International students planning to study and work in Canada this year will face no unexpected changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the current list of study programs qualifying for a PGWP will remain in place throughout 2026.
The clarification was issued through an update to IRCC’s online resources on January 15, providing reassurance to students, institutions, and education partners who had been anticipating revisions early in the year.
Also Read PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study to Remain the Same in 2026, Says IRCC
Policy Shift Paused After Anticipated Review
The announcement effectively pauses a broader policy review that federal officials had previously suggested would take place in early 2026. Rather than revising eligibility criteria mid-cycle, IRCC has opted to maintain existing rules, avoiding disruption for students already enrolled or preparing to apply for study permits.
This decision establishes stability for the remainder of the year, though it leaves questions about longer-term reforms unanswered.
PGWP Remains a Key Pathway After Graduation
The PGWP allows international graduates to work for Canadian employers without restrictions on job type or location. The permit is widely used as a stepping stone toward permanent residence, particularly through Express Entry and provincial nominee programs.
However, eligibility is no longer universal. Changes introduced in recent years have narrowed access for certain non-degree graduates, tying work permit eligibility more closely to Canada’s labour market priorities.
Field-of-Study Rules Explained
Since 2024, graduates from select post-secondary programs must meet field-of-study requirements to qualify for a PGWP. These rules apply mainly to certificate and diploma-level programs, requiring graduates to complete studies linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages.
Students earning bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees remain exempt from these restrictions and can apply for a PGWP regardless of their academic discipline.
What Staying the Course Means for 2026 Applicants
By freezing the eligibility list, IRCC has removed the risk of sudden program removals during the year. Students enrolling in approved programs can proceed knowing their PGWP eligibility will not change before graduation.
As of 2026, the approved list includes 1,107 qualifying programs, concentrated in sectors essential to Canada’s economic and social infrastructure, including:
- Medical and community care services
- Teaching and early childhood education
- Skilled and industrial trades
- Food production and agriculture
- Technology, engineering, and applied sciences
- Transportation and supply chain operations
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Why CIP Codes Matter More Than Ever
PGWP eligibility is determined using Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, a standardized system that categorizes post-secondary education by subject area.
For students enrolling in non-degree programs, confirming the correct CIP code before accepting an offer of admission is critical. An incorrect or ineligible code can lead to PGWP refusal even after successful program completion.
How the Eligibility List Expanded in 2025
The current framework is the result of a major policy update rolled out in mid-2025. That revision expanded PGWP access by introducing new eligible study areas while initially planning to phase out others.
Later in the year, IRCC delayed the removal of several programs, allowing them to retain PGWP eligibility through 2025. With the new freeze now in place, those programs will continue to qualify until at least the end of 2026.
Following the 2025 adjustments, the number of PGWP-eligible programs grew significantly, increasing from fewer than 1,000 to over 1,100 nationwide.
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Looking Ahead
IRCC has not announced when the next review of PGWP eligibility will occur. For now, the department appears focused on maintaining consistency while monitoring labour market trends.
Students planning to study in Canada should use this period of stability to make informed academic choices that align with both their career goals and future immigration plans.
Bottom Line
For 2026, Canada’s PGWP rules are set in place. While no new opportunities have been added, students benefit from clarity and predictability, two factors that can make all the difference when planning an international education journey.
