In September 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated guidelines outlining new requirements for international students seeking a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after November 1, 2024. These changes reflect Canada’s evolving labour market needs and introduce new fields of study and language criteria for some programs.

What Has Changed?

The most significant update for prospective PGWP applicants is the introduction of field of study requirements for certain levels of education. Starting from November 1, 2024, international students graduating from specific non-degree programs must ensure their field of study aligns with sectors identified by Canada as crucial for national economic growth. Graduates with a university bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree are exempt from these new field of study requirements.

Eligible Fields of Study

The eligible fields of study for PGWP mirror the occupation-based categories introduced by IRCC in 2023 under Express Entry. These fields reflect Canada’s priority industries and are directly linked to national labour market demands. They include:

• • Agriculture and Agri-food;
  • Healthcare;
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM);
  • Trades;
  • Transport.

International students pursuing programs in these fields will find their eligibility for a PGWP remains intact, provided they meet other existing requirements.

IRCC utilizes the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) to group and list PGWP-eligible programs, much like the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system used for jobs. For a complete list of PGWP-eligible instructional programs, you can refer to IRCC’s official webpage here.

How to Find Your CIP Code

To determine your program’s eligibility, you can use Statistics Canada’s CIP system to locate the relevant CIP code for your program. By following these steps, you can match your instructional program to the appropriate field of study:

1. 1. Visit Statistics Canada’s 2021 CIP webpage.
   2. Search for your program title or browse the available field of study categories.
   3. Select the sub-category that fits your program and review its definitions to ensure you have chosen the correct one.
   4. Proceed to the program-specific details for further clarification.

New Language Requirements for PGWP

IRCC has also introduced new language proficiency requirements based on the level of study completed by the applicant. These criteria will apply from November 1, 2024, onwards.

Key Deadlines and Exemptions

• • If you submit your study permit application after November 1, 2024, and plan to apply for a PGWP after that date, you will need to meet the new requirements based on your level of study.
  • However, those applying for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, will not be subject to the new field of study requirements, but must meet the updated language proficiency standards.

The new guidelines mark an important shift in Canada’s approach to post-graduation work permits, underscoring the country’s focus on aligning immigration policy with labour market demands. As always, it is crucial for international students to stay informed about these changes to maximize their opportunities in Canada.

For more information on PGWP eligibility and instructions on how to apply, visit the official IRCC website here.