Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released its updated list of study programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The changes, which take effect for international students applying for a study permit on or after November 1, aim to better align study-to-work pathways with Canada’s evolving labour market needs.
As of the recent update, students enrolled in certain college and non-degree programs will need to ensure their field of study falls under newly approved categories to qualify for a PGWP. However, this field-of-study requirement does not apply to graduates of Canadian bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs — all disciplines at those levels remain eligible for a PGWP.
According to IRCC, eligible programs are grouped by skill areas in high demand across Canada, mirroring the occupation-focused Express Entry categories introduced in 2023. These include Agriculture and Agri-Food, Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Trades, and Transport. Instructional programs in these sectors are classified using Canada’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2021 system.
Examples of newly eligible programs include Agricultural Business Management, Special Education, Computer Programming, Chemical Engineering, Electrician training, and Air Traffic Control. A full breakdown of all CIP-coded programs can be accessed through Statistics Canada’s CIP 2021 database, helping prospective students and institutions confirm eligibility.
In addition to field-related qualifications, IRCC has introduced standardized language requirements for PGWP applicants. University graduates at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral levels must demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in French across all four skills — speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Graduates from other university or college-level programs must show CLB/NCLC 5 and also complete an eligible program within the specified fields.
These new rules reflect Canada’s broader strategy to attract global talent in sectors facing labour shortages, while ensuring international education aligns with immigration needs. Students applying before November 1, 2024, may still be exempt from the new field of study requirements but must meet the corresponding language benchmarks.
Maple News encourages current and prospective international students to review their academic and career plans in light of these new requirements. With PGWPs playing a critical role in gaining Canadian work experience and qualifying for permanent residence, understanding these changes is more important than ever.
Further updates to the PGWP-eligible program list are expected in the coming months, so staying informed through official IRCC channels and trusted platforms like Maple News is recommended.