How to Make Sure Your Study Program Is Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you're an international student planning to work in Canada after graduation, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure your study program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Recent changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have introduced field of study requirements for some levels of education. If your study level is affected, you’ll need to check if your program is on the approved list to be eligible for a PGWP.

This guide explains how you can check your program’s eligibility and what steps you need to take before applying for your work permit.

What Are Field of Study Requirements and Who Must Follow Them?

As of November 1, 2024, international students applying for a study permit are subject to new rules. These changes apply mostly to college and non-degree programs. IRCC now links PGWP eligibility to labour market demand. In short, your program must match in-demand job sectors in Canada.

Here’s a quick summary of the new requirements:

If your level of study requires field-specific approval, you must ensure your program matches a recognized CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) title and code.

Step 1: Find the Correct CIP Code for Your Study Program

To check whether your program is eligible, first identify the correct CIP code and title. You can find this information by visiting Statistics Canada’s CIP page. It provides a searchable list of program categories, from broad groups (series) down to specific study programs (sub-series).

Make sure the description of the CIP title matches your actual study program. Don’t rely on the program title alone.

You can also:

• Check your Designated Learning Institution’s (DLI) website. Many schools list the CIP codes for each program.
• Contact your school directly to confirm your program’s CIP code and PGWP eligibility.
  
  

Step 2: Check If Your Program Is PGWP-Eligible

Once you’ve found the right CIP code, compare it to the official list of eligible programs for PGWP.

As of now, programs in the following fields are eligible:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Education
• Health care and social services
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)
• Trades
• Transportation

A full list of eligible programs is available through IRCC and may be updated in early 2026.

If your CIP code appears on the approved list, your program qualifies under the new PGWP rules.

Other PGWP Requirements You Must Meet

In addition to field of study requirements, all international students must meet the following to qualify for a PGWP:

1.     Language Proficiency Requirements

You must achieve a certain Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score in English or French, depending on your level of study:

2. General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:

• Complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible DLI
• Maintain full-time student status in each semester (except final semester if part-time)
• Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving program completion confirmation
• Hold a valid study permit during the 180-day period after graduation or at the time of application
  
  

Final Thoughts

With the new rules in place, it’s essential to check your program’s eligibility before enrolling. Choosing the right field of study can make the difference between qualifying for a work permit and being ineligible.