Important Updates on PGWP Eligibility
IRCC has released new guidelines for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, effective from November 1. International graduates will now need to meet new field of study requirements to qualify for a work permit, depending on the level of study.
What Are the Eligible Fields of Study?
Fields eligible for the PGWP are tied to national labor market needs and fall under these categories:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Trades
- Transport
Examples of Eligible Instructional Programs by Field of Study
| Field of Study Category | Instructional Program | CIP 2021 Code |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and agri-food | 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 |
| Healthcare | 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 |
| STEM | 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 |
| Trade | Electrician | 46.0302 |
| Trade | Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician | 47.0201 |
| Trade | Machine tool technology/machinist | 48.0501 |
| Trade | Insulator | 46.0414 |
| Trade | Plumbing technology/plumber | 46.0503 |
| Transport | Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician | 47.0302 |
| Transport | Air traffic controller | 49.0105 |
| Transport | Truck and bus driver/commercial vehicle operator and instructor | 49.0205 |
| Transport | Flight instructor | 49.0108 |
| Transport | Transportation and materials moving, other | 49.9999 |
New Language Criteria for PGWP
Along with the new field of study requirements, international graduates must meet specific language criteria depending on the level of their studies. Here are the requirements:
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French | All fields of study are eligible |
| Diploma or Certificate | CLB 6 in English or NCLC 6 in French | Must meet new field of study requirements |
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are an international student currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a program in Canada, it is important to review the new PGWP eligibility requirements to ensure that your field of study qualifies. For further guidance, please reach out to our team.
For more information, call us at +971 523058829 or email us at info@svconsultants.com.
Our office is located at 103 A, Al Kindi Abdoli Building, 196 Salah Al Din St, Al Khabaisi, Dubai.