To overcome the labor crisis and revive the economy, Canada has extended the eligibility of jobs under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) scheme. This new change in early 2025 would open work opportunities for international graduates from Canadian institutions to gain experience in a totally new category added to the program.
What Is the PGWP Program?
This program essentially allows international students who have graduated from designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada to work in the country for a maximum of three years upon completion of their studies. For many international students, the work permit is an integral part of their plan to gain experience working in Canada and then apply for permanent residency there.
Expanded Job Categories
This updated list includes many sectors that were determined to be critical for Canada’s economy. These additions fulfill the immediate labor market needs indicated by consultation with all industry stakeholders and provincial governments. Newly added jobs under vital sectors include:
- Health Care: Nursing assistants, laboratory technicians, allied health professionals.
- Technology: Software testers, cybersecurity analysts, and AI experts.
- Trades and Construction: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
- Green Energy: Wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers.
These additional categories supplement the already existing eligible roles, comprising jobs in finance, education, and also those in traditional STEM domains.
New PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study
| CIP code | Field |
| 19.0710 | Developmental services worker |
| 13.1207 | Montessori teacher education |
| 13.1208 | Waldorf/Steiner teacher education |
| 13.1210 | Early childhood education and teaching |
| 13.1501 | Teaching assistants/aides, general |
| 19.0706 | Child development |
| 19.0708 | Child care and support services management |
| 19.0709 | Child care provider/assistant |
| 19.0711 | Early childhood and family studies |
Benefits for International Graduates
The expanded job list gives international students a larger opportunity space in Canada to channel their skills. For instance, this can give emerging fields, such as green technology and AI, a chance to be part of the innovation landscape while embedding themselves in Canada’s transformation toward a sustainable economy.
This expansion demonstrates global commitment by Canada to attract and retain the best talent in the world,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. “We want international graduates to contribute significantly to sectors that matter most as an investment in our future as a collective.
Streamlined Application Process
The continuation of that vision would be additional PGWP improvements, including:
- Faster submissions of applications for faster processing through the simplified online portal.
- Less processing time of up to 90 days, for most applications.
- Transition to permanent residency-across the board for applicants.
Implications for Canada’s Economy
These changes in policy should fill many thousands of job vacancies in the many provinces of the country which are now suffering severe labor shortages. It solidifies even more the reputation of Canada as one of the premier destinations for international students and skilled labor.
What Graduates Should Know
Now is the time to check the updated PGWP-eligible job list for students who will graduate in 2025 or later- and align career goals with it. Many institutions are already starting up specific programs in these expanded sectors in order to build to the future expected demand.
Conclusion
Such an addition to the list of PGWP-eligible jobs shows that Canada moves ahead of the rest in the field of immigration and labor-market challenges. This is an opportunity for international students to contribute to the growth of Canada while having the chance to build a successful career.
