PGWP Eligible Programs Frozen for 2026: What Students Need to Know

PGWP Eligibility List Frozen for 2026: What It Means for International Students in Canada

• IRCC has frozen the list of PGWP-eligible study programs for all of 2026
• No educational programs will be added or removed this year
• Students in certificate or diploma programs must ensure their field of study is eligible
• Programs in healthcare, trades, STEM, and more remain PGWP-eligible
• Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD grads are exempt from field-of-study restrictions
• PGWP is a key step toward gaining Canadian work experience and permanent residence

Thinking about studying in Canada and staying to work afterward? If you’re an international student eyeing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), here’s some good news: the list of eligible study programs isn’t changing in 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that no new programs will be added or removed this year. Let’s unpack what this means for current and future students, and how it might affect your path to permanent residence in Canada.

Why Is the PGWP So Important?

The PGWP is a valuable tool for many international students because it allows them to gain Canadian work experience after graduation. It’s an open work permit, meaning you don’t need a job offer to apply, and you can work for almost any employer across Canada. This work experience can be a crucial step if you plan to apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, such as the Manitoba PNP.

What’s Changing (or Not) in 2026?

On January 15, 2026, IRCC confirmed that the list of PGWP-eligible programs will not be updated this year. This announcement means:

• No fields of study will be added or removed until at least 2027
• Students can plan their studies with more confidence, knowing the rules won’t change mid-way

In 2025, the government had originally said it would revamp the list in early 2026, but that update has now been postponed. If you’re already enrolled or planning to start studying in 2026, this stability gives you a clearer path forward.

Who Needs to Pay Close Attention?

The freeze is especially relevant if you’re enrolled in—or considering—a non-degree program, such as a certificate or diploma. Since 2024, IRCC has required that students in these types of programs must study in a field that’s tied to a job with a long-term labour shortage in Canada to qualify for a PGWP.

This new “field-of-study requirement” doesn’t apply to everyone, though. If you’re completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you’re exempt from this rule and can still apply for a PGWP regardless of your field of study.

Fields of Study Currently Eligible for PGWP

As it stands, IRCC lists 1,107 educational programs that qualify for a PGWP. These programs span a range of industries that are key to Canada’s economic growth and labour market needs, including:

• Healthcare and social services
• Education and early childhood education
• Skilled trades (like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC)
• Agriculture and food production
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
• Transport and logistics

Graduates from these programs are seen as having skills that are in high demand across the country. That’s why completing a program in one of these sectors can significantly improve your chances of getting a PGWP—and eventually permanent residence.

How to Confirm If Your Program is PGWP-Eligible

If you’re in a certificate or diploma program, it’s important to double-check that your program is on IRCC’s list of eligible fields. IRCC uses something called a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code—a six-digit code that identifies specific fields of study. Your school’s registrar or academic advisor should be able to tell you your program’s CIP code.

Once you have that code, you can compare it against IRCC’s list of eligible PGWP programs. Make sure to do this before applying for a study permit or finalizing your enrollment, so you don’t run into any surprises later on.

Quick Recap of 2025 PGWP Changes

Let’s back up for a second and look at what happened in 2025. That year, IRCC made some big changes to which programs were eligible for the PGWP:

• 119 new educational programs were added to the eligibility list
• 178 programs were initially removed—but their removal was later paused
• The total number of eligible programs went from 920 to 1,107

Although some programs were slated for removal, the government decided to delay that step until 2026. But now that the list is frozen, those programs will remain eligible until at least the end of this year. It’s a bit of a reprieve for students who were caught in the middle of a changing policy landscape.

Final Thoughts: Plan with Confidence

This freeze is a rare moment of stability in an immigration system that’s always evolving. If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada—or you’re already here—this is your chance to breathe a little easier and plan your next steps.

Remember, the PGWP is more than just a work permit. It’s a bridge to a future in Canada, helping you build experience, make local connections, and even qualify for permanent residency.

Need help figuring out if your program qualifies for a PGWP? Talk to a professional or your school advisor, and don’t hesitate to use our helpful resources to stay updated.

Learn more about PGWP eligibility and how it supports your Canadian immigration goals.

Looking to stay and work in Manitoba after graduation? Check out the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to see how your work experience could lead to permanent residence!

Want personalized guidance? Contact us for a free consultation and let’s map out your path to success in Canada.