For many international students, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most important pathways from studying in Canada to gaining Canadian work experience. A PGWP is an open work permit that may allow eligible graduates to work for almost any employer in Canada after completing their studies.
However, graduating from a Canadian school does not automatically mean you qualify. Eligibility depends on your school, program, study history, language results, application timing, and—in some cases—your field of study.
This guide explains the current PGWP eligibility requirements, common reasons applications are refused, how long a PGWP can last, and what international students should do before applying.
Important: Immigration rules can change. Always confirm your eligibility directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before making an application.
What Is a PGWP?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is a Canadian work permit available to eligible international students who complete a program at a qualifying Canadian institution.
Unlike employer-specific work permits, a PGWP is generally an open work permit. This means you may be able to work for different employers without first needing a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
A PGWP can help graduates:
- Gain skilled Canadian work experience
- Build eligibility for permanent residence programs
- Improve their profile for Express Entry
- Qualify for provincial immigration pathways
- Support a long-term career in Canada
According to the Government of Canada, PGWP duration depends on the length and level of the study program, subject to passport validity.
Basic PGWP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a PGWP, you generally must meet all of the following requirements:
- Graduate from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI)
- Complete a program that is at least 8 months long
- Maintain full-time student status during each academic session, with limited exceptions
- Receive a degree, diploma, certificate, or another qualifying credential
- Apply within the required deadline after receiving confirmation that you completed your program
- Meet language requirements if they apply to your program and application date
- Meet field-of-study requirements if they apply to your program
- Have a valid passport long enough to receive the full work permit period
The requirements can differ based on when you applied for your study permit, when you apply for the PGWP, and the type of credential you completed.
1. You Must Graduate From a PGWP-Eligible School
Your school must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), but there is an important distinction: not every program at a DLI is eligible for a PGWP.
Before enrolling, students should check both:
- Whether the school is on Canada’s DLI list
- Whether the specific program is marked as PGWP eligible
A university, college, or private institution may be a DLI while some of its programs are not eligible for a PGWP. This is especially important for students considering private colleges, partnership programs, or programs delivered through public-private arrangements.
Use the official DLI list and PGWP eligibility checker before paying tuition or accepting an admission offer.
2. Your Program Must Meet the Minimum Length Requirement
In most cases, your program must be at least:
- 8 months long, or
- 900 hours for certain Quebec programs
Programs shorter than 8 months usually do not qualify for a PGWP.
For Quebec vocational and college credentials, additional credential-specific rules may apply, including requirements related to programs such as DVS, AVS, DCS, and ACS credentials.
3. You Must Complete an Eligible Credential
Your program should lead to a recognized Canadian credential, such as:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral degree
- College diploma
- Graduate certificate
- Postgraduate diploma
- Certain Quebec vocational or college credentials
Students should not assume that every certificate qualifies. The credential must come from a PGWP-eligible program at an eligible institution.
If you are combining two programs, each program generally needs to meet PGWP eligibility requirements and be at least 8 months long. Combining programs may help you qualify for a longer work permit.
4. You Must Maintain Full-Time Student Status
Most PGWP applicants must have maintained full-time student status during every academic session of their program.
There are limited exceptions. For example, students may still qualify if:
- They studied part-time only during their final academic session
- They took an authorized leave from studies
- Their school approved a temporary change in enrollment status under applicable rules
Unauthorized breaks, extended part-time enrollment, or failing to actively pursue studies can create serious PGWP problems. Keep copies of enrollment letters, transcripts, course schedules, and communication from your school.
5. You Must Apply Within the PGWP Deadline
You generally have 180 days after receiving written confirmation that you completed your program to apply for a PGWP.
The 180-day period can begin after you receive one of the following:
- Your final transcript
- An official completion letter
- A letter confirming you have met program requirements
- Another official document from your institution confirming graduation or completion
Your study permit may expire before you apply. In that situation, you may need to restore your status or apply from outside Canada, depending on your circumstances. Do not wait until the last minute.
6. Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants
For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, most applicants must provide proof of English or French language ability.
Language requirements vary by the level of program completed:
| Program Type | Minimum Language Level |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities |
| College programs and other non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language abilities |
The four abilities are:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
English test results are assessed using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), while French results use the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
Eligible language tests may include IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada, depending on IRCC’s current accepted-test list. Check the official PGWP language-results guidance before booking a test.
7. Field of Study Requirements for Non-Degree Programs
One of the most important recent PGWP changes affects students in certain non-degree programs, including many college diplomas and certificates.
If you applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and you are graduating from a non-degree program, you may need to complete a program in an eligible field of study.
The field of study is identified through a six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
Who Is Exempt From the Field of Study Requirement?
You may not need to meet the field-of-study requirement if you:
- Applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024
- Applied for your PGWP before November 1, 2024
- Graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree
- Graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school
IRCC states that eligible fields are linked to labour-market needs and may include areas such as health care, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, and education.
How to Check Your CIP Code
Ask your school for your program’s six-digit CIP code, then compare it with the official current PGWP-eligible CIP code list.
For 2026, IRCC states that it will not add or remove eligible fields of study during the year. Still, students should verify their program’s CIP code and eligibility before applying.
8. Your Passport Must Be Valid
Your passport expiry date can limit the length of your PGWP.
For example, if you qualify for a three-year PGWP but your passport expires in one year, IRCC may issue a work permit only until your passport expiry date.
You may be able to apply later for the remaining PGWP period after renewing your passport, provided you meet the applicable requirements.
How Long Is a PGWP Valid?
The length of a PGWP usually depends on the duration of your study program.
| Length of Study Program | Possible PGWP Duration |
| At least 8 months but less than 2 years | Up to the same length as the program |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
| Master’s program of at least 8 months | Up to 3 years |
| Two eligible programs combined | May be based on combined program lengths |
A master’s degree graduate may qualify for a three-year PGWP even if the master’s program was less than two years, as long as it meets the minimum length requirement and other eligibility rules.
Can You Get a PGWP More Than Once?
Generally, you can receive a PGWP only once in your lifetime.
This makes program selection extremely important. Before using your PGWP eligibility after completing a short program, consider whether you may later complete a longer or more strategic credential.
If you complete more than one eligible program before applying, you may be able to combine the programs for a longer PGWP. However, each program must independently meet eligibility rules.
Documents Needed for a PGWP Application
While document requirements can vary, most applicants should prepare:
- Valid passport
- Study permit and immigration documents
- Final transcript
- Official letter of completion from the school
- Degree, diploma, or certificate, if available
- Proof of language test results, if required
- Proof of eligible field of study or CIP code, if required
- Digital photo
- Proof of payment for government fees
- Medical exam documents, if applicable
- Biometrics, if required
Your completion letter and transcript are especially important because they show that you completed the program and may confirm your study status.
Common Reasons PGWP Applications Are Refused
PGWP refusals often happen because applicants overlook a technical requirement. Common reasons include:
- Attending a school or program that is not PGWP eligible
- Studying part-time without qualifying for an exception
- Taking an unauthorized leave from studies
- Completing a program shorter than 8 months
- Applying after the 180-day deadline
- Failing to provide language test results
- Completing a non-degree program in an ineligible field of study
- Submitting incomplete transcripts or completion letters
- Having a passport that expires too soon
- Applying at a Canadian port of entry, which is no longer allowed for PGWP applications
As of June 21, 2024, PGWP applicants can no longer apply at a port of entry when entering Canada.
PGWP Eligibility Checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm the following:
- My school is a DLI
- My specific program is PGWP eligible
- My program was at least 8 months long
- I completed my program requirements
- I maintained full-time status except where an approved exception applies
- I have my final transcript and completion letter
- I am applying within 180 days of receiving confirmation of completion
- I meet the language requirement, if applicable
- My CIP code is eligible, if I am in a non-degree program subject to the field-of-study rule
- My passport is valid long enough for the PGWP duration I want
- I understand that a PGWP is generally available only once
Frequently Asked Questions About PGWP Eligibility
Can I apply for a PGWP if I studied part-time?
Possibly. Full-time status is normally required, but exceptions may apply, including part-time study during your final academic session. Review your academic history carefully before applying.
Can I work while waiting for my PGWP?
Some graduates may be authorized to work full-time while waiting for a decision if they applied before their study permit expired and meet other requirements. Check IRCC’s current instructions before starting or continuing work.
Is every Canadian college program eligible for a PGWP?
No. A college may be a DLI, but some programs may not qualify. Always verify the specific program before enrolling.
Do master’s degree graduates need an eligible CIP code?
Generally, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study requirement. However, they may still need to meet language and other PGWP rules.
Can I apply for a PGWP at the airport or border?
No. PGWP applications can no longer be made at a port of entry.
Final Thoughts
The PGWP can be a valuable bridge between international study and a future career in Canada, but eligibility is no longer as simple as graduating from a Canadian school.
Before choosing a program, confirm the school’s DLI status, program-level PGWP eligibility, program length, your CIP code, language requirements, and your expected graduation timeline. Students in non-degree programs should pay particular attention to the field-of-study rule, while all students should keep their transcripts, enrollment records, and passport valid.
For the latest official rules, use the IRCC PGWP eligibility page and the official eligible CIP code search tool.