In January 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major policy update affecting international students who plan to pursue post-secondary education and work in Canada. The department confirmed that it will not update the list of study programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) during the entirety of 2026. This decision introduces a period of stability after a series of changes to the PGWP eligibility criteria in 2024 and 2025.
Background: What Is PGWP and Why It Matters
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable immigration pathway for international students in Canada. It allows graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies. Gaining Canadian work experience through a PGWP is often a critical step toward qualifying for permanent residence under economic immigration streams such as Express Entry.
In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for PGWP eligibility. Under this new requirement, students who apply for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024 must graduate from programs in eligible fields of study — as defined by specific Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes — to qualify for a PGWP. Degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) remain exempt from this field restriction; the requirement primarily impacts non-degree credentials such as certificates and diplomas.
2025 Changes and Interim Adjustments
On June 25, 2025, IRCC revised the PGWP eligible list to align with Canada’s long-term labour market priorities by:
- Adding 119 new fields of study linked to priority sectors such as healthcare, social services, education and trades;
- Removing 178 fields of study that were no longer directly associated with occupations in long-term shortage.
Shortly afterwards, on July 4, 2025, IRCC reinstated the 178 removed fields, allowing them to remain eligible until the next scheduled update. This restored the total number of eligible programs to 1,107 CIP codes.
The 2026 Freeze: What It Means
On January 15, 2026, IRCC publicly confirmed that the PGWP eligible fields of study list will remain unchanged throughout 2026. Specifically:
- No additional fields of study will be added to the PGWP eligible list during 2026.
- No fields currently on the list will be removed during 2026.
- The list of 1,107 eligible CIP codes will remain the authoritative reference for the entire year.
This “freeze” translates into policy stability for international students, educational institutions, and counsellors — eliminating mid-year changes that previously introduced uncertainty.
Why IRCC Took This Step
The freeze likely reflects a strategic pause in program eligibility revisions following a period of rapid adjustments. Earlier communications had indicated that IRCC would update the eligible list in early 2026, but this announcement confirms that no changes will occur in 2026.
Who Is Affected by the Freeze
1. International Students in Non-Degree Programs
The freeze has the greatest impact on students enrolled in or considering non-degree credentials — such as diploma, certificate, postgraduate certificate, or other sub-bachelor programs — who plan to pursue a PGWP post-graduation. Because their eligibility depends on their program’s CIP code, students must:
- Confirm the exact six-digit CIP code assigned to their planned program by the institution;
- Verify that the CIP code is on the current PGWP eligible list;
- Ensure that eligibility is current at the time of their study permit application or PGWP application.
If an ineligible CIP code exists at the time of application, students may find themselves ineligible for a PGWP despite completing their program.
2. Students in Degree Programs
Students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees are not subject to the field-of-study requirement and remain eligible for a PGWP regardless of the specific program field, provided all other PGWP requirements are met.
3. Applicants Who Applied Before Key Cut-off Dates
Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024 are generally not subject to the field-of-study requirement, even if their program would otherwise be ineligible under the new rules. Eligibility in these cases is tied to the date of study permit application.
Practical Implications for Students and Advisors
Stability and Planning Certainty
The freeze provides assurance that the eligible programs list will not change mid-year. International students planning their education and career pathways can make decisions with confidence about PGWP eligibility throughout 2026.
Continued Importance of CIP Codes
Even with the freeze, eligibility depends on the specific CIP code — not the program’s marketing title. Two programs with similar names may have different eligibility outcomes based on their CIP classifications. Students and advisors must:
- Request the official CIP code from the educational institution;
- Cross-reference the code with the official PGWP eligible list maintained by IRCC;
- Document and retain evidence of eligible status at the time of application.
No Guarantee of PGWP Issuance
Being in an eligible program does not guarantee PGWP approval. IRCC retains discretion over issuance based on whether applicants meet all requirements, including institutional and program level standards.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to freeze the PGWP eligible fields of study list for 2026 marks a significant shift toward predictability in international education and immigration planning. For the year ahead, international students and educational advisers can operate without concern that new fields will be added or current fields removed within 2026. The freeze aligns with broader policy trends aimed at balancing labour market needs with international education objectives while providing clarity after a period of frequent revisions.
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