On January 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that the list of PGWP eligible fields of study will remain frozen for the entire year. This announcement ensures stability for international students, as no changes will be made to the 1,107 eligible Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. While the removal of previously flagged programs remains paused, graduates from non-degree programs must still study in priority sectors like Healthcare, STEM, and Trades to qualify. Students graduating with Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees remain fully exempt from these field-of-study requirements.
On January 15, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it will not be making any changes to the list of educational programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026.
Note: While the list is frozen for 2026, immigration policies can evolve. Always refer to the official IRCC website for the most current regulations before submitting an application.
What the 2026 PGWP Freeze Means for Students
- No Additions or Removals: The current list of eligible programs (Classification of Instructional Programs - CIP codes) will remain unchanged for the remainder of the year.
- Stability for Students: Students graduating in 2026 can rely on the existing list of 1,107 eligible programs without fear of sudden changes or removals mid-year.
- Previous Removals Stay Paused: In June 2025, IRCC had identified 178 fields of study for potential removal. The removal of these programs remains paused, meaning they are still eligible for a PGWP throughout 2026.
Who Is Affected by the Field of Study Requirement?
This field-of-study requirement primarily affects students in non-degree programs (e.g., college diplomas and certificates).
To qualify for a PGWP, non-degree students must graduate from a program linked to occupations with long-term labor shortages, such as:
- Healthcare and Social Services
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Trades
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Transport
- Education
Who Is Exempt from Field of Study Rules?
You are exempt from the field-of-study requirement if you graduate with a:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral (PhD) degree
Graduates from these degree-level programs remain eligible for the PGWP regardless of their specific field of study.
How to Check Your PGWP Eligibility
If you are enrolled in a non-degree program (college diploma or certificate), you should verify that your program is on the approved list before applying for your post-graduation work permit.
- Find your CIP Code: Locate the 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code on your Letter of Acceptance or school website.
- Check the List: Confirm that your code appears on the official IRCC eligible list.