PGWP Targeted Programs Just Announced

Key Takeaways

• Changes affect only those who submit a study application after November 1st, 2024.
• University graduates from a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program will not need to demonstrate an in-demand field of study.
• Other university graduates and graduates from college programs will need to graduate from an eligible field of study. 
• Fields of study are divided into 5 broad categories, matching occupations targeted in Express Entry category-based draws.
• There are over 966 programs identified as an eligible field of study for a PGWP. 
• All PGWP applicants, irrespective of when they applied for their study permit, must prove adequate language proficiency.

What Are The New Eligibility Requirements?

There are 2 new eligibility requirements added to the general criteria needed to apply for a PGWP. These are:

• Language requirement
• Field of study.

Let’s explore these in more detail:

Language Requirement

Starting November 1st, 2024, all applicants who apply for a PGWP must submit proof of English or French language ability. The level of ability needed depends on the level of study completed.

PGWP applications who have graduated from a university program must score at least CLB level 7 in all four tested areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

Applications from graduates from a college program must score at least  CLB level 5 in all four tested areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

Which Language Test Are Accepted?

The following exams are approved for the purpose of applying for a PGWP:

English

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General 
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core

French

• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada

Language tests results are valid for 2 years. 

Field of Study

Applicants who apply for a study permit after November 1st, 2024 may need to have studied in a targeted field of study to be eligible for a PGWP. 

Bear in mind, eligibility for a PGWP has required the program of study to be at least 8 months for many years – and this requirement will continue. This means that we can expect the first lot of applicants required to show an approved field of study to apply for a PGWP in July 2025. 

At this time (July 2025), not all applicants will need to show that they have graduated from an eligible field of study. Applicants who graduate from a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program will not need to graduate from an eligible field of study to be eligible. 

Applicants who graduate from another university program or a college program, must graduate in an eligible field of study. These fields of study are tied to labour shortages and in-demand occupations in Canada. 

What Are The Eligible Fields of Study?

The identified fields of study have been divided into 5 categories that match the occupations targeted in Express Entry category-based draws.

These are: 

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport

In addition to dividing into categories, the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) has been used to classify post-secondary education programs according to field of study in Canada.

There are 966 programs identified as eligible, these are:

Will The Categories Change?

There is no information on whether the categories targeted will change however we would not be surprised if a category for education was introduced in 2025 to align with Express Entry plans. If categories do change to reflect labour needs, this may make picking programs that align with current demands tough.

A Reminder of What Has Not Changed

There have been a lot of changes to the PGWP in the last few months. Here is a reminder of some things that have not changed: 

• Applicants must have completed a program at a designated learning institute in a program approved for a PGWP. 
• Students must have maintained full time status during their studies with limited exceptions. 
• Have held a valid study permit within the last 180 days. 

What Do These Changes Mean For Prospective International Students?

Anyone interested in studying in Canada with the hope of working after graduation should make sure that their program of study is eligible. 

Bachelor, masters and doctorate programs remain eligible irrespective of field of study therefore there may be more competition for these programs amongst prospective international students. Starting early and submitting a strong application will help you beat the crowds here so preparation will be key.

Those hoping to study at a college program or other university program will need to pay more attention to the field of studies. 

Noting that the categories can change during the course of study, to be on the safe side, prospective students should focus on studying at a Bachelor, masters and doctorate programs which are not currently subject to a field of study requirements.