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Work permits

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Open work permit pathway for eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have completed an eligible program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduation. It is one of the most important pathways connecting international education to permanent residence in Canada.

The PGWP can only be obtained once in a lifetime and is not renewable, making it essential to apply correctly the first time.

PGWP eligibility requirements

  • Eligible institution — you must have graduated from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI). Public post-secondary institutions are generally eligible; private institutions must be specifically authorized.
  • Minimum program length — your program must have been at least 8 months in duration.
  • Full-time study — you must have maintained full-time student status throughout each academic session (except for the final session or authorized leaves).
  • Valid study permit — you must hold a valid study permit at the time of application, or have held one that expired after your program completion.
  • Application deadline — you must apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation (official letter or transcript) that you have completed your program.

Language requirements (effective November 1, 2024)

IRCC introduced mandatory language testing for PGWP applications. Applicants must demonstrate minimum language proficiency:

  • University programs (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) — minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French.
  • All other programs (college diplomas, certificates, graduate diplomas) — minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in English or French.
  • Accepted tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.

Field of study requirements (effective November 1, 2024)

For graduates of college-level and non-university programs, PGWP eligibility now depends on the field of study. Eligible fields generally include:

  • Agriculture and agri-food
  • Healthcare
  • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
  • Trade and transport
  • Education (early childhood education and teaching)

University-level graduates (bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees) are not subject to field-of-study restrictions.

How long is the PGWP valid?

  • Programs 8 months to under 2 years: PGWP duration matches the program length (e.g., a 1-year program yields a 1-year PGWP).
  • Programs 2 years or longer: PGWP is issued for 3 years.
  • Two qualifying short programs: graduates who complete two eligible programs of 8 months or more may combine them for a PGWP equal to the total study time, up to a maximum of 3 years.

Common refusal triggers

  • Applying after the 180-day deadline from the date of program completion confirmation.
  • Missing or insufficient language test results.
  • Program or institution not on the current PGWP-eligible list.
  • College program field of study not in an eligible category.
  • Incomplete transcripts or unclear completion evidence from the institution.
  • Study permit expired before the application was submitted.
  • Evidence of part-time study during required full-time sessions without authorized leave.

Documents required

  • Passport and current immigration status documents.
  • Official program completion letter from the institution.
  • Final official transcripts showing all courses and grades.
  • Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
  • Current and all prior study permits.
  • Supporting explanation letter for any enrollment gaps, part-time sessions, or program changes.
PGWP timing is strict and unforgiving

You can only receive a PGWP once in your lifetime, and the 180-day filing deadline cannot be extended. With the added language and field-of-study requirements introduced in 2024, a pre-submission review is more important than ever to prevent costly refusals.

How we help

We verify your eligibility against current IRCC rules including the 2024 language and field-of-study requirements, confirm your institution and program qualify, review all documents for completeness and consistency, and ensure your application is submitted correctly within the deadline. We also advise on long-term planning so your PGWP work experience positions you for permanent residence through Express Entry or provincial programs.