The field of study requirement was introduced in 2024 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as an additional condition for international students who wish to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after their study.

This requirement does not apply to students studying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree program.

Starting November 1, 2024, international students applying for a study permit (outside the exempt degree programs) must choose a program that meets the field of study requirement, in addition to their institution being a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

In simple terms, this means that your program of study must be connected to an occupation that is in high demand or low labor shortage in Canada, for you to be eligible for a PGWP.

To confirm if your intended program qualifies, you can check the official Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) list provided by IRCC: Search the CIP list here.

If your chosen program is not on the CIP list and you have submitted your study permit application, you may still have other immigration pathways to remain in Canada.

However, if you are still in the process of selecting a program, choosing one that is on the CIP list could significantly increase your chances of obtaining a PGWP after graduation.