Canada has frozen the list of programs for obtaining a post-graduation work permit
Students gained more clarity when choosing their study program.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will not update the list of study programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026. This means that no programs will be removed from or added to the list until the end of 2026.
The agency had previously indicated that a review of the list was expected in early 2026, but those changes have now been postponed.
What This Means for Students
For prospective international students, this decision provides more certainty: if a program is currently on the PGWP-eligible list, it will remain there through the end of 2026. This is important for those choosing programs with plans to work in Canada after graduation and pursue immigration.
Students should check the IRCC list by CIP codes before applying for a study permit or PGWP. A CIP code is a six-digit code used to classify study programs by field. The list of eligible fields of study and programs is published on the IRCC website.
Currently, the IRCC list includes 1,107 programs eligible for PGWP. Most of these programs fall under the following fields:
- healthcare and social services;
- education;
- skilled trades;
- agriculture;
- STEM;
- transportation.
Graduates of colleges and other non-university programs should verify in advance whether their program is on the PGWP-eligible list if they plan to apply after completing their studies.
To understand the variety of study programs, their duration, and the credentials awarded upon graduation, we recommend reading our article "Types of Study Programs in Canada and How They Differ".
Who the Field of Study Requirement Applies To
In 2024, IRCC introduced a field of study requirement for some graduates applying for PGWP. Under this rule, certain international students must complete a program related to occupations facing long-term labor shortages in Canada to be eligible for PGWP.
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This requirement typically does not apply to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates—they are generally exempt from it when obtaining PGWP.
Why This Matters
In June 2025, IRCC revised the list of programs that could lead to PGWP: some fields were added, while others were planned for removal. Then in July, the government paused the removal of programs until the next list update, which was expected in early 2026. Now, due to the 2026 freeze, the current rules will remain in effect through the end of the year.
If you're considering moving to Canada through education and want to choose a program with PGWP eligibility and future immigration steps in mind, book a consultation with one of our immigration specialists: consultation on studying in Canada.
