Work in Canada After Graduation: Understanding the PGWP Field of Study Requirement (Updated 2025)

If you’re an international student planning to work in Canada after graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be your golden opportunity. But did you know that your field of study now plays a critical role in your PGWP eligibility?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Field of Study Requirement, updated as of July 4, 2025, and how it affects your ability to stay and work in Canada after your studies.

What Is the Field of Study Requirement?

The Field of Study Requirement is a new eligibility condition for the PGWP. It connects your study program with Canada’s labour market needs, ensuring graduates are prepared to fill long-term job shortages in the country.

To meet this requirement, your academic program must fall under the eligible Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes—a standardized system that categorizes study programs.

 Who Doesn’t Need to Meet This Requirement?

Some students may not be affected by this requirement based on their study program or application dates. For example, those in programs that are exempt or who applied during transitional periods (more below) may still qualify.

How to Meet the Field of Study Requirement

To be eligible:

• Your program’s 6-digit CIP code must be listed in the currently eligible CIP codes list at the time of:
  
  • Your study permit application, or
    
  • Your PGWP application
    

If your program was eligible at either point, you may still meet the requirement—even if the list has changed since then.

Important Update – July 4, 2025

On July 4, 2025, the Canadian government updated the list of eligible CIP codes, re-adding several programs that had been removed on June 25, 2025.

Here’s what this means:

• Programs removed on June 25, 2025, are now eligible again until the next list update in early 2026.
  
• If you applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, and your program was previously eligible, you will still qualify when applying for your PGWP after graduation.
  

What Is a CIP Code?

A CIP Code is a six-digit code used in Canada and the U.S. to classify academic programs. Each code represents a specific field of study—for example:

You can find your program’s CIP code on your official enrollment letter or through your institution’s academic registry.

How to Check If Your Program Qualifies

Follow these steps to verify your eligibility:

1. Find your 6-digit CIP code (from your institution or program details).
   
2. Visit the Government of Canada’s official PGWP eligibility page.
   
3. Look for the updated list of currently eligible CIP codes.
   
4. Search your code to see if it’s listed.
   

If your code appears in the list, you meet the Field of Study Requirement.

Why This Matters?

Canada is aligning its immigration and work policies with the realities of the labour market. By encouraging graduates in in-demand fields to stay and work, the government hopes to address critical job shortages while offering students meaningful employment opportunities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to study or recently applied to study in Canada, it’s more important than ever to:

• Choose programs that align with eligible CIP codes
  
• Monitor changes to PGWP rules
  
• Keep documentation of your application timelines

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a key step toward permanent residency for many students, and understanding the field of study requirement can help you make informed decisions.