Canada has added new fields of study through which international students can quality for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
As of December 17, 2024, a new category of education has been added to the broad list of fields through which candidates can qualify.
It followed a tightening of the PGWP rules implemented in November 2024 as part of a broader overhaul of the study and work permit system.
On This Page You Will Find:
- New PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study
- Overview of the education field added on December 17, 2024, alongside agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport.
- Eligible Programs in Education
- Specific programs now qualifying for the PGWP, such as early childhood education, Montessori teacher education, and childcare programs.
- Key Changes to PGWP Rules
- Shift from occupation-focused eligibility to education-based fields to address labor shortages and economic goals.
- Why Canada Updated PGWP Requirements
- To align with labor market needs, manage applicant volume, and enhance pathways to permanent residency.
- PGWP Basics
- What is the PGWP, who qualifies, and how to apply.
The categories are for applicants from Canadian colleges, or those from universities who do not have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree. Those with Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees are eligible for a PGWP from any program, provided they attended a designated learning institution and meet other requirements.
Previously, the list of categories mirrored those included in Express Entry occupation-specific draws. The inclusion of education represents a move away from this. It is also a response to the shortage of teachers and early years educators in Canada.
New PGWP-Eligible Study Categories
- agriculture and agri-food
- education (added December 17, 2024)
- healthcare
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- trade
- transport
The list of specific jobs added under the education category includes Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes, which Canada uses to classify post-secondary education programs according to field of study.
New PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study
| CIP code | Field |
| 19.0710 | Developmental services worker |
| 13.1207 | Montessori teacher education |
| 13.1208 | Waldorf/Steiner teacher education |
| 13.1210 | Early childhood education and teaching |
| 13.1501 | Teaching assistants/aides, general |
| 19.0706 | Child development |
| 19.0708 | Child care and support services management |
| 19.0709 | Child care provider/assistant |
| 19.0711 | Early childhood and family studies |
FAQ: New PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study
1. What new field of study was added to the PGWP eligibility criteria on December 17, 2024?
The education field was added to the PGWP-eligible fields of study on December 17, 2024. This addition reflects Canada’s response to a shortage of teachers and early childhood educators.
2. What are the complete PGWP-eligible fields of study as of December 2024?
The eligible fields of study now include:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education (added December 17, 2024)
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
3. What specific education programs are eligible under the new PGWP rules?
Eligible programs in the education field include:
- Developmental services worker (CIP 19.0710)
- Montessori teacher education (CIP 13.1207)
- Waldorf/Steiner teacher education (CIP 13.1208)
- Early childhood education and teaching (CIP 13.1210)
- Teaching assistants/aides, general (CIP 13.1501)
- Child development (CIP 19.0706)
- Child care and support services management (CIP 19.0708)
- Child care provider/assistant (CIP 19.0709)
- Early childhood and family studies (CIP 19.0711)
4. How do these changes differ from previous PGWP rules?
Previously, PGWP eligibility categories were closely aligned with Express Entry occupation-specific draws. The inclusion of education fields marks a shift away from this approach, aiming to address specific labor shortages in teaching and early childhood education.
Why Did Canada Change The PGWP Requirements?
1. Aligning Education with Labor Market Needs
By introducing field of study requirements for some programs, Canada is ensuring that international graduates in eligible, high-demand sectors can more easily access work opportunities. This helps address skills shortages in critical industries and supports Canada’s long-term economic goals.
2. Enhancing Economic Contribution
The new requirements are designed to ensure that international graduates are better prepared to integrate into Canada’s labor market. By focusing on certain fields of study, the government is encouraging graduates to acquire the skills and qualifications most needed by Canadian employers.
3. Managing the Volume of PGWP Applicants
With a growing number of international students, Canada may be tightening PGWP eligibility to manage the number of applicants and ensure that the program benefits those who are most likely to contribute effectively to the economy.
4. Improving Immigration Pathways
By refining the eligibility requirements, Canada ensures that international graduates have the best possible chance of transitioning to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry, which are aligned with labor market priorities.
What is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, helping them gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Who qualifies for the PGWP?
To qualify, you must have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that is at least eight months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Full-time Student Status Requirement
You must have been a full-time student during each academic session of your program, with some exceptions like study breaks or authorized leaves.
Application Deadline
You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your official transcript and letter confirming program completion from your educational institution.
Language and Field of Study Requirements
As of November 1, 2024, language requirements vary by education level, and some graduates must complete an eligible field of study to qualify for the PGWP.
