top of page

IRCC Announces Eligible Programs for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)

Writer's picture: Parisa ErfaniParisa Erfani


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


As per new guidelines announced in September, international graduates from certain study levels who apply for a PGWP after November 1 will be required to meet additional field of study criteria to be eligible for a work permit*.


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


What are the Eligible Fields of Study for PGWPs?


Eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) align with the occupation-based categories introduced by IRCC in 2023. These categories focus on national labor market needs and are grouped as follows:


  • Agriculture and Agri-food

  • Healthcare

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

  • Trade

  • Transport


PGWP-eligible programs in these fields are categorized using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), Canada’s system for defining and classifying educational programs, similar to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system for jobs.


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

49.0205

Transport

Flight instructor

49.0108

Transport

Transportation and materials moving, other

49.9999

Transport

Note: This table does not cover all PGWP-eligible programs. For a comprehensive list, visit the IRCC website.


How to Find Your CIP Code


If you know the title of your instructional program and want to find the corresponding CIP code, follow these steps:


  1. Go to the Statistics Canada CIP webpage: 2021 CIP Codes.

  2. Use the search bar to look for keywords related to your program or navigate through the available field of study links.

  3. From the main table, click on the relevant sub-category for your field of study.

  4. Review the program descriptions and use the “display definitions” option if you're unsure about the appropriate sub-category.

  5. Once you've identified the relevant sub-category, click through to view the specific instructional programs and their CIP codes.


New Language Criteria for PGWP Applicants


Along with field of study requirements, IRCC has introduced new language criteria for PGWP eligibility. The requirements vary by the level of study, as outlined 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 areas

All fields of study eligible

Any other university program

CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 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 areas

Must graduate in an eligible field of study

Note: If applying for a PGWP before November 1 of this year, field of study requirements do not apply, though applicants must still meet the language criteria listed above.


2 views0 comments

Comments


The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants

CICC Membership: R705871

 

Certified Member of Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC

Parisa Erfani

901 3rd Street West

North Vancouver BC

V7P 3P9

admin@casimmigration.com

Tel: +1-672-514-9252

Connect online:

  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook Clean
RCIC
RCIC
bottom of page