Whether you can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada depends on the type of programme you finish. University degrees have no field-of-study rule. College and other non-degree programmes must be on a government list. That list changed in 2025 and is frozen for 2026.
Who needs a programme on the list
| Your qualification | Field-of-study rule |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | None |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university programme | Must be on the eligible list |
The list covers six areas: agriculture and agri-food, education, health care, STEM, trades and transport. Programmes are linked to occupations in long-term shortage.
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What changed in 2025
- June 2025: IRCC added 119 fields of study and removed 178.
- July 2025: IRCC paused the removals until the next update, so the 178 programmes stayed eligible through 2025.
- The list grew from about 920 to 1,107 programmes after the revisions.
The 2026 freeze
On 15 January 2026, IRCC confirmed it will not update the list during 2026. No fields will be added or removed this year, and programmes that were due for removal stay eligible until the end of the year. A new update could follow after that, so check the list again if you plan to start a college programme in 2027.
Other PGWP rules to know
- Language: university graduates need CLB 7 in English (or NCLC 7 in French), and college graduates need CLB 5.
- Length: the permit length depends on your programme length and passport expiry date, whichever comes first.
- Programme length: the programme must be at least 8 months long.
- Institutions: graduates of programmes delivered under public-private curriculum licensing arrangements are not eligible.
- Online study: study from outside Canada after 31 August 2024 does not count towards PGWP length.
How to check your programme
- Confirm the school is a designated learning institution on the IRCC list and that it is eligible for the PGWP.
- Ask the school for the programme’s CIP code.
- Search for the code in IRCC’s list of eligible fields of study.
- Get the school’s written confirmation, and keep it with your study permit file.
- Do not rely on agent claims or social media posts for eligibility.
For study permit steps and funds, see our Canada study permit guide and the guide to studying in Canada.
How Long the PGWP Lasts
| Length of your eligible programme | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Up to the length of the programme |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
If you finish more than one eligible programme, the lengths can sometimes be combined, as long as each programme meets the rules. A permit can never be longer than your passport’s validity, so renew an expiring passport before you apply.
Applying for the PGWP
- Finish your programme and get written confirmation of completion from your school, such as a transcript or an official letter.
- Apply within 180 days of getting that confirmation, and while your study permit is still valid or you are on maintained status.
- Include your language test results, proof of completion, passport and photo, as the application guide lists.
- Apply from inside Canada where you can, and keep your receipt.
Deadlines and conditions are set by IRCC and can change, so confirm them on the official page on the day you apply.
Worked Examples
These are hypothetical cases to show how the rules combine.
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| Student | Programme | Field-of-study check | Language | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student 1 | Three-year college diploma in a health-care field on the list | On the list | CLB 5 needed | Eligible, up to 3 years |
| Student 2 | One-year college certificate in a field not on the list | Not on the list | CLB 5 needed | Not eligible unless the list changes |
| Student 3 | Two-year master’s degree | No rule for degrees | CLB 7 needed | Eligible if other conditions are met, up to 3 years |
| Student 4 | Six-month course at a private college | Under 8 months | Not applicable | Not eligible |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Relying on an agent’s word that a course is eligible | Eligibility is set by IRCC, not the agent | Check the CIP code on the official list |
| Choosing by programme name | Similar names can have different codes | Match the code, not the title |
| Waiting to renew a passport | The permit cannot outlast the passport | Renew before you apply |
| Missing the 180-day window | The application can be refused | Apply as soon as you have your completion letter |
| Studying part of the programme from outside Canada | Some distance study does not count towards PGWP length | Check the current distance-learning rules |
Planning Around the Freeze
- If you are starting a college programme in 2026, a programme on the list today is safe through 2026. What happens after the freeze is not announced.
- If you plan to graduate in 2027 or later, ask whether the programme is likely to remain eligible and consider a degree programme as a more stable choice.
- Keep your own file: the school’s letter, the programme’s code and a dated copy of the eligible list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do degree programmes need to be on the list?
No. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from the field-of-study rule. They still need to meet the other PGWP conditions.
My college programme was one of the 178 removed. Will it still qualify?
IRCC has said those programmes stay eligible until the end of 2026 because of the freeze. Confirm with your school and on the IRCC page, and plan for what happens after that.
Does a PGWP lead to permanent residence?
It gives you Canadian work experience, which counts towards Express Entry and some provincial programmes. It does not guarantee residence.
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