About CIP Codes and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2021 - All
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2021 - Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligible
Approved Programs by MTCU Code and CIP Code - Updated monthly by MTCU
- The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada is used to classify postsecondary educational programs according to field of study.
- It is Statistics Canada's official standard for the organizing, collection, processing, dissemination, and analysis of field of study statistics in its education statistics programs.
- The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Canada 2021 is the fourth Canadian version of the CIP.
- CIP codes have become increasingly important in our program submissions as they inform international student applicants whether programs are eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
- New regulations were implemented on November 1, 2024, to align academic programs with specific fields of study deemed essential for Canada's workforce needs. These regulations require new study permit applicants to enroll in programs within these priority fields to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This change aims to ensure that international graduates are equipped with skills that are in high demand in the Canadian job market.
- As of November 1, 2024, if a study program has a field of study requirement, international students must graduate from a program linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage. The fields of study are divided into 6 broad categories:
- agriculture and agri-food
- education
- health care
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
- trade
- transport
How to Search for a CIP Code
- Using the links at the top of this article, you can search for all CIP Codes, CIP Codes that are PGWP eligible, and which CIP Codes have been assigned to which Ontario college programs.
How to Review CIP Codes
- CIP Canada 2021 is organized by classification levels:
- The first level is made up of 'series', which are identified using two-digit codes. The series are the most general groupings of related programs. CIP Canada 2021 contains 50 series.
- The second level is made up of 'subseries', which are identified using four-digit codes. The subseries provides an intermediate grouping of programs that have comparable content and objectives. CIP Canada 2021 contains 454 subseries.
- The third level is made up of 'instructional program classes', which are identified using six-digit codes. Instructional program classes represent the specific instructional programs and are the most detailed level within CIP. They are the basic unit of analysis used in reporting instructional programs. CIP Canada 2021 contains 2119 instructional program classes.
- CIP Canada 2021 has a numeric coding system:
- The code format at the series level consists of a two-digit code followed by a period. For example, 01.
- The code format at the subseries level consists of the two-digit series code, followed by a period, then by a further two digits. There is at least one subseries within each series. For example, 01.01
- The code format at the instructional program (class) level consists of the four-digit subseries code, followed by a further two digits. There is at least one class within each subseries. For example, 01.0102.
- Inclusions are borderline examples where it might not be clear from reading both the class title and description that the example belongs in the class. They appear under the heading "Inclusion(s)".
- Exclusions: Many instructional program classes also have exclusions. Exclusions clarify the boundaries of the instructional program class by identifying related instructional program classes and similar programs that are classified elsewhere. They appear under the heading "Exclusion(s)". The instructional programs cited in the Exclusions were selected from among the examples of related instructional program classes.
- It is important when reviewing CIP Codes to look at both inclusions and exclusions as this can get very specific to the field of work that students would enter after graduation.
Program CIP Codes at Cambrian College
Since the significant changes in Fall 2024, the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS) has advised colleges:
- Alignment: Aligning to one CIP code will now be required for each new submission.
- The CVS Team will review and confirm the CIP code within the program validation to ensure that programs are accurately categorized and meet the necessary standards.
- To ensure CIP alignment, colleges can approach OCQAS before the informal review commences to discuss the expectations for the CIP code assignment.
- Updated Templates: The informal review template has been updated to request CIP codes.
- CVS AA Tool: In the CVS AA Tool, users will need to identify the CIP code and title in the Occupational Areas section, along with the NOC codes for a new program submission and in the final comment section for a title modification.
Why CIP Code Alignment Matters
CIP code alignment is crucial for identifying programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
By ensuring accurate CIP code alignment, we can better support our students' career prospects and maintain the integrity of our programs.
The alignment process is very specific and considers several factors, including:
- Program Title: Align the title with the CIP code identified titles or other titles that would reasonably align with them
- Program Purpose: Select intentional wording for the program purpose using information that is identified in the CIP code description, being mindful not to use words that may align beer with a different CIP code.
- Labor Market Information: Each CIP code identifies employment fields with which the program’s labour market information and employment outlook should easily align. It is important to be mindful not to align to CIP codes that use the employment fields of the program in development in the exclusion section.
- Courses Offered: Most CIP descriptions identify program content, and courses should align to these details. It is crucial to be clear with the course titles and descriptions that precisely identify any specific skills and learning that could impact the alignment.
- Admission Requirements: This component is not always impacted but on occasion, it could push an alignment to one with a higher credential or an area-specific CIP code.
- Program Standard Alignment: If the program being submied is associated with a Program Standard, it must align with the pre-established CIP code to maintain consistency with the sector. A different CIP code may be used when a program has a title modifier.
- Historical Precedent: It is important to examine and consider other similar college programs to maintain consistency with CIP code alignment.