If you’re applying or planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you may have heard about the recent changes that took place in November of 2024. However, as of March 10, 2025, IRCC announced an important update, degree programs at public colleges and institutes will no longer have to meet specific field of study requirements to be eligible for a PGWP. In our guide, Canada’s Latest PGWP Changes: What It Means for You, we break down the most recent updates to help you stay informed.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies. This open work permit lets graduates work for any employer, in any location in Canada, and no hourly limitations.
One major benefit of the PGWP is that it does not require employer sponsorship or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It gives graduates the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which helps when applying for permanent residency.
However, since not all academic programs qualify for a PGWP, students should carefully verify eligibility before enrolling. To simplify the process, UniApplyNow’s AI search engine helps students find PGWP-eligible programs and make informed decisions.
General Requirements: Do You Qualify?
Understanding PGWP eligibility is essential for international students planning to work in Canada after graduation. To qualify, students must meet the following general requirements:
- Completed a Full-Time Program: Students must have completed a program lasting at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) while maintaining full-time status throughout their studies. Some exceptions may apply, as ILAC, ILACIC, TW Careers programs are not eligible for PGWP.
- Applied Within 180 Days of Graduation: Graduates must submit their PGWP application within six months of receiving their final transcript and official graduation letter.
- Held a Valid Study Permit: Student’s study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180-day application period.
Latest PGWP Change: What It Means for You
Simply put, starting March 10, 2025, IRCC announced that degree programs at public colleges and institutes will now qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) without specific field of study requirements. As a result, international students enrolled in any degree program at a public college or institute will remain eligible for a PGWP. Although the official policy update is yet to be published, the change has already been approved and will not be affected by any upcoming elections.
Degree programs at public colleges and institutes will no longer have to meet specific field of study requirements to be eligible for a PGWP.
New PGWP Rules & Their Impact
With the recent IRCC update, degree programs at public colleges and institutes no longer have specific field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. This means students pursuing a degree at a public college or institute remain eligible for a PGWP, regardless of their area of study. Below is the eligibility breakdown:
1. Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree Graduates
- Language Requirement: Must achieve CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Field of Study Requirement: No restrictions—graduates from any discipline qualify for a PGWP.
2. Graduates of Other University Programs
- Language Requirement: Must meet CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all four language areas.
- Field of Study Requirement:
- If the program started before November 1, 2024, all fields qualify.
- If the program starts on or after November 1, 2024, no restrictions for public college or institute degree graduates. If enrolled at a private institution or non-degree program, new restrictions field of study requirements apply.
3. Graduates of College, Polytechnic, or Non-University Programs
- Language Requirement: Must meet CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) in all four language areas.
- Field of Study Requirement:
- If the program started before November 1, 2024, there are no restrictions.
- If the program starts on or after November 1, 2024, it must be in an eligible field of study unless it is a degree program at a public college or institute.
4. Flight School Graduates
- Must have a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or be in the process of getting an instructor’s rating with a job offer from a DLI flight school.
- No language or field of study requirements apply.
As an international student, you must demonstrate English proficiency before applying to a university. With ILAC Pathway, you can transfer to a PGWP-eligible program without needing IELTS or TOEFL! Book a FREE academic counseling session today.
Field of Study Requirements for PGWP
Students enrolled in non-degree programs at private institutions or certain public-private partnerships still need to meet specific field of study requirements. If your program requires a specific field of study, it must fall within six key areas that support labor market needs. The Canadian government is prioritizing fields that help fill job shortages. Here are the approved study categories:
- agriculture and agri-food
- education
- health care
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- trade
- transport
To qualify for a PGWP under these conditions, a program must be classified under one of the six-digit CIP codes listed in the eligibility table on the official Government of Canada website.
What Are CIP Codes and How Are They Related?
CIP codes, or Classification of Instructional Programs codes, are used to organize a field of study by subject area. For instance, Education as a field of study includes different CIP codes, such as 13.1207 for Montessori Teacher Education and 13.1210 for Early Childhood Education and Teaching. These codes help the government and schools track education trends and ensure programs match job market demands.
At UniApplyNow, we stay informed on PGWP eligibility updates to help international students make the best choices for their education and career goals. Our platform and expert counselors simplify the process, ensuring students select programs that align with both immigration and career pathways in Canada.
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