Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will not update its list of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible fields of study at any point in 2026. The announcement was quietly confirmed through an update posted on IRCC’s website on January 15, 2026.
This decision brings clarity and relief for many international students planning their studies in Canada.
What does the 2026 freeze mean?
Simply put, no educational programs will be added to or removed from the PGWP-eligible list for the rest of 2026. This is notable because IRCC had previously stated in 2025 that it would significantly overhaul the list in “early 2026.” Instead, the government has chosen stability over change this year.
For students, this means greater certainty when choosing a program of study, especially for those enrolling in college, diploma, or certificate programs.
A quick refresher: PGWP field-of-study requirement
In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for certain PGWP applicants. Under this rule, some international students must graduate from programs linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages in order to qualify for a PGWP.
This requirement primarily affects non-degree programs, such as:
- Certificates
- Diplomas
- Other credentials below the bachelor’s level
Students graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree are exempt from the field-of-study requirement and remain eligible for a PGWP regardless of their field.
What programs are currently eligible?
As of now, IRCC’s frozen list includes 1,107 PGWP-eligible programs, spanning key labour shortage sectors such as:
- Healthcare and social services
- Education
- Skilled trades
- Agriculture and agri-food
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Transportation
If you are planning to study in Canada through a college or non-degree program, it is essential to ensure your program appears on this list.
How to check your program’s eligibility
Eligibility is determined using Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, which are six-digit numbers assigned to post-secondary programs by discipline.
Before submitting a study permit or PGWP application, students in non-degree programs must:
- Confirm their program’s CIP code, and
- Verify that it appears on IRCC’s official PGWP-eligible list
Failing to do so could result in PGWP refusal, even after successfully completing a Canadian program.
Background: What changed in 2025?
In June 2025, IRCC revised the PGWP list:
- 119 new programs were added
- 178 programs were removed
However, in July 2025, IRCC paused the removal of those 178 programs, allowing them to remain eligible through the end of 2025. With the 2026 freeze now confirmed, those programs will remain PGWP-eligible throughout 2026 as well.
The 2026 freeze on PGWP-eligible fields of study offers much-needed stability for international students planning their education and future in Canada. However, eligibility rules—especially for non-degree programs—remain detailed and easy to misinterpret. Choosing the right program is critical to protecting your post-graduation work opportunities and long-term immigration goals. To make informed decisions with confidence, Connect with Rio Immigration for personalized guidance and expert support every step of the way.
📩 Contact Rio Immigration today to ensure your study plans lead to real opportunities after graduation.
