IRCC has updated the eligibility criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Starting November 1, some international graduates will need to meet new field of study requirements to qualify for a PGWP.
Note: These requirements do not apply to university bachelor’s master’s or PhD graduates.
Which fields of study qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)?
Eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) align with the occupation-based Express Entry categories introduced by IRCC in 2023, which reflect national labour market needs. These fields include:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
Programs in these fields are categorized using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), similar to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) for jobs in Canada. Below is a table with examples of eligible instructional programs for each field, along with their 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 |
The table above does not include all PGWP-eligible instructional programs. Interested newcomers can visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) website for more information.
How to find your CIP code
Newcomers who know their instructional program title can find the corresponding CIP code by following these steps:
- Visit the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP.
- Use the search bar to enter keywords related to their program or browse the field of study links in the main table.
- This will lead to a second table with sub-categories for each field.
- Select the relevant sub-category. If unsure, click the “display definitions” button for more information.
- Click on the chosen sub-category.
- Go to the final table that lists specific instructional programs in that category. Again, the “display definitions” function can help clarify program details.
- Click on the relevant program.
The final page will provide detailed information about each program, including examples and exclusions. Remember, program titles are broad, so reading the descriptions is key to selecting the correct CIP code.
New language requirements have been established for PGWP applicants.
Along with the new field of study requirements, IRCC has introduced language requirements for PGWP eligibility, which differ based on the level of study for international graduates. Both changes are summarized 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 |
Students applying for a PGWP before November 1 of this year are not subject to field of study requirements but must still meet the language criteria mentioned above.
