If you’re an international student planning to work in Canada after graduation, securing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is likely a key part of your long-term plans. But not all programs make you eligible for a PGWP—especially after new changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in late 2024. Study in Canada – Parisa Erfani
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to ensure your study program qualifies for a PGWP and explain the new field of study requirements, language benchmarks, and other eligibility rules you must meet.
Who Needs to Meet Field of Study Requirements?
Under changes that took effect November 1, 2024, international students in college-level or non-degree programs must ensure their field of study aligns with Canada’s labour market needs to be eligible for a PGWP.
Here’s a summary of who needs to meet field of study requirements:
| Level of Study | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|
| College bachelor’s degree programs | Not required |
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral | Not required |
| Other university programs | Must be in an eligible field of study |
| College or other non-university programs | Must be in an eligible field of study |
If you’re in a program that requires field of study approval, follow the steps below to ensure your program qualifies.
Step-by-Step: How to Ensure Your Program Is PGWP-Eligible
Identify the CIP Title and Code for Your Program
Canada uses the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system to categorize study programs. Each CIP code links to a specific field of study.
To identify your CIP code:
- Visit Statistics Canada’s CIP Directory.
- Search using your program title or field.
- Read the descriptions to ensure it matches your program (don’t rely on title alone).
- For more accuracy, check your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) website or contact your program coordinator to confirm the correct 6-digit CIP code.
Tip: CIP categorization follows a hierarchy:
Series > Sub-series > Individual Program
Check if Your CIP Code Is on the PGWP-Eligible List
IRCC has designated only certain fields of study as PGWP-eligible. These include:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Education
- Health care and social services
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Skilled trades
- Transportation and logistics
If your CIP code matches one on the eligible list, your program qualifies under the field of study requirement.
Language Requirements for PGWP Eligibility
As of late 2024, PGWP applicants must also meet language proficiency requirements in English or French:
| Level of Study | Minimum CLB Level |
|---|---|
| College bachelor’s degree | CLB 7 |
| University bachelor’s, master’s, PhD | CLB 7 |
| Other university programs | CLB 7 |
| College/non-university programs | CLB 5 |
CLB = Canadian Language Benchmark (covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
General PGWP Eligibility Criteria No matter your field of study, you must meet the following general PGWP rules:
- Complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible DLI.
- Maintain full-time student status during every semester, except the final one.
- Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion.
- Hold a valid study permit at some point within that 180-day window.
Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
With Canada tightening PGWP eligibility, especially for college-level and non-degree programs, it’s essential to research your study program early—ideally before you even submit your study permit application.
If you’re unsure about your program’s eligibility, consider booking a free consultation with a licensed immigration professional. They can help you confirm your CIP code and provide guidance based on the latest PGWP rules.
Need Help?
Contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or visit your DLI’s academic advising office to get clarity before it’s too late.
Note: PGWP-eligible fields of study are expected to be updated again in early 2026, so always check for the most current information before applying.
How to make sure your study program is eligible for a post-graduation work permit | CIC News
