Highlights: Canada expanded the field of study under the Post Graduate Work Visa in 2025
- IRCC expanded more fields of study under the Post Graduate Work Visa in 2025.
- In October 2024, IRCC divided the field of study divided into five broad categories
- The new field added to this list of studies by IRCC is 'Education.'
- The PGWP-eligible programs are classified by the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes.
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IRCC expanded the list of the field of study under the Post Graduate Work Visa
These fields are divided into six categories, which reflect the occupation-based Express Entry categories:
- Agriculture and agri-food;
- Healthcare;
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
- Trade; and
- Transport
- Education
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Classification of Instructional Programs for PGWP eligible programs under Education
PGWP-eligible programs are grouped and listed under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP). Below is the table that represents the new program eligible in the PGWP education field program:
|
CIP 2021 Title |
CIP 2021 code |
|
Developmental services worker |
19.071 |
|
Montessori teacher education |
13.1207 |
|
Waldorf/Steiner teacher education |
13.1208 |
|
Early childhood education and teaching |
13.121 |
|
Teaching assistants/aide, general |
13.1501 |
|
Child development |
19.0706 |
|
Child care and support services management |
19.0708 |
|
Child care provider/ assistant |
19.0709 |
|
Early childhood and family studies |
19.0711 |
Field of study requirement for PGWPs
PGWP is an Open work permit designed for foreign nationals who have completed an eligible program of study at a DLI to work for most employers in most industries in Canada. The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the completed study program and varies from eight to three months.
IRCC mandates that international students graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage to be eligible for PGWPs. These fields of study requirements are not mandatory for Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral graduates. They apply to international students graduating from college programs and university vocational programs.
International students who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024, are not required to meet the Field of Study requirement. Candidates who applied after November 1, 2024, must fulfill the Field of Study requirement.
IRCC also introduced a language requirement for PGWP eligibility, which differs depending on international graduates' study level. International student graduates can gain work experience, which can serve as an excellent opportunity to apply for Canada PR. Work experience in Canada can lead to being eligible for CEC and can increase CRS scores.
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