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IRCC Announces Eligible Programs for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)

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The IRCC has updated its guidelines on programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Starting from November 1, international graduates at certain levels of study will now need to meet specific field of study requirements to qualify for a PGWP under the new regulations announced in September.

Note : Field of study requirements are exempt for graduates holding a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from a university.

Which fields of study are eligible for PGWPs?

Eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) align with the occupation-based Express Entry categories introduced by the IRCC in 2023, which are designed to address national labour market demands. These fields include:

  • Agriculture and agri-food
  • Healthcare
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Trades
  • Transportation

Programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) are categorized using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), Canada’s system for classifying educational programs, similar to how the National Occupational Classification (NOC) categorizes jobs.

The table below highlights examples of instructional programs that qualify for a PGWP in each eligible field of study, along with their corresponding CIP codes:

CIP 2021 Title
CIP 2021 Code
Field of Study Category
Agricultural business and management, general
01.0101
Agriculture and agri-food
Animal/livestock husbandry and production
01.0302
Agriculture and agri-food
Plant nursery operations and management
01.0606
Agriculture and agri-food
Animal health01.0903Agriculture and agri-food
Agronomy and crop science01.1102Agriculture and agri-food
Special education and teaching, general13.1001Healthcare
Exercise physiology26.0908Healthcare
Physical therapy assistant
51.0806
Healthcare
Polysomnography51.0917Healthcare
Cytotechnology/cytotechnologist51.1002Healthcare
Computer programming/programmer, general11.0201STEM
Chemical engineering
14.0701
STEM
Engineering mechanics
14.1101
STEM
Water, wetlands and marine resources management03.0205STEM
Computer graphics11.0803STEM
Electrician46.0302Trade
Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician47.0201Trade
Machine tool technology/machinist48.0501Trade
Insulator46.0414Trade
Plumbing technology/plumber46.0503Trade
Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician47.0302Transport
Air traffic controller49.0105Transport
Truck and bus driver/commercial vehicle operator and instructor49.0205Transport
Flight instructor49.0108Transport
Transportation and materials moving, other49.9999Transport

How to Locate Your CIP Code

Newcomers who want to find the CIP code for their instructional program can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP.
  2. Use the search bar above the table to enter keywords related to your program, or browse through the available field of study links.
  3. After selecting a field, you’ll be directed to a table with sub-categories for each field of study.
  4. Select the appropriate sub-category. If unsure, click “display definitions” to read descriptions for each category.
  5. Continue to the specific sub-category, and you’ll reach a table detailing individual instructional programs. Use the “display definitions” function if needed for clarification.
  6. Click on the relevant program to view detailed information, including examples and exclusions. Since program titles are broad, reviewing descriptions is essential to ensure you select the correct CIP code.

New Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants Introduced

Alongside the new field of study requirements, the IRCC has introduced language requirements for PGWP eligibility, which differ based on the level of study of international graduates. A summary of these changes is provided in the table below*:

Level of Study
Language Requirement
Field of Study Requirement
University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degreeCLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areasAll fields of study are eligible
Any other university programCLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areasMust graduate in an eligible field of study
College program or any other program not listed aboveCLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areasMust graduate in an eligible field of study

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