IRCC reveals the programs that qualify for PGWPs - GS Immigration Advisors

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IRCC reveals the programs that qualify for PGWPs

IRCC has provided updated information on which educational programs now qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

As of new guidelines released in September, certain international graduates across various study levels who apply for a PGWP after November 1 will be required to meet additional criteria based on their field of study to qualify for the work permit*. 

*Note: These field of study requirements do not apply to graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from a university. 

What are the fields of study eligible for PGWPs? 

The eligible fields of study for PGWP align with occupational categories introduced by IRCC in 2023 under the Express Entry system, which are designed to reflect national labor market demands. 

The eligible fields include: 

  • Agriculture and Agri-food 
  • Healthcare 
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 
  • Trades 
  • Transportation 

PGWP-eligible programs within these fields are classified and listed using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which is Canada’s system for categorizing educational programs, similar to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) used for jobs in Canada. 

The table below lists examples of instructional programs eligible for a PGWP 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, 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

How to find your CIP code 

International graduates who know the title of their program and wish to find the corresponding CIP code can follow these steps: 

  1. Visit the Statistics Canada webpage for the 2021 CIP system (accessible here). 
  2. Either enter keywords related to the program in the search bar above the table or browse the available study fields listed in the table. 
  3. Both methods will lead to a second table that breaks down the sub-categories for each study field. 
  4. Choose the relevant sub-category for your program. If uncertain, use the “display definitions” button to learn more about each category. 
  5. Proceed to the relevant sub-category. 
  6. On the final table, you will find detailed information about specific instructional programs within the chosen sub-category. If you are unsure, use the “display definitions” function to read more about each program. 
  7. Select the relevant program. 
  8. The last page will offer detailed information about each instructional program, including examples and exclusions. Note that program titles are general, so the descriptions are crucial for choosing the correct CIP code. 

New language requirements for PGWP applicants 

In addition to the new field of study conditions, IRCC has introduced language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility. These language criteria vary based on the level of education of 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 do not have field of study requirements but will still need to meet the language criteria listed above.

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