IRCC Expands PGWP Eligibility with New Education Programs

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added new programs to the list of fields of study eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) as of December 17, 2024. These programs fall under the education category, focusing on early childhood education and developmental services.

Previously, the eligible fields of study were divided into five categories: Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Trade, and Transport. With this update, a sixth category—Education—has been introduced.

Newly Added Programs:

  • Developmental Services Worker (CIP Code: 19.0710)
  • Montessori Teacher Education (CIP Code: 13.1207)
  • Waldorf/Steiner Teacher Education (CIP Code: 13.1208)
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching (CIP Code: 13.1210)
  • Teaching Assistants/Aide, General (CIP Code: 13.1501)
  • Child Development (CIP Code: 19.0706)
  • Child Care and Support Services Management (CIP Code: 19.0708)
  • Child Care Provider/Assistant (CIP Code: 19.0709)
  • Early Childhood and Family Studies (CIP Code: 19.0711)

Field of Study Requirement
Since September 2024, international students need to graduate from a program linked to occupations in long-term shortage to be eligible for PGWPs. However, this requirement does not apply to graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs. It only applies to college and vocational university programs.

Students who received their study permits before November 1, 2024, are exempt from this requirement unless they apply for a new study permit (e.g., due to changing schools or programs).

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