for healthcare professionals. International students in these programs enjoy:
Program | Duration | Starting Salary (CAD) | Job Growth Rate |
Practical Nursing | 2 years | $45,000-$55,000 | 15% |
Healthcare Administration | 2 years | $50,000-$65,000 | 12% |
Medical Laboratory Technology | 2-3 years | $48,000-$62,000 | 10% |
Dental Hygiene | 3 years | $55,000-$75,000 | 18% |
Education Sector
For the first time, education programs are PGWP-eligible, reflecting Canada's teacher shortage crisis.
New Eligible Programs:
French Language Teaching (Critical need)
Subject-Specific Education (Math, Science, Computer Studies)
Early Childhood Education
Special Education Support
Trades & Skilled Professions
Canada's infrastructure boom drives demand for skilled trades professionals.
Trade Program | Duration | Earning Potential (CAD) | Job Security |
Construction Management | 2 years | $55,000-$85,000+ | Excellent |
Welding Technology | 1-2 years | $50,000-$80,000+ | High |
Electrical Systems | 2-3 years | $60,000-$90,000+ | Excellent |
Automotive Technology | 2 years | $45,000-$70,000+ | High |
Top Canadian Colleges Offering PGWP Programs
College | Location | Specialization | PGWP Programs |
Humber College | Toronto, ON | Trades, Engineering | 95+ |
Sheridan College | Mississauga, ON | Health, Engineering | 80+ |
NBCC | New Brunswick | Healthcare, Trades | 65+ |
NSCC | Nova Scotia | Marine, Technology | 70+ |
St. Lawrence College | Kingston, ON | Healthcare, Business | 60+ |
Application Strategy & Timeline
Critical Dates
Fall Intake:
Application deadline: March 1 (extended to April 15 for select programs)
Document submission: March 15
Study permit applications: April 1
Winter Intake:
Early applications: September 1
Priority consideration for PGWP programs
Language Requirements
Program Level | CLB Level | IELTS Score | PTE Academic |
College Programs | CLB 5 minimum | 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) | 42 overall |
University Programs | CLB 7 minimum | 6.5 overall | 58 overall |
Your Canadian Future Starts Here
Don't let these opportunities pass by. Radsam Education Agency is here to guide you through every step of your Canadian education journey.
Get personalized guidance for:
Program selection aligned with PGWP requirements
College application strategies
Study permit documentation
Post-graduation career planning
Permanent residence pathways
Radsam Education Agency: Realizing Academic Dreams, Securing Aspiration Milestones
At Radsam Education Agency, we help international students achieve their dream of studying in Canada. You’ll find complete and accurate information on everything study-related in Canada on our blog. It’s the Wikipedia of Canadian education, and it’s going to give you all the info and the tools you need to get ahead. Now let us support you as you navigate your educational journey in Canada confidently and easily.
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