The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently released updated details about the educational programs that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This update introduces important changes that will affect international students applying for PGWPs starting November 1, 2024. These adjustments aim to better align PGWP eligibility with Canada’s evolving labour market needs and immigration goals.
New Field of Study Requirements
Under the new guidelines introduced in September, international graduates at certain levels of study will now be required to meet specific field of study requirements to be eligible for a PGWP. This applies to students who apply after November 1. However, it is important to note that graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees from universities are exempt from these additional field of study requirements and can continue to apply for a PGWP under all study fields.
Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP Applications
The eligible programs for PGWP are categorised by fields that align closely with the occupation-based Express Entry categories introduced by the IRCC in 2023. These categories are tailored to address Canada’s pressing labour market needs. The eligible fields of study are as follows:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transport
To determine PGWP eligibility, the IRCC has listed programs within these fields using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. The CIP system is similar to Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which categorizes jobs across the country.
Example of Eligible PGWP Programs
Below is a table that showcases some instructional programs in each 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, and refrigeration | 47.0201 | Trade |
| Machine tool technology/machinist | 48.0501 | Trade |
| Insulator | 46.0414 | Trade |
| Plumbing technology/plumber | 46.0503 | Trade |
| Heavy equipment maintenance technician | 47.0302 | Transport |
| Air traffic controller | 49.0105 | Transport |
| Truck and bus driver/instructor | 49.0205 | Transport |
| Flight Instructor | 49.0108 | Transport |
| Transportation and materials moving, other | 49.9999 | Transport |
This table offers just a snapshot of the eligible programs, and it’s important to explore the full list available on the IRCC website for comprehensive details.
How to Find Your CIP Code
For international students who wish to determine the eligibility of their educational program for a PGWP, it is crucial to locate the correct CIP code. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help students find their CIP code:
- Visit the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP codes.
- Search for the title of your instructional program using keywords or navigate through the available fields of study.
- Once you find your relevant field, click through to see a second table with sub-categories. You can expand on the categories to find more specific options.
- If you’re unsure which sub-category applies, use the “Display Definitions” feature to read more about each one.
- Click on the program that matches your study field to view its description and exclusions.
Students must ensure they are choosing the correct program, as the CIP titles are broad and cover a variety of related educational streams.
New Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants
In addition to the field of study requirements, IRCC has introduced new language criteria for PGWP applicants. These language requirements differ based on the applicant’s level of study. The new criteria are summarized in the table below:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas | All fields of study are eligible |
| Other university programs | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas | Must graduate in an eligible field of study |
| College programs or other unlisted programs | CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas | Must graduate in an eligible field of study |
Note: Applicants submitting their PGWP application before November 1, 2024, do not need to meet the new field of study requirements but are still required to fulfil the language proficiency criteria.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these updates by IRCC will play a critical role in shaping the future of Canada’s immigration strategy by focusing on sectors with the greatest labour market needs. These changes will also encourage international students to contribute to the country’s workforce in fields that are pivotal for Canada’s growth.
For expert guidance on PGWP eligibility and support in navigating the complex application process, consult SWEC Visa, your trusted partner for visa and immigration services. Our dedicated team can help ensure a smooth path to your future in Canada.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Ans1. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit that allows international students who have completed eligible educational programs in Canada to work in the country for up to three years.
Q2. What are the new changes announced by IRCC for PGWP eligibility?
Ans2. IRCC has introduced a new field of study requirements that will apply to international graduates who apply for a PGWP after November 1, 2024. Additionally, language proficiency requirements have also been updated.
Q3. Do all international graduates need to meet the new field of study requirements for PGWP?
Ans3. No, graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees from universities are exempt from the new field of study requirements. However, other levels of study will have to meet the additional criteria.
Q4. What are the eligible fields of study for PGWP applications under the new guidelines?
Ans4. The eligible fields include Agriculture and Agri-food, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Trade, and Transport.
Q5. How are PGWP-eligible programs categorized?
Ans5. PGWP-eligible programs are categorized based on the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system, which groups programs according to Canada’s national labour market needs.
Q6. Where can I find the CIP code for my educational program?
Ans6. Students can find their CIP code by visiting the Statistics Canada website and searching for their program title or field of study. The site provides detailed descriptions and sub-categories to help locate the correct CIP code.
Q7. What are the new language requirements for PGWP applicants?
Ans7. The new language requirements differ based on the level of study. University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) must achieve CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French. College program graduates need CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
Q8. Do the new PGWP field of study requirements apply immediately?
Ans8. No, the new field of study requirements will come into effect for applications submitted after November 1, 2024. Until then, students can apply under the current rules.
Q9. Are all instructional programs in Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM, Trade, and Transport eligible for PGWP?
Ans9. Not all programs are eligible. Students must refer to the CIP codes provided by IRCC to check if their specific instructional program qualifies for PGWP.
Q10. Where can I get assistance for my PGWP application?
Ans10. You can consult SWEC Visa for expert advice and comprehensive support in applying for your PGWP. Their team can help guide you through the process and ensure your application meets all the eligibility requirements.
