IRCC confirms no changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program list this year, giving students much-needed clarity when planning their studies in Canada.
If you’re an international student keeping a close eye on Canada’s immigration rules, here’s an important update: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially frozen the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study for all of 2026.
The confirmation came through a website update published on January 15, 2026, and it puts an end at least for now, to speculation about which programs might be added or removed this year.
Let’s break down what this means, why it matters, and how students should plan around it.
No PGWP Program Changes Coming in 2026
According to IRCC, there will be no updates to the current list of PGWP-eligible educational programs for the rest of 2026. In simple terms:
No new fields of study will be added
No existing fields will be removed
This is notable because IRCC had previously suggested in 2025 that a major overhaul of PGWP-eligible programs would happen in early 2026. Instead, the government has decided to hit pause.
For students, this freeze brings stability at a time when Canada’s immigration policies have seen frequent changes.
What Is a PGWP and Who Needs Eligible Fields?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international graduates to work for almost any employer in Canada. It’s also one of the most common pathways toward gaining Canadian work experience and eventually applying for permanent residence.
However, in 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for some graduates.
Who does this rule apply to?
Mostly non-degree programs, such as certificates and diplomas.
Programs must be linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages.
Who is exempt?
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degree holders.
Doctoral (PhD) graduates.
If you fall into one of these degree categories, the field-of-study requirement does not apply to your PGWP application.
What the 2026 PGWP Freeze Means for International Students
For students planning to study and work in Canada, this announcement brings welcome certainty.
As of now, 1,107 educational programs remain eligible for a PGWP. These programs mainly fall within Canada’s priority labour-market sectors, including:
Healthcare and social services
Education
Skilled trades
Agriculture and agri-food
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Transportation and logistics
If you’re enrolling in a college, diploma, or certificate program, it’s especially important to double-check eligibility since the field-of-study rule is most relevant at that level.
How to Check If Your Program Is PGWP-Eligible
Students in non-degree programs must verify their program against IRCC’s official list before applying for:
A study permit, or
A Post-Graduation Work Permit
IRCC uses Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, which are six-digit numbers assigned to post-secondary programs based on discipline.
👉 You’ll need to confirm that your program’s CIP code appears on IRCC’s PGWP-eligible list before making long-term plans.
Major PGWP Changes Introduced in 2025
To understand why this freeze matters, it helps to look back at what happened last year.
In June 2025, IRCC revised the PGWP eligibility list:
119 new fields of study were added
178 programs were initially removed
Then, in July 2025, IRCC paused the removal of those 178 programs, allowing them to stay eligible until the next scheduled update expected in early 2026.
Now, with the 2026 freeze in place, those same programs will remain PGWP-eligible through the end of the year.
As a result of the 2025 revisions, the total number of eligible programs grew from 920 to 1,107, where it remains today.
What Students Should Do Next
If you’re planning to study in Canada with the goal of working after graduation, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of predictability. With no sudden changes to PGWP-eligible fields, students can make informed decisions without worrying about mid-year surprises.
That said, immigration rules can change quickly. Always:
Confirm your program’s CIP code
Monitor official IRCC updates
Seek professional advice if your case is complex
Helpful Insight for Students
The 2026 PGWP freeze gives international students a rare window of stability, use it wisely by choosing programs that align with Canada’s labour needs and long-term immigration pathways.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies may change at any time. For personalized guidance, consult IRCC directly or speak with a licensed Canadian immigration professional.