New CIP Code Requirement for PGWP

In 2024, Canada introduced a new field of study requirement for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This requirement uses the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code of your study program to determine PGWP eligibility. Essentially, if you are enrolled in a non-degree post-secondary program (diplomas, certificates, etc.), your program’s field must be on a list of eligible fields of study linked to jobs facing long-term labour shortages in Canada. (Students in degree programs – bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral – are exempt, as explained below.) The goal is to align international graduates’ skills with Canada’s labor market needs by encouraging studies in high-demand fields.

What is a CIP code? A CIP code is a six-digit number used to classify academic programs by field of study. Canadian immigration now uses CIP codes (based on the CIP Canada 2021 catalog) to identify which study programs are in fields that Canada needs more workers in. When you apply for a study permit or PGWP, immigration officers check if your program’s CIP code is on the current list of eligible fields. If it is not on the list at the time of your application, you might not qualify for a PGWP unless you are covered by certain exceptions (outlined below).

Who Is Exempt from the Field of Study Requirement?

Not all students are subject to this new rule. If any of the following apply, you do not need to meet the field of study (CIP code) requirement for PGWP eligibility:

• You applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024. (Students already in Canada or who had approval before the rule change are grandfathered in.)
• You submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024. (Any PGWP applications made prior to the rule’s start date are processed under the old rules without field restrictions.)
• You graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight training program. (Certain flight school programs remain eligible regardless of field.)
• You graduated with a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.). (The field-of-study restriction only targets non-degree programs – all degree programs are still fully PGWP-eligible regardless of major.)

If you do not fall under any of the above exemptions (for example, you started a college diploma or certificate program after Nov 1, 2024), then you must ensure your program’s CIP code is on the eligible list at the relevant time (either when you applied for your study permit or when you apply for the PGWP). Otherwise, your PGWP could be refused.

Eligible Fields of Study: Focus on In-Demand Sectors

Canada’s list of eligible CIP codes is focused on fields that correspond to occupations with long-term labor shortages and high demand. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these are generally fields “linked to jobs in long-term shortages, such as those being prioritized under Express Entry”. In practice, this means the recommended programs of study for future international students are in areas where Canada needs more workers. Key sectors include:

• Health Care & Social Services – e.g. nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, psychology, early childhood education, social work. These fields are explicitly highlighted and have many occupations in shortage.
• Education – e.g. teaching (primary, secondary, special education), childcare education. Canada is facing teacher shortages, so education-related programs are prioritized.
• Skilled Trades – e.g. construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical), technicians, mechanics. Trades are a major focus of immigration priority due to shortages in skilled labor. Many trade programs (often one- or two-year college diplomas/certificates) are on the eligible list.
• Transportation and Logistics – e.g. truck and transport operations, aircraft maintenance, aviation (pilot training), supply chain management. Transport occupations (such as truck drivers, air traffic controllers, pilots, etc.) have been singled out as high-demand by Canadian immigration in recent initiatives. Programs preparing students for these roles are being emphasized to meet the growing demand in the transport sector.
• STEM and Tech Fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs (such as IT, computer science, engineering technologies, data science) remain important. While not explicitly listed in the 2025 IRCC update, prior category-based immigration draws included STEM occupations, and many STEM-related programs continue to align with skills shortages (e.g. software developers, engineers). These likely remain on the PGWP-eligible list due to ongoing demand for tech talent.
• Agriculture & Agri-food – e.g. agricultural science, agribusiness, food processing technology. Canada also considers agriculture a key sector for growth, and immigration categories have targeted agri-food occupations. Relevant study programs in agricultural fields are eligible for PGWP.

Important: You may notice that general Business programs (like generic business administration or management diplomas) are not on the above list. In fact, IRCC removed many fields of study from eligibility in 2025 that were “no longer linked to occupations in long-term labour shortages”. This included many business, management, and similar programs that are popular but not experiencing worker shortages. As a result, if you are considering a non-degree program in Business (e.g. marketing, HR, general management), be aware it may not qualify for a PGWP under the new rules. Canada added 119 new fields in sectors like health, education, trades, etc., but removed 178 fields that don’t align with labor market gaps – and business programs were among those removed. To maximize your chances of PGWP approval and future job prospects, focus on in-demand fields rather than general business unless you are pursuing a full degree. (If you are set on business, an alternative is to enroll in a business degree program like an MBA, since degrees are exempt from the field requirement, or verify if your specific program’s CIP remains eligible at time of application.)

Timeline of Changes (Nov 2024 – June/July 2025)

It’s crucial to understand when these changes took effect and how they evolved, especially if you applied or will apply around these dates. Here is a clear timeline of the field of study requirement implementation and updates:

• Before November 1, 2024: No CIP code requirement. The PGWP eligibility was not restricted by field of study at all. If you applied for a study permit or PGWP before this date, your program’s field did not matter – all fields were eligible as long as the school was a PGWP-eligible DLI (Designated Learning Institution). In other words, students who were already in their programs by this date or who got their PGWP early were under the old rules.
• November 1, 2024: Field of Study requirement begins. This is the cutoff date after which new international students in non-degree programs must study in an eligible field to get a PGWP. Any student who applied for a study permit on or after Nov 1, 2024 is subject to the new rule. From this point, simply graduating from a college program is not enough for a PGWP – the program must be in a CIP code on the approved list. (Note: Students who had a study permit or PGWP application in before this date are exempt as per above.)
• June 25, 2025: CIP Code List Revised. After some months of the new system, IRCC made a major update to which fields of study were eligible, to align with evolving labor needs and Express Entry priorities. On June 25, 2025, Canada updated the list of eligible CIP codes, adding 119 new fields of study (mostly in high-demand sectors like health care, social services, education, and trades) and removing 178 fields that were deemed no longer in shortage. This change reflected the 2025 announced priority areas for immigration (for example, more emphasis on healthcare and trades, and less on oversupplied fields). After this change, there were 920 total fields of study eligible for PGWP. If your program’s CIP was removed on this date and you had not already started your studies (or submitted your study permit application before the change), you would not be eligible for a PGWP in the future. However, students who applied for their study permit before June 25, 2025 would be protected – if their program was eligible at the time they applied for the study permit, they can still get a PGWP even if that field was later removed. This grandfathering ensured fairness for those already in the pipeline.
• July 4, 2025: Reversal – Removed fields added back temporarily. In early July 2025, IRCC made an unexpected adjustment: they added back all the fields of study that had been removed on June 25, 2025. This means the previously removed 178 fields were restored to the eligibility list, effectively pausing the impact of their removal. The reason given was to ensure students who applied during that week of uncertainty (June 25–July 4) are not penalized. IRCC announced that those re-added fields will remain eligible until the next list update in early 2026. In other words, the list was rolled back to include everything it had before June 25, buying some time for students in fields that were on the chopping block. Students who started programs in fields like business during that brief period can breathe a sigh of relief – for now. It’s important to note this is a temporary extension of eligibility; the intention is to revisit the list in 2026 with updated labor market data.
• (Upcoming 2026 Update: IRCC has indicated the eligible CIP list will be updated again in early 2026. At that time, some fields might be removed once more if they are still not considered in shortage, and other fields could be added. Students planning for the long term should keep an eye on these updates to ensure their chosen field remains eligible.)*

Key Takeaways for Students

If you plan to study in Canada and want a PGWP after graduation, you need to be strategic in choosing your program. As of now (mid-2025), focus on programs in high-demand fields – health care, education, trades, tech, transport, etc – which align with Canada’s labor shortages and are on the approved CIP list. Avoid one-year courses in generic business or other non-priority fields (unless you already secured a study permit before the cutoff dates, or you pursue them as part of a degree), because these may not qualify for a PGWP under the new rules. The Canadian government is actively steering international students toward fields that lead to jobs where talent is needed in the economy, and away from fields that are oversaturated.

Before enrolling, always check the latest IRCC list of eligible CIP codes for PGWP (available on the official Canada.ca website) to confirm your program will be recognized. If you’re already studying or have an upcoming program, note the dates you applied for your study permit – those determine which rules apply to you. And remember, rules can change: Canada updated the list in 2025 and plans to do so again in 2026, so stay informed on policy updates during your studies. By choosing an in-demand field of study and understanding the timeline of these changes, you can better secure your path to a PGWP and, ultimately, to Canadian work experience or even permanent residency in your field. The bottom line: align your education plans with Canada’s needs and rules, and you’ll set yourself up for success under the new PGWP field of study requirements.

How Career Abroad Can Help

Navigating Canada’s evolving immigration and education landscape can feel overwhelming, especially with the recent changes to PGWP eligibility and CIP code requirements. That’s where Career Abroad comes in.

With years of experience helping international students succeed in Canada, Career Abroad offers expert, personalized guidance at every stage of your journey. Whether you’re planning to start your studies in 2025 or beyond, we can help you:

• Choose PGWP-Eligible Programs that align with your career goals and meet the latest CIP code requirements.
• Understand the New Rules around field of study eligibility, timelines, and exemptions — so you can make informed decisions.
• Apply for Your Study Permit with confidence, ensuring all paperwork meets the latest immigration standards.
• Plan for Post-Graduation Success, including work permits and pathways to permanent residency.

As policies shift, the right advice can make all the difference. Connect with Career Abroad to ensure your Canadian education investment leads to the future you envision.

Sources:

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), “Work in Canada after you graduate: Field of study requirement.” (Official PGWP eligibility update).
• IRCC News Release, “Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits,” June 25, 2025.
• IRCC News Release, “Canada announces 2025 Express Entry category-based draws…” (Express Entry priorities for in-demand skills).
• Green and Spiegel LLP, “Canada to Prioritize Transport Occupations in Express Entry,” Sept 18, 2023 (background on in-demand categories like transport, trades, etc.).