If you are an international student in Canada planning to stay and work after graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most important programs to understand. It allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can later support permanent residence applications.
For 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will freeze the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study (CIP codes). This means no new courses will be added, and no current eligible courses will be removed in 2026.
Below is a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you understand what this means and how to check whether your program qualifies.
What does the PGWP course eligibility freeze for 2026 mean?
IRCC has confirmed that the list of eligible courses for PGWP will stay exactly the same throughout 2026. If your program is eligible today, it will remain eligible. If your program is not eligible today, it will not become eligible next year.
This creates more stability for students planning their future. However, it also means that you must carefully check your eligibility now, because there will be no updates or new additions to the list in 2026.
Who does NOT need to worry about course eligibility?
Some students are exempt from the field-of-study requirement. If you fall into any of the categories below, the course eligibility list does not apply to you:
You applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024
You graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school
You completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree
You applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024
If any of these apply to you, you only need to confirm that your school and program are PGWP-eligible. The course list freeze will not affect you.
Who DOES need to meet the field-of-study requirement?
You must meet the course eligibility rules if:
You are graduating from a diploma or certificate program
You do not qualify under any of the exemption rules above
If this applies to you, your program must fall under an approved CIP code to qualify for a PGWP in 2026.
Which types of programs are usually eligible?
Eligible programs are typically in fields that match Canada’s labour market needs, including areas like healthcare, technology, trades, education, agriculture, engineering, and transportation.
However, it is important to understand that program names alone do not determine eligibility. Two programs with similar names may have different eligibility outcomes. What matters is the CIP code, which is the official classification code for your program.
How to find your program’s CIP code
Your CIP code can usually be found in official school documents, such as your letter of acceptance, your program description, or through your registrar or international student office.
If you cannot find it, ask your school to confirm your CIP code in writing. Do not guess or assume based on similar programs.
How to confirm if your CIP code is eligible
Once you have your CIP code, compare it with the official IRCC PGWP-eligible course list. If your code appears on the list, and your school and program meet other PGWP rules, your eligibility should remain stable throughout 2026.
If your CIP code does not appear on the list, it will not become eligible next year, based on the current IRCC policy.
What to do if your eligibility is unclear or at risk
Because the list will not change in 2026, it is important to plan early. If your program eligibility is uncertain, consider confirming your status before enrolling, switching programs, or graduating.
You may also want to speak with an immigration professional if your case is complex. Some students may explore alternative pathways, such as employer-supported work permits, provincial nomination programs, or changing to an eligible field of study.
Early planning gives you more options and fewer surprises.
Key takeaway for international students
The PGWP eligibility freeze means the rules are locked in for 2026. Students in bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs are mostly unaffected. However, diploma and certificate students must pay close attention to their CIP code eligibility.
Taking a step-by-step approach, confirming your program early, and seeking guidance when needed can help protect your future work and immigration plans in Canada.
Does the PGWP freeze mean the program is being cancelled?
No. The PGWP program is continuing. Only the course eligibility list is frozen, meaning no new courses will be added or removed in 2026.
If my course is eligible now, could it become ineligible in 2026?
No. If your course is eligible today, it will remain eligible throughout 2026.
If my course is not eligible now, could it become eligible later in 2026?
No. Courses that are currently ineligible will not be added during 2026.
Does the freeze affect students in bachelor’s or master’s programs?
Most students in degree programs are exempt, so this freeze will not affect them.
Is the program name enough to confirm eligibility?
No. The CIP code matters, not just the program title. Always verify your official classification code.
Should I change my program if it is not eligible?
That depends on your goals. If working in Canada after graduation is important to you, consider speaking to an immigration advisor before making decisions.
Where can students get help checking their eligibility?
Students can contact their school’s international office, consult an immigration professional, or reach out to Ask Kubeir for guidance and support.
