List of Eligible PGWP Programs Announced by IRCC
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IRCC has updated the eligibility criteria for Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programs. According to the new guidelines released previously, international students or graduates applying for PGWP after November 1, 2024 will now have to qualify an additional field of study requirement.
However this field of study requirement criteria would not be impacting the university bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree holders.
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Eligible Fields of Study for PGWP
The newly announced eligible fields of study for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) under the new guidelines align directly with the occupation based categories that were introduced in the 2023 Express Entry Update, targeting Critical Labor market needs in Canada. The PGWP eligible fields include:
- Agriculture and Agri food
- HealthCare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Trade
- Transport
The programs within these categories are classified using Canada’s classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system, similar to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) used for employment categories. Some of the examples of eligible instructional programs across these fields include:
| CIP 2021 Title | CIP 2021 Code | Field of Study Category |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management, General | 01.0101 | Agriculture and Agri-food |
| Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production | 01.0302 | Agriculture and Agri-food |
| Plant Nursery Operations and Management | 01.0606 | Agriculture and Agri-food |
| Animal Health | 01.0903 | Agriculture and Agri-food |
| Agronomy and Crop Science | 01.1102 | Agriculture and Agri-food |
| Special Education and Teaching, General | 13.1001 | Healthcare |
| Exercise Physiology | 26.0908 | Healthcare |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 51.0806 | Healthcare |
| Polysomnography | 51.0917 | Healthcare |
| Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist | 51.1002 | Healthcare |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General | 11.0201 | STEM |
| Chemical Engineering | 14.0701 | STEM |
| Engineering Mechanics | 14.1101 | STEM |
| Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management | 03.0205 | STEM |
| Computer Graphics | 11.0803 | STEM |
| Electrician | 46.0302 | Trade |
| HVAC Maintenance Technology/Technician | 47.0201 | Trade |
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist | 48.0501 | Trade |
| Insulator | 46.0414 | Trade |
| Plumbing Technology/Plumber | 46.0503 | Trade |
| Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician | 47.0302 | Transport |
| Air Traffic Controller | 49.0105 | Transport |
| Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator | 49.0205 | Transport |
| Flight Instructor | 49.0108 | Transport |
| Transportation and Materials Moving, Other | 49.9999 | Transport |
*For the complete list of fields of study for PGWPs you can visit the IRCC official page.
New Language Criteria Requirement for PGWP Applicants
In addition to the criteria of fields of study requirements, IRCC has also introduced a specific language proficiency criteria for Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. These new language requirements vary based on the applicant’s level of study or education.
Details to language and field of study requirements, that are effective for applications submitted after November 1, 2024 are as follows:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 areas | All fields of study are eligible |
| Any other university program | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 areas | Must be in an eligible field of study |
| College or any other program not listed | CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 areas | Must be in an eligible field of study |
*Students applying before November 1, 2024 would not need to meet the field of study requirements but would need to fulfill the new language criteria.
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