Canada remains one of the top study destinations for international students, mainly because of the opportunity to work in Canada after graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). In an important update for students planning their future, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially confirmed that it will freeze the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study for the entire year of 2026.
This announcement, often summarized as “ IRCC freezes list of PGWP-eligible fields of study for 2026”, brings much-needed clarity after several changes and reversals in 2024 and 2025. In this blog, we explain what this freeze means, why it matters, and how CIP codes and eligible fields affect your PGWP and future immigration plans — all in clear, simple language.
📌 What Does the PGWP Freeze for 2026 Mean?
IRCC has confirmed on its official website that no changes will be made to the PGWP-eligible fields of study list during 2026. This means:
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✅ No new fields will be added
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✅ No existing fields will be removed
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✅ The eligibility list you see today will remain valid until at least December 31, 2026
In short, students can plan their studies without worrying about sudden mid-year policy changes.
This decision follows confusion in 2025, when IRCC first removed many programs from the eligibility list and later reinstated them. The 2026 freeze provides stability and predictability for international students.
🎓 Why This IRCC Decision Is Important for Students
The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on their program length. This Canadian work experience is often a key step toward permanent residence (PR) through programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Because IRCC has frozen the eligibility list:
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Students starting programs in 2026 know exactly where they stand
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Colleges and universities can guide students more accurately
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Students can align their study choices with long-term PR goals
Simply put, this freeze reduces risk for students investing time, money, and effort into Canadian education.
📚 How PGWP Eligibility Works in 2026
To understand the impact of this freeze, it’s important to know how PGWP eligibility is determined today.
1️⃣ Degree Programs (No Field Restriction)
If you complete a:
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Bachelor’s degree
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Master’s degree
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PhD
from an eligible Canadian institution, you remain eligible for PGWP regardless of your field of study.
👉 The 2026 freeze does NOT affect degree programs.
2️⃣ Non-Degree Programs (CIP Code Matters)
For diploma and certificate programs, PGWP eligibility depends on the program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
This is where many students get confused — and where the 2026 freeze becomes very important.
🔍 Understanding CIP Codes (With Real Examples)
A CIP code is a standardized code used by IRCC to classify academic programs based on what you actually study — not just the program name.
Each program has a six-digit CIP code, and IRCC uses these codes to decide whether a non-degree program qualifies for PGWP.
✅ Popular PGWP-Eligible CIP Code Examples
Here are some easy-to-understand examples of eligible fields under the current (and frozen) list:
🏥 Healthcare Sector
These programs support Canada’s healthcare labour needs.
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Practical Nursing / Nursing
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CIP Code example: 51.3901
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Common programs: Practical Nursing Diploma, Nursing Programs
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PGWP eligible if the CIP code is on the list
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Health Care Assistant / Personal Support Worker (PSW)
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Eligibility depends on exact CIP code and institution
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💻 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
Highly in demand across Canada and widely used for PR pathways.
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Software Engineering / Software Development
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CIP Code example: 14.0903 or 11.0701
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Common programs: Software Engineering Technician, Computer Programming
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Computer Science / IT Programs
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CIP Code examples vary
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Many remain PGWP eligible under the frozen 2026 list
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🔧 Skilled Trades
Trades continue to be a priority for Canada’s economy.
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Electrician, Plumbing, HVAC, Welding
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CIP codes fall under construction and industrial trades
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Many trade programs remain eligible for PGWP in 2026
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🚜 Agriculture & Food Processing
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Agriculture Operations
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Food Production and Processing
These fields support food security and rural labour needs.
🚚 Transport & Logistics
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Supply Chain Management
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Transportation Operations
Often linked to long-term labour shortages in Canada.
⚠️ Why Checking the CIP Code Is Critical
Many students assume that:
“If my friend’s program is PGWP eligible, mine must be too.”
This is not always true.
Two programs with similar names at different colleges may:
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Have different CIP codes
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Have different PGWP outcomes
👉 Always check the exact CIP code, not just the program title.
Because the list is frozen for 2026, once you confirm your program’s CIP code is eligible, it will remain eligible for the full year.
📋 How to Check If Your Program Is PGWP Eligible
Follow these steps:
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Ask your college or university for the official CIP code
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Match the CIP code with the IRCC PGWP-eligible field list
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Keep a screenshot or written confirmation for records
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Re-confirm before submitting your study permit or PGWP application
🧠 Why IRCC Froze the PGWP List for 2026
IRCC has not given one single reason, but the decision likely reflects:
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Labour market stabilization
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Policy corrections after 2025 confusion
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A need to restore trust and clarity for students
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Alignment with Express Entry and workforce planning
This freeze helps IRCC manage immigration targets while protecting students from sudden policy shocks.
📅 Will the PGWP List Change After 2026?
Possibly — yes.
IRCC has only confirmed the freeze for 2026. Changes could return in 2027 or later, depending on:
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Labour shortages
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Immigration levels plan
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Economic conditions
That’s why 2026 is a strategic year for students to lock in eligible programs.
✅ Final Thoughts
The announcement that IRCC freezes the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study for 2026 is a positive and stabilizing move for international students.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Degree programs remain fully eligible
✔️ Diploma and certificate programs depend on CIP codes
✔️ The eligibility list will NOT change in 2026
✔️ Fields like nursing, software engineering, trades, and healthcare remain strong options
✔️ Checking your CIP code is more important than ever
If you’re planning to study in Canada in 2026, this is the best time to make informed, confident decisions about your education and future immigration pathway.
