IRCC Expands PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study

The Government of Canada is making it easier for international students to stay and work after graduation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added new fields of study to the list of programs eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).

New Additions to PGWP-Eligible Programs

Starting December 17, 2024, certain education-related programs are now included in the PGWP eligibility list. These new additions specifically focus on early childhood education and developmental services, reflecting Canada’s growing demand for skilled workers in these areas.

Previously, PGWP-eligible programs were grouped into five categories, aligned with Canada’s Express Entry categories:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport

With this latest update, a new category, Education, has been introduced.

List of Newly Eligible Programs

IRCC uses Canada’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) to group eligible educational programs. Here are the newly added programs under the Education category:

Understanding the Field of Study Requirement

In September 2024, IRCC introduced field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility, targeting programs that align with occupations experiencing long-term labor shortages. These requirements are primarily for college and vocational university programs. They do not apply to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral graduates.

Students who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024, are exempt from these requirements. However, those applying for a new study permit after this date must meet the updated field of study criteria.

Additional Changes Impacting International Students

The introduction of field-specific eligibility for PGWPs is just one of several measures implemented by IRCC in 2024. Language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility were also introduced, varying based on the level of study.

What is a PGWP?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international graduates from designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable work experience in Canada. The duration of the permit depends on the length of the graduate's study program, ranging from 8 months to 3 years.

A PGWP is not just an opportunity to work in Canada—it can also be a critical pathway toward permanent residency. Graduates who gain Canadian work experience can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, boosting their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Canada’s efforts to support international students and address labor shortages underline the importance of these new changes, providing graduates with more opportunities to contribute to Canada’s workforce and economy.