India's No.1 Award Winning Immigration Firm
Check your eligibility in 5 min. (Free): +91 88 85 85 85 15
Email Us: info@universaladviser.com
Canada News
Site Logo

PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study to Remain the Same in 2026, Says IRCC

IRCC freezes list of PGWP-eligible fields of study for 2026

    Get in Touch

    Canada Confirms No Changes to PGWP-Eligible Study Programs for 2026

    International students planning to study and work in Canada in 2026 will see no changes to the list of academic programs that qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the existing list of eligible fields of study will remain unchanged for the entire year.

    The update was quietly posted on IRCC’s official website on January 15, 2026, clarifying that the federal government will not introduce additions or removals to PGWP-eligible programs during the current calendar year.

    Book a Free Consultation Today!

    Decision Reverses Expectations of an Early-2026 Review

    The announcement comes as a surprise to many institutions and students, as IRCC had previously signalled that a revised list of PGWP-eligible programs would be released in early 2026. That anticipated review has now been deferred, providing stability but also postponing long-awaited clarity for some academic sectors.
    By freezing the list, IRCC has effectively locked in the current eligibility criteria until at least the end of 2026.

    Also check out 2026-2028 immigration levels plan | Canada Immigration Plan 2025 to 2027 Canada Immigration Levels Plan For 2024-2026 | Canada Immigration Level Plan for 2023-2025​

    Check your Eligibility

    Understanding the PGWP and Field-of-Study Rules

    The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. It is widely viewed as a critical pathway toward gaining Canadian work experience and eventually applying for permanent residence.

    In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for certain PGWP applicants. Under this rule, graduates of some post-secondary programs must complete studies aligned with occupations facing long-term labour shortages in Canada to qualify for a PGWP.

    Province Canadian city
    Ontario Ottawa
    London
    Mississauga
    Toronto
    Brampton
    Hamilton
    British Columbia Nanaimo
    Victoria
    Vancouver
    Kelowna
    Alberta Calgary
    Edmonton
    Quebec Quebec City
    Montreal
    Saskatchewan Regina
    Manitoba Winnipeg
    Nova Scotia Halifax

    While these figures represent a significant numerical reduction, officials indicate that the adjustment aims to bring goals in line with realistic processing capacity rather than actually slashing immigration. In fact, statistics for the first eight months of 2025 already indicate that actual admissions have lagged behind planned numbers, reaching just 42% for temporary foreign workers and 29% for students thus far.

    Apply for Visa

    Study Permit Numbers Tightened Nationwide

    Managing student intake became another key priority in 2025. The federal government significantly reduced the number of study permits it planned to issue, citing pressure on housing, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

    The cap introduced for the year limited the number of applications processed and resulted in fewer permits being approved overall. Mid-year data showed that new student arrivals were well below annual targets, confirming the immediate impact of these restrictions. Further reinforcing this trend, authorities later announced even lower issuance targets for 2026, indicating that tighter controls on international student numbers will continue in the near future.

    National rank Canadian city
    1 Ottawa, Ontario
    2 Nanaimo, British Columbia
    3 Victoria, British Columbia
    4 Vancouver, British Columbia
    5 Quebec City, Quebec
    6 Calgary, Alberta
    7 Halifax, Nova Scotia
    8 Edmonton, Alberta
    9 Kelowna, British Columbia
    10 Montreal, Quebec
    11 London, Ontario
    12 Mississauga, Ontario
    13 Toronto, Ontario
    14 Brampton, Ontario
    15 Regina, Saskatchewan
    16 Winnipeg, Manitoba
    17 Hamilton, Ontario
    While these figures represent a significant numerical reduction, officials indicate that the adjustment aims to bring goals in line with realistic processing capacity rather than actually slashing immigration. In fact, statistics for the first eight months of 2025 already indicate that actual admissions have lagged behind planned numbers, reaching just 42% for temporary foreign workers and 29% for students thus far.
    Apply for Visa

    What the Freeze Means for International Students

    For students considering Canada as a study destination, the decision brings predictability. Those enrolling in programs already on the approved list can proceed with confidence that PGWP eligibility will not change mid-year.

    However, students planning to pursue college-level or certificate programs must remain cautious. Only programs listed on IRCC’s approved field-of-study list will lead to a PGWP. As of 2026, the approved list contains 1,107 eligible programs, primarily concentrated in labour-shortage sectors such as:

    • Healthcare and social assistance
    • Education and early childhood services
    • Skilled trades
    • Agriculture and agri-food
    • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
    • Transportation and logistics
    Check your Eligibility

    Importance of Checking CIP Codes Before Applying

    IRCC determines PGWP eligibility using Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, which categorize post-secondary programs by discipline. Each program is assigned a unique six-digit CIP code.
    Students enrolling in non-degree programs are strongly advised to verify their institution’s CIP code against IRCC’s approved list before submitting a study permit application or finalizing enrolment. A mismatch between the program and the approved list could result in PGWP refusal after graduation.
    Check your Eligibility

    How the PGWP List Reached Its Current Size

    The current framework stems from significant changes introduced in mid-2025. At that time, IRCC expanded PGWP eligibility by adding over a hundred new fields of study while simultaneously removing many others.
    Although several programs were initially scheduled to lose eligibility, the government later paused those removals, allowing all affected programs to remain eligible through the end of 2025. With the newly announced freeze, those programs will continue to qualify throughout 2026.

    As a result of the 2025 revisions, the total number of PGWP-eligible programs rose sharply, increasing from 920 to 1,107.

    Check your Eligibility

    Options for Employers in Restricted Regions

    Employers operating in CMAs with unemployment rates above 6% still have viable alternatives:

    1. Switch to the High-Wage Stream

    By increasing the offered salary to meet or exceed provincial wage thresholds, employers can submit LMIA applications under the high-wage TFWP stream.

    2. Wait for the Next Review

    Unemployment rates are reassessed every three months, meaning some regions may become eligible again in the second quarter of 2026.

    Check your Eligibility in 5 minutes

    What Comes Next?

    IRCC has not provided a timeline for when the next review of PGWP-eligible programs will take place. For now, institutions, students, and immigration advisors must operate under the current framework.
    While the freeze offers short-term certainty, it also delays potential updates that could better align study programs with evolving labour market needs.
    Check your Eligibility

    Governor General’s Role Remains Advisory

    Although the bill references powers vested in the Governor General, these authorities are exercised strictly on the advice of the Prime Minister and cabinet. The office itself does not independently determine immigration policy.
    Check your Eligibility

    Key Questions for Canadian PR

    Low-wage LMIA processing allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for positions paying below the provincial or territorial median wage under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
    Processing was paused or limited to protect the domestic labour market, reduce over-reliance on temporary foreign workers, and ensure employers first attempt to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
    Employers can resume submitting applications in eligible regions and sectors, but must meet stricter requirements such as workforce caps, higher compliance checks, and proof of genuine recruitment efforts.
    Approved LMIAs allow foreign workers to obtain employer-specific work permits, but permits may have shorter validity periods and limited access to family work permit options.
    Low-wage LMIA jobs generally do not directly lead to PR, but in some cases, Canadian work experience may support eligibility under select PNP streams or future pathways.

    Key Takeaway for Students

    International students planning to study in Canada in 2026 should carefully confirm their program’s PGWP eligibility, particularly at the diploma or certificate level. With no changes expected this year, informed planning remains the most reliable way to protect future work and immigration options.

    While opportunities remain strong, particularly for graduate students and those in priority fields, the margin for error has narrowed. For prospective and current students alike, understanding these changes is no longer optional but essential.

    Start Your Canada Immigration Journey!

    Is it Worth Moving to Canada?

    Take a free online profile assessment with Universal Adviser

    Recent News

    Website-Pop-UpPOP UP New