If you’re planning to build a life and career in Canada after graduating as an international student, then understanding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is essential. Basically, you must ensure that your study program is eligible for PGWP.
A PGWP lets you gain valuable Canadian work experience and can be a major stepping stone toward permanent residency.
However, not every program automatically qualifies you for a PGWP. Some students must make sure their field of study matches Canada’s current labour market needs — especially if you’re enrolled in a college or non-degree program.
To help you navigate this, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put new requirements in place to ensure that graduates from programs most in demand have access to work permits. So, if your goal is to work in Canada after your studies, you need to plan ahead and choose the right program from the start.
What Are Field Of Study Requirements And Who Must Meet Them?
In late 2024, IRCC introduced new rules to tighten PGWP eligibility for some levels of study. The aim was to better align Canada’s temporary resident population with actual job market needs and reduce pressure on housing and services.
One major part of these changes was the introduction of field of study requirements. This means your study program must be tied to in-demand occupations in Canada if you’re studying at certain levels.
So, who exactly needs to follow these rules? If you’re in a college program or a non-university program and you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, you must ensure your program is in an eligible field.
Here’s a quick overview of how these requirements apply depending on your level of study:
| Level Of Study | Field Of Study Requirements |
| College bachelor’s degree programs | N/A |
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
| College program or other non-university program | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
In simple terms, if you’re enrolled in a standard university degree program (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), you don’t need to worry about these new field of study rules — your entire degree remains eligible for a PGWP.
However, if you’re at a college or studying a non-degree program, your program must directly connect to a sector facing labour shortages in Canada.
How To Ensure That Your Study Program Is Eligible For PGWP?
So, how do you make sure you’re not caught off guard? If you need to meet field of study requirements for your level of study, you should take two key steps:
- Identify the CIP code and title for your program.
- Check that this code appears on Canada’s current list of PGWP-eligible programs.
Currently, only certain sectors are eligible for new PGWPs under the field of study requirement:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- Health care and social services
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Trades
- Transport
A complete list is available online and updated periodically. It’s important to check for updates, as changes to the list are expected in early 2026.
Find The Correct CIP Code And Title For Your Program
Every study program in Canada is categorized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP). This system uses a six-digit code and a program title to identify what you’re studying.
To find the right match for your program:
- Visit Statistics Canada’s official CIP page.
- Search using keywords for your program title or general field of study.
- Narrow down your search — you may see broad “series” categories and narrower “sub-series” under them.
Think of it like this:
Series → Sub-series → Specific Program
Program titles can sometimes be misleading. Always read the CIP description, not just the title, to confirm it accurately matches your program’s main focus.
Tip: Check your Designated Learning Institution’s (DLI) website. Many DLIs publish the exact CIP codes for their programs and clearly state if they’re PGWP-eligible.
Still unsure? Contact your school directly. They can confirm the exact CIP code and help you make sense of any exceptions or related details.
Confirm If Your Program Is PGWP-Eligible
Once you’ve got your CIP code and title, you need to check that they appear on Canada’s official list of PGWP-eligible fields.
Many websites, including this one, offer simple tools for this step. Just enter your CIP code and title to see if they’re currently approved.
Most tools have clickable entries so you can expand them to view the detailed program description. This helps you double-check that your code matches the right occupation or field.
If your code appears on the list then your program qualifies for a PGWP (provided you meet other general requirements).
If not, you may want to consider switching to an eligible program before applying for or renewing your study permit.
Other Key Criteria To Be PGWP-Eligible
The field of study is only part of the picture. To ensure that your study program is eligible for PGWP, you’ll also need to meet Canada’s general eligibility and language requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Depending on your level of study, you must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score. You’ll need to meet this benchmark across all four skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — in either English or French.
Here’s how this breaks down:
| Level Of Study | Language Requirements |
| College bachelor’s degree programs | CLB 7 |
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | CLB 7 |
| University programs not listed above | CLB 7 |
| College program or other non-university program | CLB 5 |
The higher your CLB score, the more competitive you’ll be in the job market too. So it’s worth investing time in improving your language skills while you study.
General Eligibility Requirements
Finally, make sure you meet all of these general requirements when applying for a PGWP:
- Graduate from a PGWP-eligible DLI.
- Complete a program that’s at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for programs in Quebec).
- Maintain full-time student status during each semester (except your final semester, when part-time is allowed).
- Apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks and written confirmation that you completed your program.
- Have had a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days between graduating and applying for your PGWP.
Missing any of these conditions can put your application at risk. So, be sure to double-check your timelines and status before applying.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead For PGWP Success
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit is a fantastic pathway for international students to transition from the classroom to the workforce. But with the new field of study restrictions now in place for certain students, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and choose your study program wisely.
Always:
- Confirm your program’s CIP code and title.
- Double-check that your field of study is on Canada’s eligible list.
- Maintain good academic standing and your student status throughout your studies.
- Work on your language skills — they can make a huge difference!
If you’re ever unsure about whether your program qualifies or how to navigate these new rules, don’t hesitate to speak to your DLI or consult an immigration professional.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
