2026 PGWP Eligible Fields: IRCC Freezes Approved Programs

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-69886e02-1980-832b-802a-1be59adff365-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-244" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the list of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible fields for 2026 will remain unchanged. According to a website update published on January 15, 2026, no new programs will be added (and none will be removed) until the end of the year.

This decision comes despite earlier indications in 2025 that the government might overhaul the approved fields of study in early 2026. For now, international students can rely on stability in the current PGWP eligibility list.

Understanding the Field-of-Study Requirement In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for certain PGWP applicants . Under this rule, some international graduates must complete programs linked to occupations experiencing long-term labour shortages in Canada to qualify for a PGWP.

The PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates to work for most employers in Canada. It is a key pathway for international students seeking to gain Canadian work experience, often an essential step toward permanent residence.

The field-of-study rule primarily applies to programs below the bachelor’s level, such as diplomas and certificates.

However, graduates of:

Bachelor’s degrees

Master’s degrees

Doctoral programs

are exempt from the field-of-study requirement.

What the 2026 Freeze Means for Students The freeze provides certainty for prospective and current students planning their education and immigration pathway. IRCC’s current list includes 1,107 eligible programs across sectors such as:

Healthcare and social services

Education

Skilled trades

Agriculture

STEM

Transport

Graduates from college-level and non-degree programs must ensure their program appears on IRCC’s approved list before applying for a PGWP.

How to Confirm Program Eligibility Students enrolled in non-degree programs must verify that their field of study meets IRCC requirements using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code system.

A CIP code is a six-digit number used to classify post-secondary education programs by discipline. Applicants should:

Identify their program’s CIP code through their institution.

Compare it against IRCC’s official PGWP-eligible CIP list.

Confirm eligibility before submitting a study permit or PGWP application.

Ensuring your program aligns with the approved CIP list is critical to avoid refusal.

What Happened in 2025? In June 2025, IRCC revised the PGWP-eligible program list:

119 new fields of study were added.

178 fields were initially removed.

However, in July 2025, the government paused the removal of programs, allowing the 178 affected programs to remain eligible throughout 2025. With the newly announced freeze for 2026, those same programs will continue to qualify until at least the end of this year.

As a result of last year’s updates, the number of PGWP-eligible programs expanded from 920 to 1,107.

Why the PGWP Matters The Post-Graduation Work Permit plays a strategic role in Canada’s immigration system. It allows international graduates to:

Gain Canadian work experience

Improve Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores

Qualify for programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs

Given recent immigration policy adjustments, maintaining clarity around PGWP eligibility is essential for students planning long-term settlement in Canada.

Final Thoughts The 2026 freeze on PGWP eligible fields offers stability and predictability for international students. With no changes expected this year, students can make informed decisions about their education and immigration plans.

However, eligibility requirements remain complex, particularly for non-degree programs subject to the field-of-study rule. Verifying your CIP code and reviewing official IRCC guidance is strongly recommended before applying.