Big Relief for International Students: Canada Freezes PGWP Eligible Programs List for 2026
Canada has brought much-needed clarity for international students planning their future in the country. The country’s immigration authority, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has officially confirmed that there will be no changes to the list of educational programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026.
According to an update published on IRCC’s website on 15 January 2026, no new fields of study will be added and none will be removed for the remainder of the year. The update was also reported by CIC News.
This announcement comes after IRCC earlier indicated that it planned a major review of PGWP-eligible programs in early 2026. With the latest decision, the existing list will stay intact, offering certainty and stability to international students and Canadian educational institutions.
🎓 Understanding the Field-of-Study Requirement
In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for certain PGWP applicants. Under this rule:
- The requirement mainly applies to non-degree programs, such as certificates and diplomas below the bachelor’s level
- Programs must be linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages
- Students completing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees are exempt from this requirement
🇨🇦 What Is a PGWP?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. Canadian work experience gained through a PGWP is often a key pathway to Permanent Residence (PR).
✅ What the 2026 Freeze Means for Students
For students planning to study and work in Canada, this freeze brings clarity:
- You can confidently choose programs knowing PGWP eligibility won’t change in 2026
- Colleges and institutes can plan admissions without uncertainty
- Students in programs previously marked for removal will remain eligible until the end of 2026
Currently, IRCC’s PGWP-eligible list includes 1,107 programs, mainly across sectors such as:
- Healthcare & Social Services
- Education
- Trades
- Agriculture
- STEM
- Transport
Students enrolled in college and non-degree programs are strongly advised to verify whether their chosen program appears on the official eligible list.
🔄 A Quick Look at 2025 Changes
In June 2025, IRCC:
- Added 119 new fields of study
- Removed 178 programs from PGWP eligibility
However, in July 2025, the government paused the removal process, allowing those 178 programs to remain eligible through 2025. With the 2026 freeze now confirmed, these programs will continue to qualify until the end of 2026.
Planning to Study in Canada in 2026?
The PGWP rules are now clear — and that’s great news for international students!
At FlexTech IT Services, we help students:
✔ Choose PGWP-eligible programs
✔ Understand IRCC policy updates
✔ Plan careers aligned with Canadian immigration pathways
✔ Prepare for jobs, work permits & PR strategy
📍 Study smart. Work legally. Settle confidently in Canada.
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