On this page you will find
- What the 2026 PGWP field-of-study freeze means
- Who is exempt from the field-of-study requirement
- How timing rules affect PGWP eligibility
- What CIP codes are and how to find yours
- Which broad sectors include eligible programs
- How to prepare proof of an eligible field of study
International students have faced constant policy changes in recent years. When it comes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit, one major concern has been whether a program’s field of study is on the eligible list.
For 2026, that list is staying exactly the same. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has confirmed it will not add or remove any eligible fields of study for PGWP purposes this year. This freeze gives students and institutions a rare period of stability when planning study and work pathways in Canada.
The field-of-study rule links certain programs to Canada’s long-term labour shortages. If your program falls within an approved Classification of Instructional Programs code, you may meet this requirement. With no changes planned in 2026, students can make decisions with more confidence about whether their program will support PGWP eligibility.
Who must meet the field-of-study requirement
Not every graduate is affected by this rule.
You do not need to meet the field-of-study requirement if one of the following applies to you:
- You submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, regardless of your level of study
- You graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school
- You graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree
- You applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024
If none of these exceptions apply, you must make sure your program is connected to an eligible 6-digit CIP code at the correct stage of your immigration process.
What the 2026 freeze really means
The 2026 decision does not expand or reduce eligibility. Instead, it keeps the current list of approved CIP codes in place for the entire year.
In practical terms:
- No new fields will be added in 2026
- No existing fields will be removed in 2026
- Students can plan using a stable list instead of worrying about mid-year changes
This is a temporary pause. The list can still change in future years based on Canada’s labour market needs.
The timing rule that affects eligibility
Eligibility depends not only on your field of study but also on timing.
You must graduate from a program that is on the list of eligible CIP codes when you submit either:
- Your study permit application, or
- Your PGWP application
This rule can work in your favour. Even if a code is no longer eligible when you apply for a PGWP, you may still qualify if it was eligible when you applied for your study permit.
What a CIP code is – and how to find yours
A CIP code is a 6-digit number used to classify post-secondary education programs by field of study. Canada uses the CIP Canada 2021 system for PGWP eligibility.
Program titles can be broad, so always rely on the official CIP description rather than the name alone.
Major categories of eligible programs
The eligible list includes programs across several broad sectors tied to workforce demand, including:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- Health care and social services
- STEM fields such as engineering, technology and science
- Skilled trades
- Transport and logistics
Each category contains many specific 6-digit CIP codes. Students should always check their exact code rather than assuming a general subject area will qualify.
Submitting proof with your PGWP application
When you apply for a PGWP, you must clearly show that you graduated in an eligible field of study if the rule applies to you.
Keep your documents consistent and clear:
- Your credential, transcript and completion letter should reflect the same program name
- Save any official confirmation from your school that includes your CIP code
- If your program title is broad, use the CIP description to demonstrate how it matches your studies
Do not assume an officer will guess your field of study based only on your degree title.
FAQ
Will the PGWP eligible fields of study list change in 2026?
No. The government has confirmed that no fields of study will be added or removed from the PGWP eligible list in 2026. This gives international students more certainty when choosing programs and planning their post-graduation work options in Canada.
Who does not need to meet the PGWP field-of-study requirement?
You are exempt if you applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school, completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, or applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024. If one of these applies, your field of study does not affect PGWP eligibility.
What is a CIP code and why does it matter?
A CIP code is a 6-digit number that classifies post-secondary programs by field of study. If you are subject to the PGWP field-of-study requirement, your program’s 6-digit CIP code must be on the eligible list at the right point in your application process.
When does my CIP code need to be eligible?
Your program must be on the eligible list when you submit either your study permit application or your PGWP application. Even if your code is not eligible at graduation, you may still qualify based on the date you applied for your study permit.
How do I find my program’s correct CIP code?
Start with your school, since many institutions publish CIP details for PGWP purposes. If you cannot find it online, contact the school directly. You can also search the official CIP classification catalogue, but make sure the description matches your exact program.
