The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies. However, IRCC has recently introduced updates to the eligibility criteria for PGWPs, effective November 1, 2024.
New Field of Study Requirements
One of the significant changes is the introduction of field of study requirements for certain levels of study. While university bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates are exempt, students in other programs must graduate in an eligible field of study to qualify for a PGWP.
Eligible Fields of Study
IRCC has identified eligible fields of study that align with the occupation-based Express Entry categories introduced in 2023. These categories include:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
Examples of Eligible Programs
The following table provides examples of instructional programs (CIP codes) that fall within these eligible fields of study:
| 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 |
Finding Your CIP Code
If you’re unsure about your program’s CIP code, you can use Statistics Canada’s 2021 CIP classification system to search for it.
Language Requirements
In addition to the field of study requirements, IRCC has also introduced language requirements for PGWP eligibility:
| 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 |
Note for Pre-November 1 Applicants
Students who applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, are not subject to the field of study requirements but must still meet the language criteria.
Understanding the Changes
The introduction of field of study requirements aims to ensure that PGWP holders possess skills that are in demand in the Canadian labor market. This aligns with Canada’s immigration strategy of attracting and retaining skilled workers.
The language requirements have also been tightened to ensure that PGWP holders have adequate language proficiency to succeed in their chosen field.
Implications for International Students
These changes have significant implications for international students planning to pursue a PGWP. Students in eligible fields of study have a direct pathway to a PGWP, while others may need to carefully consider their options.
For students who have not yet completed their studies, it is advisable to choose a program that aligns with the eligible fields of study to increase their chances of obtaining a PGWP.
The recent updates to PGWP eligibility criteria aim to align the program more closely with Canada’s labor market needs. By understanding the new requirements and eligible fields of study, international students can better assess their chances of obtaining a PGWP and gaining valuable Canadian work experience.