IRCC reveals new list of programs eligible for PGWP

Canada's immigration authority has recently rolled out updates regarding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, providing new information on which programs are eligible for the permit. As of November 1, international students applying for a PGWP will face more specific criteria, particularly concerning their fields of study. However, graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees from universities are exempt from these new field-specific requirements.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies. However, the changes made by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduce new guidelines to reflect national labour market needs. To qualify for a PGWP, applicants must graduate from programs that align with certain in-demand fields in the country.

The eligible fields of study for the PGWP mirror categories introduced in Canada’s Express Entry program are based on the nation’s labour market demands. The five key areas recognized for the PGWP are:

1. Agriculture and agri-food
2. Healthcare
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
4. Trade
5. Transport

These fields are aligned with Canada's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which helps categorize and define the various educational programs that students can enroll in. Each area contains several instructional programs, and some specific examples for each field include:

• Agriculture and agri-food: Programs such as Agricultural Business and Management or Animal Health.
• Healthcare: Includes Special Education and Teaching, Exercise Physiology, and Physical Therapy Assistant.
• STEM: Fields like Computer Programming, Chemical Engineering, and Water Resources Management fall under this category.
• Trade: Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC Technicians are examples of eligible trade programs.
• Transport: Training for Air Traffic Controllers, Heavy Equipment Maintenance, and Truck/Bus Drivers are included.

Although the list above provides a glimpse into the types of programs eligible for the PGWP, it only covers some available options. Students should consult IRCC's official resources to find the complete list.

To help international students identify if their program qualifies, they can use the CIP system. Students can visit the CIP webpage provided by Statistics Canada, where they can either search for keywords or browse fields of study to find their corresponding program. The process will guide them through relevant subcategories to ensure they select the correct program, which is essential for determining PGWP eligibility.

In addition to the updated fields of study, language requirements have also been introduced for PGWP applicants. The language proficiency benchmarks vary by program level. Students must meet certain standards in either English or French depending on the degree or diploma they have completed. These language requirements are as follows:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree graduates: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in English or a Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) score of 7 in French in all four language areas. No field of study restrictions apply.
• Other university programs: Applicants must have a CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language areas, but they must graduate in an eligible field of study.
• College programs or other listed programs: Applicants must have a CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French and must have graduated from an eligible field of study.

It is important to note that students applying for a PGWP before November 1 will not be subject to the field of study requirements. However, they still need to meet the language criteria outlined above. The changes introduced by IRCC aim to align Canada’s immigration policy with the evolving demands of its labour market, ensuring that international graduates contribute to key sectors of the economy.