IRCC unveils the eligible programs for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). The updated information clarifies which academic programs are eligible for the PGWP, assisting foreign students studying in Canada to make well-informed choices on their coursework and potential career paths. The announcement makes the requirements for program eligibility clear, enabling students to enroll in courses that will enable them to qualify for the PGWP and obtain useful job experience in Canada upon graduation.

When applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), some international graduates at different levels of study may need to meet the extra field of study requirements starting in November, according to new guidelines that were adopted in September. However, graduates holding a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution will not be subject to these requirements.

Which fields of study qualify for PGWP eligibility?

The occupation-based Express Entry categories that the IRCC introduced in 2023—which are intended to meet Canada’s national labor market needs—correspond to the disciplines of study that are eligible for the PGWP. These sectors include trades, transportation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), healthcare, and agriculture and agri-food. The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), a system used in Canada to describe and classify educational programs, is used to classify programs in these fields that qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This system is similar to the NOC system used to classify occupations.

The following examples highlight instructional programs eligible for a PGWP within each field of study, along with their corresponding CIP code:

Agriculture and agri-food

  • Agricultural business and management, general (01.0101)
  • Animal/livestock husbandry and production (01.0302)
  • Plant nursery operations and management (01.0606)
  • Animal health (01.0903)
  • Agronomy and crop science (01.1102)

Healthcare

  • Special education and teaching, general (13.1001)
  • Exercise physiology (26.0908)
  • Physical therapy assistant (51.0806)
  • Polysomnography (51.0917)
  • Cytotechnology/cytotechnologist (51.1002)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics):

  • Computer programming/programmer, general (11.0201)
  • Chemical engineering (14.0701)
  • Engineering mechanics (14.1101)
  • Water, wetlands, and marine resources management (03.0205)
  • Computer graphics (11.0803)

Trade:

  • Electrician (46.0302)
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) technician (47.0201)
  • Machine tool technology/machinist (48.0501)
  • Insulator (46.0414)
  • Plumbing technology/plumber (46.0503)

Transport:

  • Heavy equipment maintenance technician (47.0302)
  • Air traffic controller (49.0105)
  • Truck and bus driver/commercial vehicle instructor (49.0205)
  • Flight instructor (49.0108)
  • Other transportation and materials moving programs (49.9999)

How to Locate Your CIP Code

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

  • Go to the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP.
  • In the search bar above the table section, newcomers can either enter keywords related to their program or browse through the available field of study links in the main table.
  • Both methods will lead to a second table displaying sub-categories for each field of study.
  • Select the relevant sub-category for the program you searched. If unsure which sub-category to choose, use the “display definitions” button above the table to learn more about each category.
  • Click on the relevant sub-category link.
  • You will reach a final table page that lists specific instructional programs in the chosen category. If needed, use the “display definitions” function to read more about each program.
  • Click on the relevant program link.
  • The final page will provide detailed information about the program, including examples and exclusions. Keep in mind that program titles are broad, so program descriptions are crucial for selecting the correct CIP code.

New Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants

The IRCC has implemented language requirements for PGWP eligibility, which differ according to the degree of study accomplished by overseas graduates, in addition to the new field of study requirements. The essential information is outlined below:

The language requirements for PGWP eligibility depend on the level of study completed by international graduates. For those who have obtained a university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 in English or a NCLC of 7 in French is required in all four language areas, and graduates from all fields of study are eligible. Graduates of any other university program must also achieve a CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language areas but must have graduated from an eligible field of study. For college programs or any other programs not previously mentioned, applicants must achieve a CLB 5 in English or a NCLC 5 in French in all four language areas and graduate from an eligible field of study.

Note: Students who apply for a PGWP before November 1st of this year just need to complete the language requirements mentioned above; they are not required to meet the subject of study requirements.