Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will not update its current list of educational programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026.

This confirmation was published in an official IRCC website update on January 15, 2026, meaning no new fields of study will be added or removed for the rest of the year. This comes despite earlier indications in 2025 that changes to the eligible programs list would be introduced in early 2026.

What This Means for International Students

In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for certain post-secondary graduates applying for a PGWP. Under this policy, some international students must complete programs connected to occupations facing long-term labour shortages to qualify.

It’s important to note:

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

Graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees are exempt from this requirement.

A PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian work experience—often a key step toward permanent residence.

What the 2026 Freeze Means Going Forward

For prospective international students, this freeze brings greater clarity and stability when choosing a program of study. Students can plan with confidence, knowing that PGWP eligibility rules will remain unchanged throughout 2026.

Currently, IRCC’s list includes 1,107 PGWP-eligible programs, primarily within sectors aligned with Canada’s long-term labour needs.

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