Canada PGWP 2026: Will Students Get a Work Permit After Completing Their Degree? Here’s How to Check

Students studying in Canada are allowed to work after completing their studies, provided they obtain a special type of work permit known as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the list of courses eligible for the PGWP will remain unchanged in 2026. This is important news for students planning to gain Canadian work experience after graduation.

Which Courses Are Eligible for PGWP?
Before moving to Canada, students should confirm whether their chosen course qualifies for a work permit. While the IRCC has maintained that the eligibility list will not change, students need to be aware of the fields of study that allow them to apply for a PGWP.

PGWP eligibility depends on the field of study, with a focus on programs experiencing a shortage of workers. Courses in Healthcare & Social Services, Education, Trades, Agriculture, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and Transport are among those eligible for the work permit. Typically, this condition applies to programs at the bachelor’s level or below.

How to Check PGWP Eligibility
To verify if your course qualifies for PGWP, students should check the Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code before applying for a study permit or PGWP. Each program has a unique six-digit CIP code. Using this code on the IRCC website, students can confirm whether their program is eligible for the PGWP. The official PGWP-eligible course list is also available online.

By ensuring that their program meets the PGWP requirements, students can secure an open work permit after graduation, paving the way for valuable Canadian work experience.