Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada
A Post-Graduation Work Permit can allow eligible international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. Eligibility depends on the school and program, study history, language results and, for some programs, the field of study. Graduating from a Canadian designated learning institution does not automatically make a student eligible for a PGWP.
What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit, commonly called a PGWP, is a work permit available to certain graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions.
A PGWP can allow an eligible graduate to gain Canadian work experience after completing a qualifying program of study.
However, attending or graduating from a designated learning institution does not by itself establish PGWP eligibility. The school and the specific program must meet the applicable requirements, and the graduate must satisfy the other PGWP rules.
Check PGWP eligibility before choosing a school and program. A program can be offered by a DLI without necessarily making every graduate eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
For the broader international student framework, see Study Permit Canada: Complete Guide .
Who Is Eligible for a PGWP?
PGWP eligibility is based on several sets of requirements. These include general eligibility requirements, requirements connected to the type of study program and requirements that can depend on whether the graduate applies from inside or outside Canada.
Depending on the case, an applicant may need to establish that they:
- completed an eligible program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution;
- maintained the required full-time student status during the program, subject to applicable exceptions;
- completed a program meeting the applicable length requirements;
- meet the applicable language requirement;
- meet the field-of-study requirement where one applies;
- apply within the permitted period after completing the program; and
- meet the applicable immigration status requirements.
The exact requirements can also depend on when the applicant submitted the study permit application and when the PGWP application is submitted.
Does Every DLI and Program Qualify for a PGWP?
No. Graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically make a person eligible for a PGWP.
Applicants should check the federal DLI list and confirm whether the particular program is identified as PGWP-eligible.
This distinction is especially important before paying tuition or beginning a program. A school may be authorized to host international students while a particular program at that school does not qualify its graduates for a PGWP.
See Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada for more information about the DLI system.
What Study Requirements Apply to a PGWP?
The applicant generally needs to have completed an eligible program and satisfy the applicable enrolment requirements throughout the program.
IRCC requires PGWP applicants to provide evidence of program completion and evidence of full-time enrolment for a qualifying program.
An official transcript from the DLI, or a copy of the official transcript from the institution's website, can be used to establish the required enrolment history.
Changes in enrolment, authorized leaves, part-time terms and the final academic term can affect the analysis. A student's complete academic history should be reviewed rather than assuming that graduation alone establishes eligibility.
Is There a Language Requirement for a PGWP?
Yes. For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, most applicants must provide proof of English or French language ability.
IRCC requires results covering the four language abilities:
- reading;
- writing;
- listening; and
- speaking.
The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level depends on the type of credential or program.
| Program type | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| University bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 abilities |
| Other university programs | CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 abilities |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university programs | CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 abilities |
PGWP-eligible flight school graduates are exempt from the newer language requirement.
What Is the PGWP Field of Study Requirement?
Some PGWP applicants must graduate from a program in an eligible field of study. Eligibility is determined using the six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs, or CIP, code assigned to the program.
The field-of-study requirement generally affects certain non-degree programs when the student submitted the study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.
Eligible fields are linked to occupations identified as being in long-term shortage in Canada.
Current eligible fields fall within areas such as:
- agriculture and agri-food;
- education;
- health care and social services;
- science, technology, engineering and mathematics;
- trades; and
- transport.
IRCC states that it will not add or remove eligible PGWP fields of study during 2026. Applicants should still verify the exact six-digit CIP code applicable to their program and the transitional rules connected to the date of their study permit application.
Do Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral Graduates Need an Eligible Field of Study?
No. Graduates with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree do not need to meet the PGWP field-of-study requirement.
They must still meet the other applicable PGWP requirements, including the language requirement and the general eligibility rules.
| Credential | Field-of-study requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | No |
| Master's degree | No |
| Doctoral degree | No |
| Certain other university, college, polytechnic or non-university programs | May apply depending on the study permit application date and program. |
How Long Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit Valid?
The length of a PGWP depends on factors including the level and duration of the completed study program and the expiry date of the applicant's passport.
For many eligible programs lasting at least eight months but less than two years, IRCC may issue a PGWP for approximately the same length as the study program.
For eligible programs lasting two years or more, a PGWP may be issued for up to three years.
Different rules can apply to eligible master's degree programs.
The permit issued can be shorter than the period otherwise available if the applicant's passport expires earlier.
Can a Master's Graduate Get a 3-Year PGWP?
Yes. An eligible graduate of a master's degree program can receive a three-year PGWP even when the master's program was less than two years in length.
The program must meet the applicable minimum duration requirement and the graduate must meet the other PGWP eligibility conditions.
This special rule does not mean that every short post-secondary program qualifies for a three-year permit. It applies specifically under the rules governing eligible master's degree programs.
How Long Do You Have to Apply for a PGWP?
An eligible graduate has up to 180 days after graduation to apply for a PGWP.
Proof of completion may include an official completion letter, degree, diploma, certificate or official transcript, depending on the documentation available and the applicable requirements.
The PGWP application window and the validity of a study permit are separate rules. A study permit can become invalid 90 days after completion of studies even if the student still has time remaining within the 180-day PGWP application period.
See Study Permit Validity and the 90-Day Rule for the separate study permit validity rules.
What Documents Do You Need for a PGWP?
IRCC requires applicants to provide evidence establishing completion of the eligible program and compliance with the applicable PGWP requirements.
Depending on the application, documents can include:
- proof that the program was completed;
- an official transcript or a copy of the official transcript from the DLI's website;
- proof of full-time enrolment;
- valid language test results where required;
- evidence that the program meets the applicable field-of-study requirement;
- passport and immigration documents; and
- an upfront medical examination where required for the type of work the applicant intends to perform.
IRCC may request additional documents after receiving the application.
How Do You Apply for a PGWP?
An eligible graduate can apply for a PGWP from inside Canada or from another country, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
The general process is:
- confirm that the DLI and program are PGWP-eligible;
- confirm the language and field-of-study requirements that apply;
- obtain proof of program completion and the official transcript;
- gather the required language, immigration and supporting documents;
- submit the PGWP application within the 180-day application period; and
- pay the applicable government fees.
Applicants should also determine whether they are authorized to remain and work in Canada while the application is being processed.
Can You Work While Waiting for a PGWP?
Some graduates can work full-time while IRCC processes their PGWP application.
IRCC states that a graduate may work full-time while waiting for a decision if, when the PGWP application was submitted, all of the following applied:
- the applicant had a valid study permit;
- the applicant had completed the study program;
- the applicant was eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying; and
- the applicant did not exceed the permitted off-campus work hours during academic sessions.
IRCC currently permits eligible students to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. Compliance with the applicable student work conditions is therefore relevant to PGWP work authorization while the application is being processed.
Applying within 180 days does not by itself authorize a graduate to work while waiting. For this work authorization, IRCC requires the study permit to have been valid when the PGWP application was submitted, along with the other applicable conditions.
For the student work rules, see Working While Studying in Canada .
Can You Apply for a PGWP After Your Study Permit Expires?
In some circumstances, yes. If a graduate remains within the PGWP application period but the study permit has expired, restoration may be required.
IRCC currently states that if a person did not change to visitor status before the study permit expired, they may have up to 90 days after the study permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore their status as a student.
The applicant must submit the PGWP application, pay the applicable work permit fees and pay the restoration fee.
A person applying after losing status under this restoration process cannot work while waiting for the PGWP to be approved.
See Restoration of Student Status in Canada for the broader restoration framework.
Can Passport Expiry Shorten a PGWP?
Yes. The expiry date of the applicant's passport can limit the duration of the PGWP.
If the passport expires before the full period for which the applicant would otherwise qualify, IRCC may issue the PGWP only until the passport expiry date.
IRCC may indicate on the initial PGWP that the permit was shortened because of passport validity.
In that situation, the person may be able to apply to extend the PGWP after obtaining a new passport for the remaining period for which they were originally eligible.
A PGWP is not normally renewable simply because the holder wants more time in Canada. The passport-expiry situation is an important exception in which an extension may be available for the remaining eligible period.
Can You Travel Outside Canada After Applying for a PGWP?
A work permit does not itself serve as a travel document. A person returning to Canada may need a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization, depending on nationality and method of travel.
IRCC states that leaving and re-entering Canada after submitting a PGWP application does not, by itself, stop an otherwise eligible graduate from working full-time while waiting for a decision.
However, admission to Canada is assessed at the border, and the traveller must still meet the applicable entry requirements.
How Can a PGWP Help With Permanent Residence?
A PGWP can allow an eligible graduate to gain Canadian work experience that may later be relevant to a permanent residence program.
Depending on the person's occupation, language ability, province of residence, work history and other factors, Canadian work experience may be relevant to programs managed through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.
A PGWP itself does not guarantee permanent residence. Each immigration program has its own eligibility and selection requirements.
Graduates planning for permanent residence should consider the type of work they accept, the duration of their work authorization and the requirements of the immigration program they may later use.
Post-Graduation Work Permit FAQs
Does graduating from a DLI automatically make me eligible for a PGWP?
No. The DLI and specific program must be PGWP-eligible, and you must meet all other applicable eligibility requirements.
How long do I have to apply for a PGWP?
You have up to 180 days after graduation to submit an eligible PGWP application.
Do I need a language test for a PGWP?
Most applicants submitting a PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024 must provide eligible English or French language test results. The required level depends on the type of program. PGWP-eligible flight school graduates are exempt from the newer requirement.
Do I need to graduate from an eligible field of study?
It depends on your program and when you applied for your study permit. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree graduates do not need to meet the field-of-study requirement. Certain other programs may need an eligible six-digit CIP code.
Can a one-year program lead to a three-year PGWP?
Normally, a program shorter than two years does not by itself lead to a three-year PGWP. However, eligible master's degree programs have special rules that can allow a three-year PGWP even when the master's program is less than two years.
Can I work while waiting for my PGWP?
You may be able to work full-time while IRCC processes the application if you had a valid study permit when you applied, had completed the program, were eligible to work off campus while studying and complied with the applicable work-hour limits.
Can I apply after my study permit expires?
In some circumstances, yes. If you are within the applicable restoration period and still within the PGWP application window, you may be able to apply for the PGWP and restore your status as a student. You cannot work while waiting under that restoration scenario.
Can I extend my PGWP?
A PGWP is generally not renewable. However, if IRCC shortened the original permit because the applicant's passport expired before the full eligible PGWP period, an application for the remaining eligible period may be possible after obtaining a new passport.
Does a PGWP guarantee permanent residence?
No. A PGWP can provide an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, but permanent residence eligibility depends on the requirements of the immigration program used.
PGWP eligibility can depend on the type and length of program, DLI eligibility, study permit application date, language results, field of study and immigration status. Confirm the current IRCC requirements before applying.