IRCC has confirmed no changes to PGWP-eligible programs in 2026, giving international students certainty on study, work, and post-graduation planning.
International students planning to study in Canada received a rare dose of policy certainty this week, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed that there will be no changes to the list of Post-Graduation Work Permit eligible programs in 2026.
The confirmation means that all programs currently on the PGWP list will remain eligible throughout the year, allowing students to plan admissions, finances, and post-study work without the risk of sudden rule changes.
The PGWP remains a key pathway for international graduates, enabling them to gain Canadian work experience and, for many, progress toward permanent residency. Stability in eligibility is especially significant after a year of frequent adjustments to field-of-study requirements for non-degree programs.
With more than 1,100 programs currently qualifying across healthcare, STEM, education, trades, agriculture, and transport, students are advised to verify their program’s eligibility using official Classification of Instructional Programs codes before applying.
By freezing the list for the full year, Canada has reinforced its reputation as a predictable and planning-friendly study destination. The move allows students to focus on academic outcomes and career readiness, rather than navigating mid-year immigration uncertainty.
[Source: Times of India]
