The field-of-study requirement applies only to some Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants. Graduates of a degree program at a public designated learning institution, meaning a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, are not subject to it. Where the requirement does apply, IRCC matches the six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code recorded for the program against its published list of eligible fields. The requirement is generally tied to applicants whose study permit application was made on or after November 1, 2024. IRCC has stated it will not add or remove eligible fields of study during 2026.
Who the requirement applies to
The field-of-study requirement is a filter applied to some Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants, not all of them. Graduates of degree programs at public designated learning institutions, meaning bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, are not assessed against the eligible field list. Other program types are, and the trigger is generally the date the study permit application was made: applications made on or after November 1, 2024 fall within the current framework. Because that date controls whether the requirement applies at all, it is the first thing to establish, before looking at any list.
What a CIP code is and why it decides the outcome
The Classification of Instructional Programs is a standard coding system for academic programs. Each program carries a six-digit code, assigned by the institution, that identifies its field. IRCC matches that code against its published list of eligible fields. It does not interpret program titles, and it does not weigh how closely the curriculum resembles an eligible field. This is the single most common source of surprise: a student enrols in a program marketed as, for example, a technology or health care pathway, and finds that the recorded code sits outside the list.
We do not reproduce the list here, because it runs to hundreds of codes and belongs on the official page where it is maintained. Use IRCC's field of study lookup and search by your exact six-digit code.
Where the requirement lands
This is a general orientation. Whether a specific graduate is inside or outside the requirement is fact-specific and depends on the credential, the institution and the study permit application date.
| Consideration | Field of study requirement | What still has to be met |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree at a public designated learning institution | Not required to match the eligible field list. | All other PGWP conditions, including the language requirement and program length and continuity rules. |
| Non-degree program, study permit applied for on or after November 1, 2024 | Required. The program's six-digit CIP code must appear on IRCC's eligible field list. | Language requirement at the level set for that program type, plus the general PGWP conditions. |
| Study permit applied for before November 1, 2024 | Generally assessed under the rules in force for that application date rather than the current field list. Confirm your position on the official eligibility page. | The general PGWP conditions that apply to your case. |
| Eligible flight training | Assessed under IRCC's separate flight school rules rather than the general eligible field list. | The specific conditions IRCC publishes for that route. |
This table is a general orientation. The correct route depends on the facts of your matter, the timing of each step and the evidence you can actually produce.
Practical steps before you graduate
- Ask your registrar, in writing, for the exact six-digit CIP code recorded for your program.
- Check that code against IRCC's lookup rather than a summary published by a school or an agent.
- Confirm the date your study permit application was made, since it may take you outside the requirement.
- Plan the language test early, so a result is in hand before your permit expiry.
- Keep your status intact throughout. A PGWP application is only useful if you are still eligible to make it. See maintained status for how that can quietly break.
Terms such as CIP, DLI and PGWP are defined plainly in our glossary. Full eligibility conditions are published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on its PGWP eligibility page, and requirements can change. If you want a quick read on whether your program qualifies before booking anything, send us an enquiry.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a program qualifies because the college says it leads to an in-demand career.
- Matching a program by title instead of confirming the exact six-digit CIP code on the transcript or credential.
- Overlooking the study permit application date, which decides whether the requirement applies at all.
- Missing the language test, which is a separate PGWP requirement from field of study.
- Relying on a third-party list rather than IRCC's own lookup tool.
When professional help may be useful
If your CIP code is unclear, your institution has recorded a different code than you expected, or your study permit application date sits close to November 1, 2024, confirm your position before you graduate rather than after.
Official sources
Program rules change. Check the official source for current requirements.
Where this fits
For how we work on this, Post-Graduation Work Permit. Terms used above are defined in the glossary, and related questions are answered in the FAQ.
About the reviewer
Karan Pratap Singh, CEO, RCIC at Immigrate Now. RCIC (R532175), regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.