Canada Extends PGWP Grace Period for International Students

Canada Extends Grace Period for PGWP-Eligible Study Programs: What International Students Need to Know

If you’re an international student studying in Canada — or planning to — there’s some encouraging news on the horizon. On July 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a grace period for previously removed study programs under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Originally set to take effect on June 25, 2025, the removal of several programs has been postponed until early 2026. That means more students will still qualify for valuable Canadian work experience after graduation.

Key Highlights

• IRCC has extended the eligibility of removed study programs until early 2026.
• Students who applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, will remain eligible for PGWPs under the original criteria.
• The list of PGWP-eligible programs has expanded from 920 to 1,107.
• Field of study requirements apply mainly to college-level diploma programs.
• Degree-level graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs) are exempt from these field of study restrictions.
• PGWPs are open work permits, allowing graduates to work for most employers across Canada.

What’s Changing with PGWP Eligibility?

Back in June 2025, IRCC made headlines by announcing a major overhaul to the types of study programs that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Many programs — particularly in the college diploma category — were removed from the eligibility list, causing concern among both current students and future applicants.

However, just days later on July 4, 2025, IRCC updated its stance, announcing a grace period. This means that affected programs will continue to qualify for PGWP eligibility until early 2026, giving students and institutions more time to adjust to the changes.

Even better, this reversal affects students who applied for their study permits between June 25 and July 4. If you’re in this group, you’re still in the clear to apply for a PGWP based on your original program choice.

How Many Programs Are Now Eligible?

Thanks to this update, the number of educational programs that qualify for a PGWP has grown from 920 to 1,107. This expanded list offers international students more flexibility and access to Canadian work experience after graduation — a key step toward permanent residency for many.

It’s important to note that these field of study requirements primarily impact students in college diploma or certificate programs. Those graduating from college bachelor’s degrees or university-level bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are not affected by these specific field restrictions.

PGWPs: Why They Matter

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a golden opportunity for international students who’ve finished their studies at a Canadian institution. It’s an open work permit, meaning it’s not tied to a specific employer or job. You can work across various industries and employers in Canada, which gives you the freedom to explore different career paths and gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Depending on the length of your program, a PGWP can be issued for up to three years. This time can be critical if you’re aiming for Canadian permanent residence through programs like Express Entry or the Manitoba PNP.

What Prompted the Original Changes?

Let’s rewind to June 25, 2025. On that date, IRCC rolled out new regulations that redefined which programs would be considered PGWP-eligible. These updates involved significant changes to the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes — a system used by the federal government to categorize educational programs based on their curriculum.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happened:

• 119 new CIP codes were added to the eligibility list — including a fresh group in the “Education” field.
• 178 CIP codes were removed, including all programs categorized under “Transport.”

These changes were aimed at aligning PGWP eligibility more closely with Canada’s labour market needs. However, the sudden rollout raised concerns among students and institutions, prompting the government to offer the current grace period.

Who Was Grandfathered In?

If you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025 — good news — you’re considered “grandfathered” into the old PGWP rules. That means you’ll still be eligible for a PGWP based on the program list that was in effect at the time of your application, even if your program was later removed.

This grandfathering policy adds a layer of protection for students caught in the middle of regulatory changes, giving peace of mind to thousands of future graduates.

General PGWP Eligibility Requirements

Aside from being in an eligible program, here’s what else you need to qualify for a PGWP:

• You must complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a designated learning institution.
• You must maintain full-time student status during every semester of your studies, except your final term, which can be part-time.
• You have 180 days after receiving written confirmation of program completion to apply for your PGWP.
• Your study permit must have been valid at some point during those 180 days.
• You’ll need to meet language proficiency requirements based on your level of education and province.

For a complete overview, check out our full guide to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

This grace period is a welcome reprieve for many international students and their families. But as policies continue to evolve, it’s essential to stay up to date and plan your educational journey with flexibility in mind.

If you’re unsure how these changes may impact your plans — or if you’re considering alternate immigration pathways like the Manitoba PNP — now’s a great time to seek personalized advice.

Want help navigating your PGWP options? Don’t go it alone. Schedule a free consultation with our trusted immigration experts and get tailored guidance for your future in Canada.