As of June 25, 2025, the Canadian government has introduced a major shift in its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules — especially for students planning to study diploma and certificate programs in Canada.
If you’re applying to study in Canada from Nepal, this blog will help you understand the new rules, what’s still allowed, and what steps you need to take to stay eligible for a PGWP — a key pathway to gaining Canadian work experience and Permanent Residency (PR).
Before June 2025: What Were the PGWP Rules?
Until now, Canada offered PGWP to students who:
- Completed a program (8 months or longer),
- Studied at a designated learning institution (DLI),
- Enrolled in any field — business, arts, IT, hospitality, etc.
This meant even non-degree programs (diplomas and post-grad certificates) qualified students for a PGWP of up to 3 years, depending on the program length. No restrictions were placed on the subject or sector of study.
What’s Changed Now? (Effective June 25, 2025)
As announced by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), the PGWP is no longer automatically available for all diploma or certificate programs.
Here’s what’s new:
- PGWP is now available only for non-degree programs in high-demand sectors.
- Canada has created a list of:
- ✅ 119 Approved Fields (Eligible for PGWP)
→ Includes Healthcare, Skilled Trades, Early Childhood Education, etc. - ❌ 178 Removed Fields (No longer PGWP-eligible)
→ Includes many general programs like basic business, hospitality, arts.
- ✅ 119 Approved Fields (Eligible for PGWP)
Applies to:
- Students who apply for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024.
- Students who applied before June 25, 2025 will not be affected by this change.
Degree Students: No Impact
If you’re applying for a:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Program
- PhD Program
You are still eligible for PGWP — no matter what you study.
So if you’re planning a long-term stay in Canada and career development, a degree-level program is a secure option.
Why Did Canada Make This Change?
The reason is simple: to align international education with real labor market demands.
In recent years, Canada saw a growing number of students graduating in fields with limited job prospects. Meanwhile, industries like healthcare, skilled trades, and education continued to face labor shortages.
By updating PGWP rules:
- Canada attracts students who can fill job gaps.
- Graduates can find jobs more easily after study.
- Immigration becomes more focused and sustainable.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re from Nepal and planning to study in Canada, you must choose your program wisely. Here’s what you can do:
1️⃣ Check Program Eligibility
Use tools like ApplyBoard or consult us at ACCEL Education & Migration to find out:
- Which programs are PGWP-eligible
- What career options they lead to
- How it connects to Canada’s PR pathways
2️⃣ Who Is Still Eligible Under Old PGWP Rules?
If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, you’re still eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) under the old policy — even if your program has since been removed from the eligible list.
However, students who applied on or after November 1, 2024, must now follow the new PGWP rules, which allow only certain in-demand programs (like healthcare, skilled trades, education) to qualify.
3️⃣ Consider In-Demand Fields
Fields like:
- Nursing and healthcare assistant programs
- Construction trades
- Early childhood education
- Tech-related diplomas (AI, cybersecurity, data analysis)
These are still PGWP-eligible and give you a stronger chance of job offers and PR after graduation.
4️⃣ Don’t Guess — Get Guidance
These new changes are complex. We at ACCEL Education & Migration, Putalisadak, Kathmandu (near Shanker Dev Campus) provide:
- Personalized program advice
- Updated lists of PGWP-eligible courses
- Complete visa and SOP support
What About Students Already in Canada?
Don’t worry if you already have a study permit or submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, you will still be assessed under the old PGWP rules.
This means your program does not need to be on the new PGWP-approved list of 920 fields. The new policy does not apply retroactively — so students who applied earlier are protected under the rules active at that time.
Final Thoughts
Canada is not closing doors — it’s guiding students more intentionally toward sectors where talent is truly needed.
So if you’re planning to study in Canada in 2025 or beyond, make informed choices. A wrong course could cost you your work permit and future in Canada.
Need Help Choosing the Right Course?
🎓 ACCEL Education & Migration
📍 Putalisadak, Kathmandu (near Shankar Dev Campus)
📞 Call us or walk in today our expert counselors will help you choose the right course, college, and pathway to Canadian PR
Let your Canadian dream take off the right way — with clarity, confidence, and ACCEL by your side.
