IRCC Freezes PGWP-Eligible Course List for 2026, Giving Students Certainty

Canada has confirmed that the list of academic programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will remain unchanged throughout 2026, ending growing speculation about possible cuts or additions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially announced that it will freeze the PGWP-eligible fields of study list, meaning no program will be removed or added this year. This comes at a time when thousands of international students were worried about potential mid-year changes impacting their ability to work in Canada after graduation.

The freeze ensures that students enrolling in diploma, degree or certificate programs can continue with confidence, knowing their eligibility for a PGWP — an open work permit issued for up to three years — will not be affected. The decision follows internal reviews by policymakers evaluating pressures on Canada’s labour market, housing availability and overall immigration levels.

Under the existing rules, international graduates from eligible programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who complete at least eight months of full-time study may apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving their final academic results. The PGWP pathway is one of the most popular routes to Canadian permanent residency, as work experience gained during the permit can count toward Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

IRCC currently lists more than 1,100 eligible fields of study, including health care, engineering, trades, agriculture, business, early childhood education and various STEM programs. Advisors recommend that students still verify their program’s eligibility using its Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code before finalizing study plans.

The freeze offers stability not only for students but also for Canadian colleges and universities, which have faced uncertainty over potential rule changes. The announcement ensures institutions can continue planning their international recruitment strategies without fear of sudden disruptions.

Industry experts say the decision is a welcome relief, especially for students from India — the largest source of international learners in Canada — who rely heavily on the PGWP for post-study work opportunities. Immigration consultants also view the freeze as positive, explaining that it gives students “predictability in a year when immigration rules are evolving across several categories.”

Overall, IRCC’s decision preserves the status quo for 2026, giving both students and educational institutions time to adjust to Canada’s broader plans for international education and workforce development.