The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most important pathways for international students who want to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. A PGWP is an open work permit, meaning eligible graduates can generally work for most employers in Canada without needing a job offer before applying.
However, graduating from a Canadian school does not automatically make someone eligible. In recent years, Canada has introduced additional PGWP rules involving language ability, eligible schools and programs, and—in some cases—an applicant’s field of study.
This guide explains PGWP eligibility for 2027, including who can apply, how long a PGWP may be valid, language requirements, field-of-study rules, required documents, application deadlines, and common mistakes to avoid.
Important: Immigration policies can change. Always confirm your eligibility through the official Government of Canada PGWP guidance before submitting an application.
What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is a Canadian open work permit for international students who graduate from an eligible program at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Unlike an employer-specific work permit, a PGWP generally allows graduates to:
- Work full-time for eligible employers in Canada
- Change employers without applying for a new work permit
- Gain Canadian skilled work experience
- Build eligibility for permanent residence programs, including pathways under Express Entry or provincial immigration programs
- Support a spouse or common-law partner’s immigration plans in certain situations
A PGWP can be issued only once in a lifetime. That makes it essential to choose your school and program carefully before you enroll.
PGWP Eligibility Requirements for 2027
To qualify for a PGWP in 2027, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Complete an eligible program that is at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for certain Quebec programs)
- Maintain the required full-time student status during your studies, subject to limited exceptions
- Apply within the required application deadline
- Meet the applicable language requirement
- Meet the field-of-study requirement if it applies to your program
- Provide the required documents, including proof of graduation and transcripts
- Ensure your passport is valid long enough to receive the full PGWP duration
A school may appear on Canada’s DLI list but still offer programs that are not PGWP-eligible. Students should verify both the institution and the exact program before accepting admission.
1. Your School Must Be a PGWP-Eligible DLI
A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
But there is an important distinction:
- A school being a DLI does not automatically mean every program qualifies for a PGWP.
- Some private-public partnership programs and certain private institution programs may not be PGWP-eligible.
- Eligibility can vary by campus, credential type, and province.
Before enrolling, ask the school directly:
- Is my exact program PGWP-eligible?
- Is the program listed as eligible on the Government of Canada DLI list?
- What is the program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code?
- Does the program meet the PGWP field-of-study requirement, if applicable?
2. Your Program Must Meet the Minimum Length Requirement
Most applicants must complete a program that is at least:
- 8 months long, or
- 900 hours for certain Quebec credentials
The program must lead to an eligible credential, such as a degree, diploma, or certificate. The program length matters because it can also affect the duration of your work permit.
3. Full-Time Study Requirement
In most cases, PGWP applicants must have maintained full-time student status during each academic session of their program.
There are limited exceptions. For example, students may still qualify if they studied part-time during their final academic session because they did not need a full course load to complete their program.
Students should keep records of:
- Enrollment letters
- Transcripts
- Course schedules
- Official school communications
- Leave-of-absence documentation, if applicable
If you took an unauthorized break from studies or were part-time for multiple semesters, your PGWP eligibility may be affected.
4. PGWP Language Requirements for 2027
Most applicants submitting a PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024 must provide proof of English or French language ability.
For graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs, the general threshold is:
- CLB 7 in English, or
- NCLC 7 in French
Applicants in college programs or other non-university programs may generally need:
- CLB 5 in English, or
- NCLC 5 in French
The language requirement applies across all four language abilities:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Applicants should use an accepted language test and ensure their scores meet the required benchmark at the time of application. Flight school graduates may be exempt from the language-test requirement.
5. PGWP Field-of-Study Requirement
One of the biggest PGWP changes affects many graduates of non-degree programs.
If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024 and you graduate from a non-degree program, you may need to show that your field of study is eligible for a PGWP.
This requirement generally does not apply to graduates of:
- Bachelor’s degree programs
- Master’s degree programs
- Doctoral degree programs
- PGWP-eligible flight schools
- Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024
For applicants who must meet the rule, the program’s six-digit CIP code must be included on Canada’s eligible field-of-study list. Eligible fields have been tied to labour-market priorities and may include areas such as:
- Health care and social services
- STEM
- Education
- Skilled trades
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Transportation
Canada announced a 2026 freeze on additions and removals to the eligible field-of-study list, but students planning for 2027 should still check the current list before applying because immigration policies can be updated.
How to Find Your CIP Code
A CIP code is a six-digit classification number assigned to an educational program. It helps Canada determine whether a non-degree program meets the PGWP field-of-study requirement.
To find your CIP code:
- Check your school’s program page.
- Ask the admissions office or international student office.
- Review your offer letter or program calendar.
- Compare the code with the official PGWP eligible fields list.
Do not assume a program is eligible simply because its title sounds related to health care, technology, business, or a skilled trade. The official CIP code is what matters.
How Long Is a PGWP Valid?
The length of a PGWP depends mainly on the length and level of your completed program.
Programs Between 8 Months and Less Than 2 Years
If your program was at least 8 months but less than 2 years, your PGWP may be issued for a period similar to the length of your study program.
For example, a 12-month program may lead to a work permit valid for approximately 12 months.
Programs of 2 Years or More
If your program was two years or longer, you may be eligible for a PGWP valid for up to three years.
Master’s Degree Programs
Graduates of eligible master’s programs may qualify for a three-year PGWP even if the master’s program was shorter than two years, provided the program was at least eight months long and the graduate meets the other eligibility requirements.
Completing More Than One Program
Some graduates may be able to combine the length of multiple eligible programs to qualify for a longer PGWP. Each program must generally be PGWP-eligible and meet the minimum duration requirement.
Remember: your passport expiry date can limit the length of your PGWP. If your passport expires early, Canada may issue a shorter permit.
When Should You Apply for a PGWP?
You generally have up to 180 days after your school issues your final marks to apply for a PGWP.
You do not need to wait for your physical diploma or graduation ceremony. You can usually apply using:
- An official completion letter from your school, or
- An official transcript showing you completed the program
If your study permit will expire before you apply, you may need to apply before it expires, change your status, restore your status, or apply from outside Canada depending on your situation.
Can You Work While Waiting for Your PGWP?
Many graduates may work full-time while their PGWP application is being processed if they meet the required conditions.
Generally, you may be able to work while waiting if:
- You had a valid study permit when you submitted your PGWP application
- You completed your program
- You were eligible to work off campus while studying
- You did not work more hours than allowed during your studies
Do not assume you can work automatically. If your study permit expired before you applied or you restored your status, your work authorization may be different.
PGWP Application Documents Checklist
While IRCC may request additional documents, most applicants should prepare:
- Valid passport
- Study permit
- Official transcript
- Degree, diploma, or official completion letter
- Proof of full-time enrollment, if requested
- Language test results, if applicable
- Proof of an eligible field of study, if applicable
- Digital photo
- Medical exam confirmation, if applicable
- Payment receipt for government fees
The listed PGWP application fee is CAD $255, although applicants should verify the current fee before applying. If you need to restore student status, additional fees may apply.
How to Apply for a PGWP in 2027
Most applicants apply online through the IRCC portal.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify your:
- School and program eligibility
- Program length
- Study status history
- Language score requirement
- Field-of-study requirement
- Passport validity
Step 2: Gather Documents
Request your official transcript and completion letter as soon as your final grades are released.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Create or sign in to your IRCC account, select the PGWP application option, upload documents, and pay the required fees.
Step 4: Submit Before Your Deadline
Submit within 180 days of receiving final marks. If you are applying from inside Canada, review your study permit expiry date carefully.
Step 5: Monitor Your Account
IRCC may request additional documents, biometrics, a medical exam, or clarification.
Applicants can apply from inside Canada or outside Canada if eligible. Since June 21, 2024, PGWP applications can no longer be made at a Canadian port of entry.
Common PGWP Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a Program Without Confirming PGWP Eligibility
Do not rely only on a recruiter, social media post, or school advertisement. Confirm the exact program’s PGWP status through the school and official Canadian government resources.
Ignoring the CIP Code
For many non-degree programs, the field-of-study rule can determine whether a graduate qualifies. Confirm your CIP code before enrolling.
Waiting Too Long to Apply
The 180-day application window can pass quickly. Request your completion letter and transcript immediately after final grades are available.
Letting Your Passport Expire Too Soon
A short passport validity period can reduce the duration of your PGWP. Renew your passport early if needed.
Missing the Language Requirement
Plan for an approved English or French language test well before graduation. Waiting until your final semester may create unnecessary stress or delay.
Assuming You Can Work After Graduation
Your right to work after graduation depends on your status and application timing. Confirm your work authorization before starting or continuing employment.
PGWP and Permanent Residence in Canada
A PGWP does not provide permanent resident status by itself. However, it can help graduates gain Canadian work experience that may support future immigration applications.
Depending on your occupation, language ability, education, work experience, and province, a PGWP may help you qualify for pathways such as:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Express Entry
- Employer-supported work permit options
- Other federal or provincial immigration programs
For many international graduates, the best strategy is to begin planning for permanent residence before graduation—not after the PGWP is close to expiring.
Frequently Asked Questions About PGWP Eligibility
Is a PGWP guaranteed after graduation?
No. You must meet all eligibility requirements, including school, program, study status, language, and field-of-study rules where applicable.
Can I get a PGWP after a one-year program?
Possibly. Programs that are at least eight months long may qualify, but the PGWP duration may be similar to the program length.
Can I get a three-year PGWP after a master’s degree?
Eligible master’s graduates may qualify for a three-year PGWP even when the program is less than two years, as long as it meets the minimum program-length rule and other requirements.
Can I apply for a PGWP without my diploma?
Yes. You can usually apply with an official completion letter or official transcript. You do not need to wait for a graduation ceremony.
Can I apply for a PGWP at the border?
No. PGWP applications are no longer accepted at a port of entry.
Can I get a PGWP twice?
No. A PGWP is generally issued only once in a lifetime.
Final Thoughts: Plan for PGWP Eligibility Before You Enroll
The best time to protect your PGWP eligibility is before you choose a school or program. Verify that your institution is eligible, confirm the exact program’s status, understand your CIP code, prepare for language testing, and track your study permit and passport expiry dates.
For 2027 applicants, the most important takeaway is simple: do not assume every Canadian credential leads to a PGWP. Review the official requirements early, save your academic records, and apply within the 180-day deadline after receiving your final marks.
For the latest rules, application forms, document requirements, processing times, and fees, visit the official Government of Canada PGWP resources.