Is Your Study Program Eligible For A PGWP In Canada?

If you’re planning to build a future in Canada after graduating as an international student, knowing the ins and outs of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is crucial. A PGWP is one of the best ways to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can help you qualify for permanent residency later on. But here’s the catch — not every study program makes you eligible for a PGWP. That’s why it’s so important to confirm that your study program is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit before you apply or accept an offer. 

This is especially true for students in certain college or non-degree programs, where your program must match Canada’s labour market needs to qualify.

To guide you, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has created new eligibility rules to ensure students graduating from in-demand fields get the work permits that help meet Canada’s workforce gaps. If your goal is to stay and work in Canada after your studies, understanding these rules and planning ahead is essential.

What Are Field Of Study Requirements And Who Should Meet Them?

In late 2024, Canada introduced new PGWP rules as part of a broader effort to balance its growing temporary resident population with what the job market really needs. These changes were designed to ease pressure on housing, services, and job markets, while still welcoming students whose skills Canada needs the most.

A big part of these changes is the field of study requirement. If you fall under this rule, your program must be directly related to jobs that are in demand in Canada right now.

So, who does this apply to? If you’re an international student at the college level or enrolled in a non-university program and you submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you’ll need to prove your program is in an approved field to qualify for a PGWP.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

In short, if you’re pursuing a typical university degree (like a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you don’t have to worry about this new rule — your degree stays eligible for a PGWP.

But if you’re at a college or taking a non-degree program, your studies must match up with one of the approved fields that are aligned with Canada’s labour market needs.

How To Confirm Your Study Program Is PGWP-Eligible?

So, how exactly do you know if your study program is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

If your level of study requires you to meet field of study requirements, there are two key steps to follow:

1. Find out your program’s official CIP code and title
2. Check that your code appears on Canada’s approved list of eligible programs

At the moment, only certain fields are approved for PGWPs under the new rules. These include:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Education
• Health care and social services
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Trades
• Transport

Keep in mind, Canada reviews these lists regularly. Updates to the approved list of fields are expected in early 2026, so always check the latest version before you make any final decisions.

How To Find Your Program’s Correct CIP Code and Title?

Every study program offered by Canadian institutions is categorized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) — a system that uses a six-digit code and official title to define what you’re studying.

Here’s how to find the right one for your program:

• Go to Statistics Canada’s official CIP page online.
• Use keywords related to your program title or general area of study to search.
• Narrow your search from broad categories, called “series,” down to “sub-series,” which are more specific program groups, and finally to your exact program.

Think of it like this:

Series → Sub-series → Specific Program

Program names can sometimes be confusing. So don’t just look at the name — read the CIP description in detail to make sure it matches the main content of your program.

Pro Tip: Most Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) post the exact CIP codes for their programs on their websites and mention if they are PGWP-eligible.

Still not sure you’ve found the right one? Don’t guess!. It’s better to ask your DLI’s admissions or international student office for help. They can confirm the correct CIP code and clarify any unusual situations or exceptions.

Double-Check That Your Program Is On Canada’s Approved PGWP List

Once you know your CIP code and official title, it’s time to check Canada’s list of eligible programs.

Many reputable immigration websites and even some DLI sites offer handy tools where you can enter your CIP code and see if your program is currently approved.

These tools usually have clickable entries so you can expand and read a full description of the program. This is useful for confirming that you picked the right match for your studies.

If you see your program on the list, great news — it means your program qualifies for a PGWP (as long as you meet the other general conditions).

But what if your code isn’t on the list? You may need to consider switching to an eligible program before you apply for or renew your study permit to avoid problems later.

What Other Requirements Must You Meet For A PGWP?

Apart from knowing if your study program is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit or not, it is important to remember that the field of study is just one part of PGWP eligibility. 

To actually get your Post-Graduation Work Permit, you also need to meet Canada’s general PGWP rules and language proficiency requirements.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Depending on what level you’re studying, you’ll need to achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score across all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking — in either English or French.

Here’s how the CLB minimums break down:

The better your language score, the more opportunities you’ll have after graduation. Thus, it is smart to keep improving your English or French while you study.

General Eligibility Requirements For A PGWP

Besides meeting the field of study and language requirements, you must also follow Canada’s basic rules for all PGWP applicants:

• Graduate from a PGWP-approved DLI: Your school must be on Canada’s approved list of Designated Learning Institutions.
• Program length: Your study program must be at least 8 months long (or 900 hours if you’re studying in Quebec).
• Maintain full-time student status: You must be a full-time student in every semester — except your last one, where part-time is allowed.
• Apply on time: You must submit your PGWP application within 180 days (about six months) of getting your final transcript and official confirmation that you completed your program.
• Valid study permit: You must have had a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days between graduation and submitting your PGWP application.

Missing even one of these basic rules could mean losing your chance at a PGWP. So, always double-check the dates, your status, and your documents before applying.

Final Thoughts 

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit is an amazing pathway for international students to get valuable Canadian work experience and work towards permanent residency. But with new field of study restrictions now in place for some levels, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead.

Always remember:

• Confirm your program’s CIP code and title.
• Check that your field of study is still on Canada’s approved list.
• Keep up your language skills — aim for or exceed the minimum CLB level.
• Maintain full-time student status and follow all deadlines.

If you’re not sure about your program’s eligibility or you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your DLI’s admissions or international office. Or better yet, consult a trusted Canadian immigration advisor — it could save you time, stress, and money down the road.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.