IRCC CIP Code: New Eligibility for PGWP in Canada
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The new eligibility criteria for getting a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada have been announced. Use your college’s official CIP code to verify your program and recheck IRCC’s page before applying. Applicants must meet language proficiency requirements, graduate from eligible programs, and have a valid study permit.
IRCC updated the eligibility for PGWP for Canada. Education-related CIP codes are currently eligible for PGWP (IRCC update: July 4, 2025). Earlier, it was only 5 approved fields: Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM, Trade, Transport and Education. Many students choose to study in Canadian universities because they can get a PGWP in Canada. Getting a post-study work permit to do jobs in Canada after completing studies is one of the major reasons to choose this country as a study destination.
New rules will be implemented for the PGWP applications made after July 04, 2025. There is no change in eligibility if you have submitted your application before this date. If you are one of those students who are planning to study in Canada, then this article is for you. We have covered information about the new eligibility for PGWP in Canada, including the CIP Code for colleges announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- What is PGWP in Canada?
- New Eligibility for PGWP in Canada
- How to Apply for PGWP in Canada
What is PGWP in Canada?
The IRCC Canada approves Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students. It is a type of work permit that allows non-Canadian students who have graduated from a Canadian college or university to work in the country. Note that getting a PGWP doesn't guarantee employment, and securing a job in Canada can be competitive.
IRCC updates the rules and eligibility of PGWP in Canada for a certain duration. IRCC announced CIP Codes of 1104 eligible programs divided into agriculture and agri-food, healthcare science, technology, engineering, mathematics, trade, transport and education.
What is CIP Code in Canada?
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is used to identify post-secondary education programs according to the field of study in Canada. IRCC announced the CIP code of 966 different PG programs including some of the trending courses in Canada. You can check the complete list on the official website of IRCC Canada.
New Eligibility for PGWP in Canada
It is important to fulfil the new eligibility criteria to be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit. Here is the point-wise eligibility criteria:
Language Proficiency
English and French are the two most spoken languages in Canada. Applicant must be proficient in any of these two languages.
| Type of Education |
Language Proficiency Required |
|---|---|
| Graduated from a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program |
|
| Graduated from Any Other University Program |
|
| Graduated from College Program |
|
Note: Scores of CELPIP, PTE Core, IELTS, TEF Canada and TCF Canada will be accepted to prove English language proficiency for the Post Graduate Work Permit. You can submit your score if the score is not older than 2 years.
Field of Study Requirement
The most important part of the new eligibility for PGWP Canada is your course. You must graduate from a study program related to a certain job profile, which is facing a long-term shortage. IRCC categorised these fields into 6 broad categories:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM Courses)
- Trade
- Transport
- Education
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How to Apply for PGWP in Canada
You will have only 180 days after the date of your graduation to apply for PGWP. Note that your study permit is valid at the time of application. If you fulfil the eligibility of PGWP in Canada, you can work off-campus during your studies in the country.
You can either apply online or offline for Post-Graduate Work Permit.
- Create an account on IRCC’s website to complete the application and pay the fee.
- Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
- Have scanned copies of academic transcripts and credit and debit cards at the time of application.
- Proof of medical tests and police certificates is important to have.
- The PGWP Canada application fee is CAD 255 (INR 15,582). CAD 155 application fee + CAD 100 open work permit holder fee.
Required Documents to Apply for PGWP Canada
- A valid degree from a Canadian university.
- A letter from your school and other academic transcripts.
- Medical test certificate
- Police verification certificates
Other than these, you may need to submit other documents at the time of application.
We hope that you have got all the information that you are looking for. If you have any query related to this topic, please feel free to contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors or mention in the comments section below:
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