If you want to work in Canada after graduating, you must know how to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Recent immigration policy changes in Canada require international students in certain programs to achieve qualifying requirements. Unplanned requirements may impede your ability to work in Canada after graduation.

To see if your study program qualifies for the PGWP, who it applies to, and how to stay on track, read on.

Learning New PGWP requirements.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began linking PGWP eligibility to the relevance of study programs in the labor market on November 1, 2025. These modifications were part of Canada’s temporary resident management and high-demand skill development activities.

Different degrees of study are influenced. Master’s and doctorate programs are eligible for the PGWP. If you’re in a college or non-university program, make sure your major matches Canada’s labor market priorities.

Who Must Meet Field Study Requirements?

If you filed for a study permit after November 1, 2025, and your program is college-level or non-degree, it must be in an eligible field. This includes:

• Agriculture and Agri-food
• Education
• Health care and Social Services
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Skilled Trades
• Transportation and Logistics

These qualifying sectors meet Canadian workers’ needs, and other fields may be added or altered by early 2026.

Steps to Ensure Your Program Qualifies

Follow this two-step approach to see if your program meets these requirements:

1. Find the Right CIP Title and code.

Your study program must be CIP-classified. Your academic program’s six-digit CIP code links it to its field.

Check Statistics Canada’s CIP database for your program’s code. Each article contains thorough descriptions and examples to assist you in choosing a CIP title for your course. Compare your program’s official description to its content, not just its title.

Your school’s website may also have information. Many Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) provide their program CIP codes, especially with PGWP eligibility. If you need further clarification, please reach out to the institution to confirm the CIP code and title.

2. Confirm PGWP’s eligibility for that CIP code.

Once you have the correct CIP code, verify if it’s on the current list of PGWP-eligible programs. You can use online tools provided by immigration advisors or check directly with your institution. These tools typically offer descriptions alongside the codes to help you make sure you’ve selected the correct entry.

If your CIP title is included in the eligible list, your program meets the field-of-study criteria for PGWP.

Don’t Forget Language and General Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the field-of-study criterion isn’t enough for a PGWP. Standards relate to language proficiency and program completion.

Make sure you achieve the necessary scores in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in either English or French.

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)

General Eligibility Checklist

To apply for a PGWP, you must also:

• Complete a full-time program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-approved DLI
• Maintain full-time enrollment for each academic term, except your final semester
• Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final transcript or completion letter
• Hold a valid study permit at some point within those 180 days

One last thought

International students must plan beforehand. You can increase your PGWP chances by choosing the correct program, verifying its CIP code, and meeting field-of-study and general standards. This route gives you Canadian work experience and may lead to immigration.

Staying informed and proactive is crucial as Canada aligns immigration policy with labor demands. If you dispute your program’s eligibility, ask your school’s international student counselor or a professional immigration consultant.