Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially confirmed that the list of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)–eligible fields of study will remain unchanged throughout 2026. The update, published on January 15, 2026, confirms that no programs will be added or removed from the eligibility list during the year.
This decision offers welcome clarity for international students, especially after earlier government signals suggested a potential overhaul of eligible programs in early 2026.
What Is a PGWP and Why It Matters
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible international graduates to work for almost any employer in Canada after completing their studies.
For many students, the PGWP is a crucial step toward Canadian permanent residence, as it allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience required under immigration pathways such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Understanding the Field-of-Study Requirement
Introduced in 2024, the field-of-study requirement applies mainly to non-degree programs, including:
- Certificate programs
- Diploma programs
- Certain college-level credentials
To qualify for a PGWP, these programs must be linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages in Canada.
Who Is Exempt?
Graduates of the following credentials are exempt:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral (PhD) degrees
Degree holders may apply for a PGWP regardless of their field of study, provided all other conditions are met.
What the 2026 Freeze Means for Students
The freeze brings stability and predictability for international students.
Key benefits include:
- No sudden removal of eligible programs
- Better long-term academic planning
- Clearer guidance from colleges and institutions
As of now, 1,107 educational programs remain PGWP-eligible throughout 2026.
PGWP-Eligible Sectors
Eligible programs are largely concentrated in high-demand sectors such as:
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Education
- Skilled Trades
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Transportation and Logistics
⚠️ Students pursuing diploma or certificate programs should always confirm eligibility before applying for a study permit.
How to Check PGWP Eligibility
Students in non-degree programs must verify eligibility using CIP codes.
A Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code is a six-digit code used to classify post-secondary programs by discipline.
Check your CIP code:
- Before applying for a study permit
- Before submitting a PGWP application
Failure to confirm eligibility may result in PGWP refusal, even after graduation.
Background: PGWP Changes in 2025
-
June 2025:
- 119 new programs added
- 178 programs marked for removal
-
July 2025:
- Removal paused
- All programs remained eligible through 2025
-
2026:
- No update announced
- All previously eligible programs remain valid until the end of 2026
This expanded the PGWP-eligible list from 920 to 1,107 programs, where it remains frozen.
Final Thoughts from Novasask
The 2026 PGWP freeze is positive news, particularly for students in non-degree programs. While it reduces uncertainty, eligibility rules remain technical, making early verification and planning essential.
Source
CIC News
(Facts referenced for reporting; analysis and content independently written and published by Novasask.)
Disclaimer
This article is an original editorial analysis by Novasask, created for informational and educational purposes. It is independently written and does not reproduce copyrighted material.