Eligible Programs for PGWP in Canada

Emily, a twenty-two-year-old student from the UK, has been studying agriculture at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba. She will complete her degree in May 2025. Lately, she has wondered if she can qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada after her studies. With the recent changes in PGWP requirements, Emily wants to ensure her path to gaining valuable work experience in Canada stays open. The eligibility criteria seem complex, and she feels unsure about her chances under the new rules.

What is PGWP?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a program offered by the Canadian government. It allows international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. This permit is crucial for those who plan to stay and work in Canada. It opens up job opportunities and supports a path to permanent residency. Generally, the PGWP is valid for the length of your study program, up to three years. This makes it a great stepping stone for international graduates to start their careers in Canada.

The Base Eligibility Requirements for PGWP

To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:

• No Previous PGWP: You must not have previously received an open work permit under the PGWP category.
• Study Authorization Expired Recently: Your authorization to study in Canada must have expired within 180 days before applying for the PGWP. This includes:
  • A valid study permit.
  • Authorization to study without a permit under specific conditions.
• Graduated from an Eligible DLI and Program: You must have completed a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that qualifies for a PGWP. Programs offered through a curriculum licensing agreement with a PGWP-eligible institution do not qualify unless specific exceptions apply.
• Completed a Qualifying Program: You must have finished an academic, vocational, or professional training program in Canada that lasted at least eight months and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Maintained Full-time Status: You must have been a full-time student in Canada during each academic session of your program(s), except for:
  • Leaves of absence.
  • The final academic semester.
  • Special measures from March 1, 2020, to August 31, 2024.
• Received Confirmation of Program Completion: You need to obtain a transcript or an official letter from your DLI confirming you have met the requirements to complete your program of study.
• Applied Within 180 Days After Program Completion: You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of your program completion.

Understanding these requirements is crucial before applying for a PGWP. Meeting all these criteria will maximize your chances of successfully obtaining a PGWP and working in Canada.

Which Programs are Exempt from Field of Study Limitations

If you complete a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD at an eligible DLI, whether at a university or a college, you are not bound by field of study limitations. Please note that IRCC posted this update initially on March 11, 2025, but it applies to all students, regardless of when they started their studies, submitted their study permits, or submitted their PGWP application.

New Requirements for Other Programs Starting November 1, 2024

Here, “other programs” refers to programs that do not lead to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Therefore, all postgraduate certificates and diplomas fall under non-university programs, whether offered by a college or a university.

If you have submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet the field of study requirements at the time of PGWP application. Please note that the date you start or finish the program is not important; rather, it is the date you submit your study permit application*. Additionally, graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools will still be assessed under the current criteria, even after November 1, 2024. This exception recognizes the unique nature of flight training programs linked to long-term occupational shortages in Canada.

* IRCC initially stated that the program’s start date was important, but later changed its approach. As of the latest update (March 11, 2025), the submission date for the study permit is the only factor that matters.

The eligible programs fall into five main categories:

• agriculture and agri-food
• education
• health care
• science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• trade
• transport

Students must choose their field of study carefully to ensure they qualify for a PGWP. Moreover, all PGWP applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in either French or English:

• University graduates need CLB level 7
• College graduates require CLB level 5

Strong language skills are, therefore, essential. Understanding the detailed list of eligible programs will help students avoid confusion regarding their eligibility.

Understanding CIP: Classification of Instructional Programs

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a coding system that categorizes educational programs by subject area. CIP codes are crucial in determining which programs qualify for PGWP eligibility in Canada. These codes provide consistency and clarity, making it easier for students in fields linked to long-term occupational shortages to understand their eligibility status. Refer to the official CIP manual for a comprehensive CIP code and classification guide. This guide helps explain how educational programs are classified and how they relate to PGWP eligibility.

List of Eligible Programs by CIP Codes

Eligible programs are organized by their CIP codes. Below is a summary of major programs and their subprograms that qualify for a PGWP. However, you may visit the IRCC CIP table to look for specific programs. Remember that program eligibility only applies to other programs at this stage. Programs leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. are exempt. However, they must still meet other requirements. Also, the following list is not official. Visit the IRCC website for the latest list of acceptable programs.

1. Agriculture and Agri-Food

• Agricultural Sciences
  • Agricultural Production Operations
  • Crop Production
  • Animal/Livestock Husbandry
  • Horticulture
  • Agricultural Business and Management
• Food Sciences
  • Food Processing
  • Viticulture and Enology
  • Agricultural Biotechnology

2. Healthcare

• Nursing and Allied Health Professions
  • Registered Nursing
  • Licensed Practical Nursing
  • Nurse Practitioner
• Medical and Health Services
  • Clinical Laboratory Science
  • Dental Support Services
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Public Health and Community Health
  • Health Administration and Policy
• Medical Residency Programs
  • Specialties including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Family Medicine, and Psychiatry

3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Biology
• Computer and Information Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Information Technology
  • Cybersecurity
• Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
• Physical Sciences
  • Astrophysics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Earth Sciences
  • Material Sciences

4. Trade

• Construction Trades
  • Electrician
  • Plumbing
  • Welding Technology
  • Carpentry
• Building Inspection and Maintenance
  • Building Inspection
  • HVAC Maintenance
  • Property Maintenance
• Renewable Energy Systems
  • Solar Energy Installation
  • Wind Energy Installation
  • Geothermal Energy Installation

5. Transport

• Aviation and Aerospace
  • Commercial Pilot Training
  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Avionics
  • Air Traffic Control
• Ground Transportation
  • Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Truck and Bus Driver Training
  • Railway Operations
• Marine Transportation
  • Nautical Science
  • Marine Engineering
  • Shipbuilding and Repair

These programs are all connected to occupations with long-term demand in Canada. For example, Emily’s program in agriculture falls under the agriculture and agri-food category. Therefore, she qualifies for a PGWP, provided she meets all other conditions set by the program.

Check Your Eligibility Instantly

Knowing your options is the first step toward your move. We have designed a self-assessment tool to simplify the complex International Mobility Program. You simply answer a few questions about your background and job offer. The AI then determines if you meet the criteria for an LMIA-Exempt Permit.

How We Can Assist with Your Study Permit or PGWP Application

Navigating the new PGWP requirements can feel overwhelming, especially with all the upcoming changes. We are here to help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the application process. Whether you need help selecting the right undergraduate program or ensuring you meet all PGWP criteria, we offer personalized support. Moreover, our expert team understands the intricacies of CIP codes and their impact on eligibility. Book a consultation today to enhance your journey toward a study permit or PGWP and achieving your career goals in Canada. Alternatively, please fill out the following form to contact our team.