IRCC announces eligible programs for PGWPs

Published: October 17, 2024

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has undergone key updates as announced by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) in September 2024. These changes impact international graduates applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, particularly regarding their field of study and language requirements. However, university graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees will not be subject to these new field-specific criteria.

Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP

The updated PGWP eligibility guidelines align with Canada’s national labor market needs, mirroring the categories introduced in the Express Entry system in 2023. These categories are based on occupations in high-demand sectors. Eligible fields include:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport

Programs that meet these criteria are categorized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which is similar to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system used for jobs in Canada.

Sample PGWP-Eligible Programs by CIP Code

Here are some examples of PGWP-eligible programs and their CIP codes for each field of study:

This is not an exhaustive list of eligible programs. To explore all options, prospective applicants can consult IRCC’s official webpage.

How to Find Your CIP Code

To determine if your program is eligible for a PGWP based on your field of study, follow these steps:

1. Visit Statistics Canada’s 2021 CIP page.
2. Use the search bar to enter keywords related to your instructional program or navigate through the available field links.
3. Click on the relevant sub-category and review the definitions for specific programs.
4. Once in the correct category, you can view specific instructional programs, their CIP codes, and descriptions.

New Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants

In addition to the updated field of study criteria, IRCC has introduced new language requirements for PGWP applicants. The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels vary based on the level of study.

Here’s a breakdown of the new language criteria:

Note: Graduates applying for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, are exempt from the new field of study requirements but must meet the language requirements.

Conclusion: Understanding the New PGWP Rules

As of November 1, 2024, international graduates seeking a Post-Graduation Work Permit will need to meet specific field of study and language criteria. Graduates from eligible programs in agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport are positioned to benefit from this updated policy, which reflects Canada’s evolving labor market needs.

If you’re planning to apply for a PGWP, ensure your program aligns with the CIP codes in the eligible fields and that you meet the language proficiency requirements to secure your work permit in Canada.

Discover more about your study options and PGWP eligibility by visiting the official IRCC website.