Canada Freezes Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligible Study Programs for 2026

In a move that has brought a lot of relief to the international students in Canada, the Canadian government has declared that it will not change the list of eligible programs for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2026 and provide a clear picture of the students seeking to pursue their studies and career within the country. This ruling by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implies that the current list of 1,107 approved schemes will still be in place during the entire year.

This change will stabilize the students, especially those who have been making applications to Canadian colleges and universities after years of regular changes in policies.

Why the Decision Is Important for International Students

The PGWP enables international graduates to remain in Canada and work in Canada upon completion of their studies. It is a primary requirement in gaining permanent residency under such programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs due to this work experience.

In Canada, there is a field-of-study requirement that has been introduced in recent years, particularly for students who are undertaking non-degree programs, such as diplomas and certificates. Under this system, a PGWP is only available to the programmes that are associated with the particular needs of the labour market. This restriction does not normally apply to degree programs like the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral courses.

The freeze of the list to 2026 by IRCC has given students an assurance that there will be no elimination or addition of any eligible program within the year,r and this will lessen anxiety among those students already enrolled or those intending to start.

Background: How the PGWP Eligibility Rules Changed

Tightening of the eligibility rules of the Temporary work permit (PGWP) was first set by Canada to make the international education more compatible with the shortages that are facing labour. This gave rise to the development of a list of approved fields of study that are related to the in-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, education, skilled trades, es and agriculture.

In mid 2025, IRCC amended the list and introduced new programs and eliminated others, which raised eyebrows among the students and education consultants. Shortly after that, the government reinstated the stripped programstemporarilys; the total number of eligible programs came to 1,107.

It is confirmed that this list will not undergo further alterations because of the freeze in 2026.

What the Freeze Means for Indian Students

One of the highest international student populations in Canada is made up of Indian students. In their case, the move provides certainty at an opportune moment, given that most of them use the work experience in the Permanent Work Scheme as a means of paying off the cost of education and creating an avenue towards becoming permanent citizens.

Students who join high-demand areas like healthcare, engineering, information technology, early childhood education, and skilled trades are also free to move on with less apprehension, as they are aware that their programs will remain relevant to a post-study work permit in 2026.

Nonetheless, the students who pursue non-degree programmes should also be careful and ensure that their course is visible on the list of eligible courses before they apply.

PGWP Eligibility Still Depends on Other Conditions

The list will not change, though all other requirements of the PGWP will still have to be met by the students. These include:

• Attaining a full-time course in a specific learning institution.

• Maintaining a sound status of study.

• Application of the PGWP within the stipulated period of time after graduating

The freeze is not an automatic guarantee of a work permit, but only the guarantee that there will not be any changes in the program eligibility throughout the year.

Importance of Checking Program Classification

IRCC has a formal classification system that it uses to determine whether a program will qualify for the PGWP. The eligibility will be based on the classification codes of the programs, rather than on the actual course names.

Students are advised to:

• Ensure that their program is classified with the institute.

• Compare the code with the list of eligible pgwp.

• File official records to use in the future as work permits.

This is especially necessary among the Indian students whose titles of a course can differ depending on the institutions, but the classification code can always dictate.

What Students Should Expect After 2026

The eligibility list is not final, even though 2026 will lead to stability. The list can be reviewed and updated by IRCC over the following years according to the labour market statistics, economic requirements, and immigration priorities.

The potential students who intend to launch their studies after 2026 must keep up with future announcements and updates in the policies.

The move by Canada to maintain its list of inclusion of a list of PDW eligible fields of study in 2026 is a relief to the international students who are experiencing a dynamic immigration system. In the case of Indian students,s especially, it eliminates a significant source of confusion and enables them to concentrate on academic planning, career preparation,n and long-term settlement objectives.

In the meantime, students have some degree of certainty over the fact that the existing system of PGWP eligibility will not change anytime before 2026.

Call Aptech Visa for further details if you are planning immigration to Canada in 2026. 

Call our well-versed team of the best immigration experts at 750 383 2132 / 91310 59075, or you can also write us at info@aptechvisa.com.

Visit Our Clients Success Stories !

Also Read -  Six Months of Work Can Boost Canada PR Chances: These Jobs Lead to Express Entry Invitations