Dear future neighbour,
If you’re planning to study in Canada or already working on your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application, here’s something you need to know: Canada just decided to keep things as they are for the rest of 2026. The government isn’t adding or removing any programs from the list of courses that qualify you for a work permit after graduation.
This might sound like a small detail, but it’s actually a huge deal for anyone hoping to study, work, and eventually settle in Canada.
What’s Actually Happening?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) put out an update saying they’re hitting pause on making any changes to which educational programs can lead to a PGWP this year. Originally, they planned to shake things up in early 2026, but they’ve now decided to keep everything the same until the year wraps up.
Right now, there are 1,107 programs on the approved list. These cover areas like healthcare, education, skilled trades, farming, science and technology, and transportation, basically fields where Canada really needs workers.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Here’s the thing: if you’re an international student graduating from certain college programs or certificate courses, your program needs to be on this approved list for you to get a PGWP. Without that work permit, you can’t gain the Canadian work experience that opens doors to permanent residency.
The good news is you now have complete clarity for the entire year. You don’t have to worry about your program suddenly getting dropped from the list halfway through your studies. That peace of mind is worth a lot when you’re making major life decisions.
Students working toward bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees can breathe easy—you’re automatically exempt from these field-of-study restrictions anyway.
How Do You Know If Your Program Qualifies?
Before you apply for your study permit or work permit, you’ll want to check something called the CIP code (Classification of Instructional Programs code). Think of it as your program’s ID number, it’s a six-digit code that tells the government exactly what you’re studying.
You can find the complete list of approved codes on the IRCC website. Just make sure your program matches one of those codes, and you’re good to go.
A Quick Look Back: What Happened Last Year?
In 2025, things got a bit messy. Canada added 119 new programs to the list but also planned to remove 178 others. Then they paused those removals and said they’d sort everything out in early 2026. Now, instead of sorting it out, they’re just keeping everything frozen.
What does that mean? Those 178 programs that were supposed to be removed? They’re still on the list and will stay there for all of 2026. So if you’re in one of those programs, you just got a pleasant surprise.
The Bigger Picture
This freeze isn’t just about bureaucracy, it’s about your future. A PGWP gives you the chance to work anywhere in Canada after you graduate, gain valuable experience, and build the foundation for permanent residency. For many international students, it’s the critical bridge between being a student and becoming a Canadian resident.
The stability this freeze brings means you can plan your education and career path without constantly checking for policy changes.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Navigating Canada’s immigration system can feel overwhelming, especially when rules keep changing and different programs have different requirements. Whether you’re just starting to think about studying in Canada, trying to figure out if your program qualifies for a PGWP, or looking at your options for permanent residency through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, having the right guidance makes all the difference.
Our team specializes in helping international students and graduates turn their Canadian education into a pathway to permanent residency. We handle everything from school admissions and study permits to work permit applications and permanent residency programs. Don’t leave your future to guesswork – book a 60-minute or 30-minute consultation with us and let’s create a clear roadmap for your Canadian dream.
