PGWP Rules 2026: Field of Study List, Language Scores and Who Qualifies
The PGWP field of study rule is the biggest worry for college diploma students in Canada, especially students from India and Nepal. The good news: it does not apply to everyone, and IRCC froze the eligible list for the rest of 2026. Here is who it affects and what else you need for a post-graduation work permit.
Table of Contents
Last checked: 29 September 2026. Rules come from IRCC’s PGWP pages. This is general information, not immigration advice.
Who needs to worry about the PGWP field of study list
The field of study requirement applies only if both of these are true:
- You studied a non-degree program (for example, a college diploma or certificate), not a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD.
- You applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024.
If that is you, your field of study must be linked to an occupation in long-term shortage. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from this rule.
The 2026 PGWP field of study list freeze
On 15 January 2026, IRCC said it would not add or remove any fields from the PGWP-eligible list for the rest of 2026, according to CIC News. In June 2025 IRCC added 119 fields and flagged 178 for removal, then postponed those removals in July 2025. The list now covers more than 1,000 programs. Check IRCC’s official field of study list for your program’s CIP code. What happens to the list in 2027 has not been announced.
Language scores you need
| Program type | Minimum level (all four skills) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 |
| College and other non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 |
This applies to PGWP applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024. Your test must be from an approved provider and still valid.
How long your PGWP lasts
| Program | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| 8 months to under 2 years | Up to the length of the program |
| 2 years or longer | 3 years |
| Master’s degree (at least 8 months) | 3 years |
You can get only one PGWP in your lifetime, and it cannot last longer than your passport.
Programs that do not qualify
Programs at public-private partnership (PPP) colleges are generally not eligible, unless the program began on or before 15 May 2024. Programs shorter than 8 months (900 hours in Quebec) do not qualify either.
How to apply
- Apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your program.
- Fees: $155 work permit fee plus $100 open work permit holder fee, a total of $255, plus $85 biometrics if required.
- IRCC’s posted processing time for work permit extensions from inside Canada was 107 days (September 2026). IRCC does not publish a separate PGWP time.
From PGWP to permanent residence
Most graduates use the PGWP to gain Canadian work experience for Express Entry. In 2026, Canadian Experience Class draws needed 507 to 523 CRS points. IRCC is also consulting on reducing CRS points for Canadian study credentials, except graduate degrees. See Express Entry CRS 2026.
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