Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made a series of changes through 2026 that affect study permits and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
PGWP eligibility changes
Canada’s 2026 PGWP updates:
- Add a language-test requirement for applicants.
- Introduce field-of-study rules for graduates of non-degree (for example, college diploma) programs.
- Restrict most public–private partnership programs and tighten distance-learning rules.
- Keep the 3-year PGWP for master’s graduates and require online applications, generally within 180 days.
Co-op work permit removed
From 1 April 2026, post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a required work placement, provided the placement is part of the program and totals 50% or less of it — a valid study permit with on-campus work conditions is sufficient.
More scrutiny of enrolment and status
Mid-2026 guidance points to closer checks on enrolment status and academic progress, program or institution transfers, and leaves of absence. A temporary policy that let certain work-permit holders study without a study permit expired on 27 June 2026.
What it means for you
Confirm your program is PGWP-eligible before you enrol — especially for college and non-degree programs — keep full-time enrolment and good academic standing, and apply for the PGWP within the deadline. Verify any claim an agent makes about work rights against the official IRCC pages.