In a major policy reversal by the Canadian government, Canada has reinstated post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility for study fields until 2026. On July 4, 2025 Canada has updated the list of eligible CIP codes to add back fields of study that were removed on June 25, 2025.
Those fields of study that were removed on June 25, 2025 will stay eligible until the list is next updated in early 2026.
Canada announced on June 25 that 178 fields of study have been eliminated from the eligibility list, while 119 new fields of study are now eligible for PGWP.
If you have submitted your study permit application in one of them between June 25 and July 4, you will still meet the field of study requirement when you graduate.
To meet the field of study requirement, your CIP code must be on the list of currently eligible CIP codes when you submit either your study permit application or your PGWP application.
A CIP code is a number IRCC uses to classify post-secondary education programs according to the field of study. For PGWP eligibility, IRCC uses 6-digit CIP codes based on the CIP Canada 2021.
To find your program’s CIP code, you can check your designated learning institution’s (DLI) website or contact your DLI or search the Statistics Canada CIP classification catalogue and find the 6-digit code that’s most applicable to you.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a Canadian visa for international students, allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years, providing valuable Canadian work experience and a pathway to permanent residency.
Depending on your study program, you may need to meet a field of study requirement to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Eligible fields of study are linked to certain jobs in long-term shortage in Canada and can change based on the needs of the Canadian labour market.
The July 4, 2025, update pertains to eligibility criteria for the PGWP, including the field of study requirement. The July 4 update reinstates eligible fields for study permit applications submitted between June 25 and July 4, 2025, retroactively removing fields removed on June 25.
You do not need to meet the field of study requirement if one of the following applies to you:
You submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, regardless of level of study.
You graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school.
You graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree.
You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024.