PGWP Eligible Fields of Study: Is Your CIP Code on the List?
The PGWP field-of-study finder checks whether your program’s 6-digit CIP code is on the IRCC eligible list, and whether the rule applies to you at all. Degree graduates are exempt, so the rule mostly affects college and diploma students (IRCC, checked October 2026). IRCC publishes the list on its field of study page, so check it for the current version.
Last updated: October 2026
since 1991
The key facts at a glance
- CIP codes
- The list IRCC publishes
- Changes
- Check the IRCC page for the current list
- Exempt
- Degree graduates and flight school graduates
- Cut-off
- Applications before November 1, 2024 are exempt
- Program
- At least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible school
Search the eligible CIP list
Check Step 1 first, then search your code or program title in Step 2.
What does the PGWP field finder do?
The finder does two jobs. It tells you if the field-of-study rule applies to your credential and application dates, then it searches the IRCC list of eligible CIP codes.
It covers six IRCC categories: agriculture, education, healthcare, STEM, trade and transport. A listed code is not a full PGWP check, because language results and school rules also apply.
Do degree graduates need an eligible field?
No. You do not need to meet the field-of-study rule if you graduated with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. The same goes for PGWP-eligible flight school graduates, and for anyone who applied for a study permit or a PGWP before November 1, 2024.
What your result tells you
- Listed: your program’s code meets the field rule
- Not listed: the code may not count unless you are exempt
- Date notes: some codes depend on when you applied
- Always: language results and school rules still apply
Is the finder right for you?
A quick check before you pick a program or apply for your PGWP.
Use it if you have
- Your program’s CIP code, or its exact title
- A college, diploma or certificate program
- The dates you applied for your study permit and PGWP
- A plan to apply for a study permit soon
Start with another page if
- You want the full PGWP steps: read the PGWP guide
- You need language results: use the language tests page
- You want to move toward PR: check your CRS score
Read the PGWP guide, see the Study in Canada page, or check the language tests page. Check your school with the DLI finder.
What you need before you start
Have these ready. Use your best results, because the calculator scores what you enter. Convert language results on the IRCC charts.
Your CIP code
The 6-digit CIP Canada 2021 code for your exact program.
Your school
A PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
Program length
At least 8 months, with full-time study in each semester.
Your dates
When you applied for your study permit and when you will apply for your PGWP.
Language results
PGWP language results are a separate requirement.
Need help with your study permit?
We review your school choice, funds and letters before you pay the fee.
What each field category covers
Healthcare and social services
About 590 codes. Nursing, respiratory care, veterinary medicine, therapy, physician assistant and residency programs.
STEM
About 310 codes. Engineering, data analytics, programming, molecular biology, applied math and physics.
Trade
66 codes. Welding, heavy equipment, wind energy, construction trades and building maintenance.
Education
69 codes. Teacher education, teaching assistants and disability studies.
Agriculture
43 codes. Crop production, horticulture, turf management, animal health and meat cutting.
Transport
21 codes. Avionics, aviation operations, engine technicians and transportation planning.
Where to go next
Use your score to pick your next move.
Have these ready for your PGWP application
The calculator scores what you enter. Your documents must back up every answer.
Language results
Valid test results that meet the PGWP language rule.
Program proof
A school letter that confirms your program, its CIP code and your completion date.
Transcripts
Official transcripts that show full-time study in each semester.
Study permit
Your study permit and any extensions, with the date you applied.
Passport and status
A valid passport and proof of your status in Canada.
How to use the PGWP field finder, step by step
Six steps from your first answer to your plan.
Find your CIP
Find your program’s 6-digit CIP code on your school’s website or ask your school.
Check the rule
Pick your credential and your application dates in Step 1.
Search the list
Type your code or program title in Step 2 and read the result.
Read the date notes
Some codes depend on when you applied. Check the note on your result.
Confirm with your school
Ask your school to confirm the code and its PGWP-eligible status in writing.
Plan your route
Book a Strategy Consultation to check your program and plan your route after graduation.
Five mistakes that cost you a PGWP
A wrong input gives a wrong score. Watch for these.
Going by the program name
IRCC uses the 6-digit CIP code, not the marketing name. Confirm the exact code with your school.
Using the wrong CIP year
IRCC uses CIP Canada 2021. An older code can point to a different program.
Skipping the school check
Your school must be PGWP-eligible. A listed field does not fix an ineligible school.
Forgetting language results
PGWP language results are separate from the field rule. Plan your test early.
Missing the 180 days
You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program.
PGWP field facts at a glance
Key points from the IRCC field of study page, checked October 2026.
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PGWP field finder FAQs
What is the PGWP field-of-study requirement?
It is a rule that some graduates must have studied a program on the IRCC list of eligible CIP codes to get a PGWP. It mostly affects college and diploma students.
Who does not need to meet the field-of-study rule?
You are exempt if you graduated with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, or from a PGWP-eligible flight school. You are also exempt if you applied for a study permit or a PGWP before November 1, 2024.
What is a CIP code?
A CIP code is a 6-digit number that classifies a post-secondary program by field of study. IRCC uses CIP Canada 2021 for the PGWP.
How do I find my program's CIP code?
Check your school’s website or ask your school for the 6-digit code that matches your exact program. You can also search the Statistics Canada CIP catalogue.
When must my CIP code be on the list?
Your code must be on the eligible list when you submit your study permit application or your PGWP application. Some codes carry application-date conditions, which the finder shows.
Does IRCC change the list?
IRCC can update the list. Check the IRCC field of study page for the current version.
Is a listed CIP code enough to get a PGWP?
No. You also need a PGWP-eligible school, a program of at least 8 months, full-time study and language results. You must apply within 180 days of completing your program.
What if my code is not on the list?
You may still qualify if you are exempt, for example as a degree graduate. If you are not exempt, ask your school if another CIP code fits your program.
Do degree programs need an eligible field?
No. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree graduates do not need to meet the field-of-study rule. Other PGWP rules still apply.
Is this PGWP finder official?
No. It is built from the IRCC field of study page and gives general guidance. IRCC decides your eligibility from your documents.
