A while ago, the IRCC made new changes in the eligibility criteria for PGWP for international students. Although the majority of the previous criteria still stands, the new changes made are on language requirement and field of study requirement. This article will discuss the language and new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP in great detail to help you make the required adjustment and preparation before applying for your PGWP.
New PGWP Canada Eligibility Criteria
International students who submitted their study permit application before November 1, 2024, and are applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, will only have to meet the new language criteria. On the other hand, those who submit their study permit application after the above date will have to meet both the language and field of study requirements
For submissions made before November 1, 2024
For university students
If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree or any other university program:
You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking, etc.
For college students
If you graduated from a college program or any other program not listed above:
You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
For submissions made after November 1, 2024
For university students
If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree from a university:
Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
Field of study requirement: The new field of study requirement does not apply. All fields of study are eligible for PGWP application.
If you graduated from any other university program:
Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
Field of study requirement: You must graduate in an eligible field of study. We will discuss these fields shortly.
For college students
If you graduated from a college program or any other program not listed above:
Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
Field of study requirement: You must also graduate in an eligible field of study.
New Field of Study Requirement for Canada PGWP
If your study program has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from one of the PGWP-eligible programs in addition to graduating from a designated learning institute (DLI) or PGWP eligible flight school before you can secure a PGWP in Canada.
These programs are linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage in Canada. They are divided into 5 broad categories.
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
Courses to Explore Under Eligible Programs
Below are some of the courses and their Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes that you can apply for under any of the 5 eligible categories.
Agriculture and Agri-food
Agriculture, General (CIP code: 01.0000): This field covers the basics of farming and crop production. It involves understanding how to grow plants, raise animals, and manage the land. People in this field work with crops, livestock, and other aspects of farming to ensure efficient food production.
Agricultural Business and Management, General (CIP code: 01.0101): This area focuses on the business side of farming and agriculture. It teaches skills like managing a farm’s finances, marketing agricultural products, and overseeing operations. It helps farmers or agricultural companies run their businesses successfully.
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations (CIP code: 01.0102): This field is a new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP. It combines agriculture and business operations, focusing on how to run an agricultural company efficiently. It involves supply chain management, sales, and logistics to ensure that farm products reach the market in good condition.
Farm/Farm and Ranch Management (CIP code: 01.0104): This focuses on managing day-to-day operations on farms or ranches. It includes organizing planting schedules, animal care, budgeting, and managing workers. The goal is to improve farm productivity and profitability.
Agricultural/Farm Supplies Retailing and Wholesaling (CIP code: 01.0105): This field deals with selling and distributing the tools, seeds, equipment, and supplies that farmers need. People in this area ensure that farmers have access to the materials required to grow crops and raise animals efficiently.
Healthcare
Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences, General (Cert., MS, MSc, PhD) (CIP code: 01.8101): This field focuses on the health and treatment of animals. Veterinarians study diseases, injuries, and overall animal care. With advanced degrees, they can specialize in certain types of animals or treatments, including surgeries or therapies for pets, livestock, or wildlife.
Comparative and Laboratory Animal Medicine (Cert., MS, MSc, PhD) (CIP code: 01.8102): This field is about studying diseases in animals, especially those used in research. Professionals here ensure that animals in labs are well cared for, healthy, and treated humanely, and they often research how diseases in animals can relate to human health.
Mammography Technology/Technician CIP code: 51.0919): Mammography technology is also a new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP. Mammography technicians are healthcare professionals who operate machines that take images of breast tissue. These images help doctors detect and diagnose breast diseases, including cancer. Technicians ensure that the equipment is used safely and that patients are comfortable during the procedure.
Orthopedic Technology/Technician (CIP code: 51.0923): Orthopedic technicians assist doctors in treating bone and joint issues. They help apply casts, braces, and other devices to support broken bones or injured muscles. They also provide patient care, such as teaching how to use crutches or manage recovery after orthopaedic surgeries.
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counselling (CIP code: 51.1505): This field involves helping couples and families work through personal or relationship issues. Therapists offer guidance on communication, conflict resolution, and emotional health, helping clients improve their relationships and overall well-being.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Natural Resources/Conservation, General CIP code: 03.0101): This field focuses on protecting and managing natural resources like forests, water, and wildlife. People in this area work to ensure that these resources are used responsibly. Hence, conserving them for future generations while supporting current environmental needs.
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences/Services/Operations and Related Fields, Other (CIP code: 01.9999): This covers various specialised areas in agriculture and veterinary science that don’t fall into the usual categories. It includes unique roles or services that support farming and animal care, focusing on specific techniques or emerging practices in these fields.
Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management (CIP code: 03.0205): This field is another new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP. It is about managing water bodies, wetlands, and marine ecosystems. It involves protecting these environments, ensuring they are healthy, and managing their use for activities like fishing or recreation. People in this area help maintain clean water and conserve aquatic life.
Sustainable Design/Architecture (CIP code: 04.0403): Sustainable design focuses on creating buildings and spaces that are environmentally friendly. Architects and designers in this field aim to reduce waste, use energy efficiently, and minimise the impact on the environment while still creating functional and attractive structures.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia (CIP code: 09.0702): This field deals with creating and managing content across digital platforms, such as websites, social media, and video. It involves skills in graphic design, video editing, and digital storytelling to communicate messages effectively in the online world.
Trade
Woodworking, General (CIP code: 48.0701): This field involves crafting and building items out of wood, such as furniture, cabinets, or structures. Woodworkers use tools and machines to cut, shape, and finish wood, creating functional or decorative pieces for homes, businesses, or construction projects.
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist (CIP code: 48.0501): Machinists work with machines to create or modify metal parts with precision. They operate tools like lathes and grinders to shape metal into specific parts for machines or engines. Thereby, ensuring everything fits and functions perfectly in manufacturing or repair processes.
Business Machine Repair (CIP code: 47.0102): Business machine repair is a new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP under the trade category. This involves fixing and maintaining office machines like printers, photocopiers, or cash registers. Technicians in this field ensure that businesses’ equipment runs smoothly, diagnosing problems and repairing or replacing broken parts to minimise downtime.
Appliance Installation and Repair Technology/Technician (CIP code: 47.0106): Technicians in this field install and fix household appliances like refrigerators, washers, and stoves. They diagnose issues, replace faulty parts, and ensure that appliances work properly, helping households run efficiently.
Plumbing Technology/Plumber (CIP code: 46.0503): Plumbers install and repair water systems in buildings, including pipes, faucets, toilets, and heating systems. They ensure that water flows properly and that drainage systems work without leaks. Hence, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy and functional homes and businesses.
Transport
Nautical Science/Merchant Marine Officer (CIP code: 49.0309): This field involves the study and practice of operating ships and other vessels. Merchant marine officers work on commercial ships, ensuring safe navigation and cargo handling. They manage the crew, oversee the vessel’s operations, and follow maritime regulations to ensure smooth sailing.
Flight Instructor (CIP code: 49.0108): Flight instructors teach people how to fly aeroplanes or helicopters. They guide students through flight training, both on the ground and in the air. They teach them how to safely operate aircraft, navigate, and respond to different flying conditions to earn their pilot’s license.
Aviation/Airway Management and Operations (CIP code: 49.0104): This is a new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP that focuses on managing airport operations and airline services. It involves overseeing air traffic, airport safety, logistics, and customer services. Hence, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely within the aviation industry.
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician (CIP code: 47.0302): Heavy equipment technicians maintain and repair large machines like bulldozers, cranes, or tractors used in construction and other industries. They diagnose mechanical problems, replace broken parts, and perform regular maintenance to keep these machines in good working condition.
Engine Machinist (CIP code: 47.0615): Engine machinists work on engines, rebuilding or repairing them to ensure they function properly. They use tools to machine engine parts, fit them precisely, and make adjustments to keep engines running efficiently, whether for vehicles, machines, or industrial equipment.
Finally,
The IRCC PGWP update which involves language and new field of study requirement for Canada PGWP highlights the importance of aligning academic programs with Canada’s evolving labour market needs. If you are aiming to stay and work in Canada post-graduation, careful consideration of eligible programs is now more critical than ever. By staying informed about these changes, you can make strategic decisions that enhance your chances of securing work opportunities and advancing toward permanent residency.
