Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a freeze on its current list of educational programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) through the duration of 2026. The decision was confirmed via a government website update published on January 15, 2026.
This freeze means the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study will remain unchanged throughout the year—no additions or removals will be made. Although IRCC initially indicated plans in 2025 to revise the list in early 2026, the department has opted for stability instead.
The PGWP is an open work permit that allows international graduates from designated learning institutions in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience frequently strengthens future applications for permanent residence.
As of now, IRCC’s list includes 1,107 programs that meet eligibility criteria for PGWP issuance. These programs are largely associated with sectors experiencing long-term labour shortages. However, a 2024 policy introduced new criteria that narrowed eligibility for post-secondary students enrolled in programs below the bachelor’s level. Under that policy, only graduates from programs connected to in-demand occupations may qualify for a PGWP.
Importantly, the field-of-study restriction does not apply to international students who graduate with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. These students continue to remain exempt from the occupation-linked criteria.
For incoming international students and educational institutions, the freeze offers predictability and a clearer framework for academic planning. Prospective students can confidently select eligible programs without worrying about unexpected changes in the middle of their studies.
The move likely aligns with IRCC’s broader efforts to stabilize immigration pathways amid record-breaking levels of international student intake and growing concerns related to housing, healthcare, and integration.
According to Maple News, this decision could give IRCC more time to assess the outcomes of the field-of-study rule introduced in 2024, while allowing schools, provinces, and applicants to adapt before any future revisions take place.