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IRCC Freezes PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study for 2026: What Students Need to Know
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will not update the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study in 2026. The announcement was made through a website update posted on January 15, 2026, bringing clarity after earlier signals that changes would be introduced in early 2026.
This decision means that no educational programs will be added to or removed from the PGWP-eligible list for the rest of the year.
Why This Matters for International Students
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian work experience-often a critical step toward permanent residence. Since 2024, IRCC has required some graduates to complete programs linked to long-term labour shortages to qualify for a PGWP.
However, this field-of-study requirement mainly applies to non-degree programs, such as certificates and diplomas. Students graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree are exempt from this requirement.
What the 2026 Freeze Means
For students planning to study and work in Canada, the freeze offers greater certainty and stability. The current PGWP-eligible list includes 1,107 programs, primarily in:
• Healthcare and social services
• Education
• Trades
• Agriculture
• STEM
• Transport
Graduates of college and other non-degree programs should carefully confirm that their program remains on the eligible list if they plan to apply for a PGWP.
How to Check Program Eligibility
Students in non-degree programs must verify their program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code before applying for a study permit or PGWP. A CIP code is a six-digit number used to classify academic programs by discipline. IRCC provides a full list of CIP codes that qualify for PGWP eligibility.
Background: PGWP Changes in 2025
In June 2025, IRCC revised the PGWP-eligible program list, adding 119 new fields of study and removing 178. However, the removal was paused in July 2025 until a planned update in early 2026. With the list now frozen for 2026, those previously removed programs remain eligible through the end of the year.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 PGWP freeze is largely positive news for international students, offering predictability in study and career planning. Still, choosing the right program-and confirming eligibility early-remains essential for long-term work and immigration goals in Canada.
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