If you plan to work in Canada after graduating as an international student, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you’re eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For certain levels of study, eligibility may depend on meeting specific field-of-study requirements. This means you’ll need to correctly link your educational program to the appropriate title and code under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. It’s essential to confirm that your program’s CIP code and title are included among those recognized as eligible for a PGWP. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your study program meets all the required criteria for PGWP eligibility.
In late 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced new restrictions on the availability of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) for international student graduates at certain levels of study. This move was part of a broader effort to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population, which includes both work and study permit holders. As part of these changes, field of study requirements were implemented, tying PGWP eligibility to labour market demand. Specifically, international students enrolled in college or non-degree programs must now ensure that their program is linked to occupations that are currently in demand within Canada’s labour market. These field of study rules apply to any international student who submitted their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.
