Important Canada PGWP Update: PGWP-Eligible Programs for 2026 Are Frozen — Are You Still Eligible?

If you intend to study and work in Canada in 2026, you can rest easy because Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that there will be no changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible programs for 2026.

This confirmed information ended the speculation concerning the policy changes.

How does the 2026 PGWP Freeze affects International Students

Due to the absence of changes for 2026, international students now have the chance to begin and complete their applications. Because of this, no changes will be made to PGWP-eligible programs for the rest of 2026.

Because of the above, international students will be able to have:

Less stress during the applications concerning the study programs they wish to enroll in.
Protection from policy changes concerning the continuation of their studies.
More certainty in their Canadian work experience ambitions.

What does PGWP stand for, and what does FIELD-OF-STUDY represent?

International students that have graduated from post-secondary institutions and completed their studies in Canada can work in Canada and they will have the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) provided that they meet the requirements set for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Canadian work experience obtained through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) often facilitates pathways to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in the future.

Since January of 2024, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have had a new rule regarding field of study for certain PGWP applicants. This rule states:

• Some non-degree programs must be linked to high-potential chronic labor shortage occupations in Canada.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate graduates do not have to adhere to this rule.

• This is largely applicable to certificate, diploma, and other sub-bachelor level programs.

Projected PGWP Program Eligibility 2026

Currently, there are 1,107 educational programs that are eligible for a PGWP. These programs focus on areas that are experiencing a labor shortage, such as:

• Healthcare and social services
• Education
• Skilled trades
• Agriculture and agri-food
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
• Transportation and logistics

Students planning to enroll in college or non-degree programs must ensure that the programs are PGWP eligible and confirm this before applying for a study permit.

How to Identify Your Program's PGWP Eligibility

International students, especially those in non-degree courses, need to confirm the program with the proper IRCC designation including the Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code issued by the IRCC.

A Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code is a federally mandated, 6-digit designation used to categorize various sub-disciplines of the post-secondary education field.

In the case of:

Study permit applications, and
PGWP applications

Students are legally obliged to ensure that their program’s designation is included within the IRCC’s PGWP-eligible programs list. Missing such a designation is sufficient to warrant a rejection of a PGWP regardless of the study completion status.

Background: PGWP Changes to Be Implemented in 2025

In June 2025, Canadian immigration announced changes to PGWP eligibility criteria:

New fields of study: 119
Programs removed: 178

In July 2025, Canadian immigration announced a postponement of program removals to the next update, which is expected to occur in 2026.

With the list frozen:

All 178 programs slated for removal will remain eligible for the PGWP until 2026
PGWP-eligible programs increased from 920 to 1,107.

For deeper insights on how PGWP eligibility has evolved and how current policies may affect your plans, read our earlier analysis on PGWP eligibility changes in 2025.

What does this mean for International Students?

Students will be able to better structure their studies in Canada.
They will be able to make choices without the fear of policy changes.
Students completing diploma or certificate programs must be particularly strategic in their planning.

How Trenity Immigration Consultants Can Help

At Trenity Immigration Consultants, we assist students:

Confirm PGWP eligibility prior to enrolment.
Help students select programs that align with their long-term PR goals.
Help simplify the complexities of Canadian immigration policy changes.
Develop study to work to PR strategies

The right assistance from a skilled Canadian immigration consultant is crucial due to the increasing specialization of immigration policies, and this can make the difference between a case being accepted or rejected.

Final Remarks

Considering immigration policy changes and the necessity of compliance, it is essential for international students to remain agile to the circumstances, which makes the selection of the applicable program critically important, especially since the PGWP program list is not expected to change until 2026.

Those students who are enrolled, or who will be studying in Canada, particularly in non-degree programs, need to evaluate their prospects and, in turn, plan their course of action.

Talking to expert immigration consultants for the Canada PGWP Program 2026 can really help a student make right decision to protect their post-study work opportunities.