PGWP Eligibility Requirements (Effective November 1, 2024)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, effective November 1, 2024. These changes aim to align international graduates' skills with Canada's labor market needs.
University Graduates
Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university are exempt from specific field of study requirements. They remain eligible for a PGWP regardless of their field of study.
College and Non-Degree Programs
Graduates must have completed studies in in-demand fields to be eligible for a PGWP. These fields include:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transportation
Program Classification Examples
Agriculture and Agri-Food: Agricultural Business, Animal Husbandry, Plant Nursery Operations, etc.
Healthcare: Special Education, Exercise Physiology, Physical Therapy Assistant, etc.
STEM: Computer Programming, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, etc.
Trades: Electrician, HVAC Technician, Machinist, etc.
Transportation: Air Traffic Controller, Commercial Vehicle Operator, Flight Instructor, etc.
How to Check Program Eligibility
- Find your program's CIP code from the Statistics Canada website.
- Cross-reference with IRCC's eligible fields of study.
Language Proficiency
- University Graduates: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
- College Graduates: CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French
Program Start Date
These rules apply to students beginning their studies on or after November 1, 2024.
For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to IRCC’s official guidelines or consult with an immigration advisor.
