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 health | 01.0903 | Agriculture and agri-food |
Agronomy and crop science | 01.1102 | Agriculture and agri-food |
Special education and teaching, general | 13.1001 | Healthcare |
Exercise physiology | 26.0908 | Healthcare |
Physical therapy assistant | 51.0806 | Healthcare |
Polysomnography | 51.0917 | Healthcare |
Cytotechnology/cytotechnologist | 51.1002 | Healthcare |
Computer programming/programmer, general | 11.0201 | STEM |
Chemical engineering | 14.0701 | STEM |
Engineering mechanics | 14.1101 | STEM |
Water, wetlands and marine resources management | 03.0205 | STEM |
Computer graphics | 11.0803 | STEM |
Electrician | 46.0302 | Trade |
Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician | 47.0201 | Trade |
Machine tool technology/machinist | 48.0501 | Trade |
Insulator | 46.0414 | Trade |
Plumbing technology/plumber | 46.0503 | Trade |
Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician | 47.0302 | Transport |
Air traffic controller | 49.0105 | Transport |
Truck and bus driver/commercial vehicle operator and instructor | 49.0205 | Transport |
Flight instructor | 49.0108 | Transport |
Transportation and materials moving, other | 49.9999 | Transport |
How to Locate Your CIP Code
Newcomers who want to find the CIP code for their instructional program can follow these steps:
- Visit the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP.
- Use the search bar above the table to enter keywords related to your program, or browse through the available field of study links.
- After selecting a field, you’ll be directed to a table with sub-categories for each field of study.
- Select the appropriate sub-category. If unsure, click “display definitions” to read descriptions for each category.
- 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.
- 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 degree | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas | All fields of study are eligible |
Any other university program | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas | Must graduate in an eligible field of study |
College program or any other program not listed above | CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas | Must graduate in an eligible field of study |