Update on Field of Study Requirement for Post-graduation Work Permits

Update on Field of Study Requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permits

Updated: July 8, 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made important updates on June 25 and July 4, 2025, about the eligible fields of study for international students in non-degree programs applying for a PGWP. These changes align international student pathways with Canada’s Express Entry priorities and labour market needs.

What’s New?

  • On June 25, IRCC removed 178 fields of study and added 119 new ones in areas like health care, social services, education, and skilled trades.
  • On July 4, IRCC reinstated several fields of study removed on June 25. These reinstated programs will remain eligible until early 2026, when the list is expected to be updated again.

These updates support immigration pathways in fields facing long-term labour shortages.

RRC Polytech is reviewing these changes and collaborating with federal and provincial partners to understand the impact on students. We are updating our list of PGWP-eligible programs and will publish it once finalized.

For updates or to speak with an advisor, contact: iesupport@rrc.ca

FAQs

I am an international student currently studying at RRC Polytech.

How does this impact me?
If you applied for your study permit before June 25, 2025, you are not impacted by these changes. You will remain eligible for a PGWP under the list that was in place at the time you applied.

If you are changing programs or have changed programs and need a new study permit or to extend your current one, this might affect you. Please email iesupport@rrc.ca for guidance.

I am a student in the Intensive English program and have questions about how this affects me.
RRC Polytech’s Immigration Advisor is available to meet with Intensive English students individually to discuss their situation and options. If you have questions about your study permit or future program plans, please contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca.

 

I am a prospective international student, or I have applied for admission to RRC Polytech.

What does this mean for me?
Your PGWP eligibility depends on when you applied (or apply) for your study permit, not your admission:

  • If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025
    You are not affected by the recent changes. Your eligibility is based on the list of fields that were in effect at the time you applied, even if your program is no longer on the updated list.
  • If you applied between June 25 and July 4, 2025
    You are still eligible. If your program was temporarily removed on June 25 but reinstated on July 4, it will remain PGWP-eligible. You will meet the field of study requirement when you graduate.
  • If you have not yet applied for a study permit
    To be eligible for a PGWP, your program must be either:

    • On the current list of eligible fields, or
    • One of the fields reinstated by IRCC on July 4, 2025 (after being removed on June 25).

You must apply for your study permit before IRCC’s next list update in early 2026 (exact date not yet announced).

If you are unsure whether your program is currently PGWP-eligible, contact us at international@rrc.ca,  we are here to help you understand your options.

 

I applied to a non-PGWP-eligible program and have not submitted my study permit application. What should I do?

If you have not yet applied for your study permit, you should check whether your program is currently PGWP-eligible. Programs that were removed on June 25 but reinstated on July 4 remain eligible until early 2026.

As long as your program is on the current list or the July 4 reinstated list, and you submit your study permit application before IRCC’s next update in early 2026 (date not yet announced), you will remain eligible for a PGWP.

If you need help confirming your program’s status or want advice on next steps, please contact us at iesupport@rrc.ca. We are here to support you.

 

Can I withdraw and receive a refund due to these IRCC changes?

At this time, refunds are not offered based on these IRCC updates because students can still enroll in their programs and remain eligible for a PGWP if they apply for their study permit before the next list update in early 2026.

If you have questions or concerns about your program or eligibility, please contact us at international@rrc.ca. We’re here to support you and help explore your options.

 

We’re here to support you.

These changes are part of a broader shift in how international education connects with Canada’s immigration goals. We remain committed to providing accurate information, timely updates, and personalized support for every student.

For questions or support, please contact:
iesupport@rrc.ca or international@rrc.ca