Post-Graduation Work Permit Canada: PGWP Guide 2026

1. What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit, or PGWP, is an open work permit available to certain international students who graduate from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions and programs.

The PGWP can allow a graduate to gain Canadian work experience after completing studies without requiring a specific employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment as the basis for the permit.

Because it is generally an open work permit, a PGWP holder can usually work for different eligible employers and change jobs without obtaining a new employer-specific work permit each time.

For the broader Canadian work authorization framework, see the Work Permit Canada: Requirements & Complete Guide .

2. Is a PGWP an Open Work Permit?

Yes.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program generally provides an open work permit rather than a permit tied to one employer.

This means a qualifying PGWP holder generally does not need:

• a specific job offer to obtain the PGWP;
• an LMIA as the basis of the PGWP;
• an employer-specific offer of employment number; or
• a new work permit every time the worker changes eligible employers.

Open work permits can still contain restrictions, including restrictions relating to occupations requiring an immigration medical examination.

See the Open Work Permit Canada guide .

3. Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility

PGWP eligibility depends on several requirements operating together.

Under IRCC's current rules, a graduate generally needs to:

• complete a PGWP-eligible program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution;
• complete a program that was at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs;
• maintain full-time student status in Canada during each semester of the program, subject to recognized exceptions;
• apply within 180 days after receiving confirmation that the program was completed;
• have held a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days;
• meet the applicable language requirement; and
• meet the field-of-study requirement where it applies.

Special rules and exceptions can apply to accelerated programs, authorized leaves, school transfers, distance learning, flight training and certain other situations.

4. Does Every Designated Learning Institution Qualify for a PGWP?

No.

A school being a designated learning institution does not mean that every graduate of that school can obtain a PGWP.

IRCC's DLI list identifies institutions and programs that may support PGWP eligibility.

Before choosing a program, an international student should verify:

• that the institution is a DLI;
• that the particular program is PGWP-eligible;
• whether a field-of-study requirement will apply;
• whether the program is delivered under a curriculum licensing arrangement; and
• whether any program-specific restriction affects PGWP eligibility.

The distinction between a DLI and a PGWP-eligible program is one of the most important issues to verify before enrolling.

5. Minimum Program Length for a PGWP

Under the current general rule, the completed study program must be at least 8 months long.

For applicable Quebec credentials, IRCC uses a minimum of 900 hours.

A program shorter than the applicable minimum generally does not qualify for a PGWP.

Program length also affects the possible duration of the resulting work permit.

A graduate should therefore distinguish between:

• the minimum program length required for PGWP eligibility; and
• the program length used to determine how long the PGWP may be issued.

6. Full-Time Study Requirement

A graduate generally must have maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of the study program.

One important exception applies to the final semester.

A student may study part-time during the final semester and still potentially satisfy the PGWP requirement.

The student's transcript and institutional records are important because IRCC can use them to assess whether full-time status was maintained throughout the program.

7. Authorized Leave and PGWP Eligibility

Taking a leave from studies can affect PGWP eligibility.

IRCC states that a student may not be eligible for a PGWP where the student took an unauthorized leave and failed to comply with study permit conditions.

In certain circumstances, an authorized leave of up to 150 days can be compatible with the study permit conditions.

Where an applicant relies on an authorized leave, the PGWP application should include evidence that the DLI authorized the leave and should clearly explain the relevant dates.

The fact that a school permitted a student to stop attending classes does not necessarily mean that every immigration requirement has been satisfied. The immigration rules and the school's academic rules should be assessed separately.

8. The 180-Day PGWP Application Deadline

An eligible graduate has up to 180 days after receiving confirmation that the study program was completed to apply for a PGWP.

Confirmation can include an official completion letter, final transcript or other qualifying documentation from the school.

The applicant's study permit must also have been valid at some point during the 180-day period after completion of the program.

The 180-day rule should not be confused with the period during which a graduate may be authorized to work after completing studies.

Whether the graduate may work while preparing or waiting for a PGWP application depends on separate work authorization rules.

9. What if Your Study Permit Expires Before You Apply for a PGWP?

A graduate whose study permit will expire before the PGWP application is ready should not assume that the 180-day PGWP deadline automatically preserves temporary resident status.

If the study permit expires and the graduate did not change status to visitor before expiry, IRCC currently permits a qualifying person to apply for the PGWP and restore student status within the applicable restoration period.

IRCC's current PGWP instructions state that the person may have up to 90 days after the study permit expires to apply for the PGWP and restore status as a student.

The applicant must pay:

• the applicable PGWP fees; and
• the applicable restoration fee.

Restoration does not itself mean that the person is authorized to work while waiting for the PGWP.

10. PGWP Language Requirements

Language testing became a major part of PGWP eligibility for applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024.

Most PGWP applicants now need to demonstrate English or French ability in:

• reading;
• writing;
• listening; and
• speaking.

The required level depends on the type of study program completed.

Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools are exempt from the new language requirement.

11. Language Requirement for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Graduates

A graduate with a:

• bachelor's degree;
• master's degree; or
• doctoral degree

must currently demonstrate at least:

• CLB 7 in English in each of the four language abilities; or
• NCLC 7 in French in each of the four language abilities.

The requirement applies to each individual ability. A strong overall result does not replace a score below the required benchmark in one ability.

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates do not have to meet the PGWP field-of-study requirement.

12. PGWP Rules for Other University Programs

Graduates of university programs other than a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree are treated differently for field-of-study purposes.

The current language requirement is:

• CLB 7 in each English ability; or
• NCLC 7 in each French ability.

In addition, if the student submitted the study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, the graduate must generally complete a program in an eligible field of study.

This distinction is important because a university credential is not necessarily a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree.

13. Language Requirement for College, Polytechnic and Other Non-University Programs

Graduates of other college, polytechnic and non-university programs generally need:

• CLB 5 in each of the four English abilities; or
• NCLC 5 in each of the four French abilities.

Where the student submitted the study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, an eligible field of study is also generally required.

14. Which Language Tests Are Accepted for a PGWP?

IRCC currently accepts the following tests for the PGWP language requirement.

English

• CELPIP-General;
• IELTS General Training; and
• PTE Core.

French

• TEF Canada; and
• TCF Canada.

IRCC states that the language test should be taken in person.

The results must be less than two years old when the PGWP application is submitted.

Applicants should verify their CLB or NCLC equivalency rather than relying only on the raw test score.

15. PGWP Field of Study Requirement

The field-of-study requirement applies to certain graduates of non-degree and other affected programs.

A graduate does not need to meet the field-of-study requirement if one of the current exemptions applies, including where:

• the graduate completed a bachelor's degree;
• the graduate completed a master's degree;
• the graduate completed a doctoral degree;
• the graduate completed an eligible flight school program; or
• the student submitted the study permit application before November 1, 2024.

Where the requirement applies, the program must correspond to an eligible Classification of Instructional Programs code, commonly called a CIP code.

16. What Is a CIP Code for PGWP Eligibility?

A Classification of Instructional Programs code is used to classify a post-secondary program by its field of study.

For PGWP purposes, IRCC uses 6-digit CIP codes based on CIP Canada 2021.

A student can identify the applicable CIP code by:

• checking the DLI's website;
• contacting the DLI; or
• reviewing the Statistics Canada CIP classification catalogue.

Program names alone should not be used to assume a particular CIP code. The program description, examples and exclusions associated with the code should also be reviewed.

17. PGWP Field of Study List Is Frozen for 2026

IRCC has confirmed an important planning rule for 2026:

no eligible PGWP fields of study will be added or removed during 2026.

This provides greater predictability for affected students during the year, but it does not remove the need to verify the correct CIP code and the date on which the student applied for a study permit.

IRCC's field-of-study rules include transitional protections based on when a study permit application was submitted and whether the field was eligible at the relevant time.

The applicable historical list should therefore be checked where a CIP code has changed status in earlier years.

18. Which Fields of Study Can Qualify for a PGWP?

IRCC's current eligible CIP-code framework includes programs connected to labour-market needs in categories such as:

• agriculture and agri-food;
• education;
• health care and social services;
• science, technology, engineering and mathematics;
• trades; and
• transport.

Eligibility is determined by the specific six-digit CIP code rather than merely by the broad category name.

A student should therefore verify the exact program code rather than assuming, for example, that every health, technology or business-related program qualifies.

19. How Long Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit Valid?

PGWP validity depends principally on:

• the level of the study program;
• the duration of the study program;
• whether more than one eligible program is being combined; and
• the expiry date of the applicant's passport.

IRCC determines the actual validity period when the application is assessed.

20. Three-Year PGWP for Master’s Degree Graduates

Since February 15, 2024, an eligible graduate of a master's degree program can potentially receive a 3-year PGWP even if the master's program itself was less than two years.

The master's program must generally be at least:

• 8 months long; or
• 900 hours for an applicable Quebec program.

The graduate must also meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements.

This special three-year rule applies to master's degree programs. It does not transform a certificate or diploma program of the same length into a three-year PGWP-eligible program.

21. Can You Combine Two Programs for a Longer PGWP?

In some circumstances, IRCC can combine the length of more than one completed program when determining PGWP duration.

Each program being relied on must generally be:

• PGWP-eligible; and
• at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for an applicable Quebec credential.

The graduate must satisfy the eligibility requirements applicable to each program.

IRCC also states that where the programs have different language requirements, the applicant must satisfy the higher language requirement to obtain a PGWP based on the combined programs.

A person cannot obtain another PGWP merely by completing a second program after already receiving a PGWP.

22. Can You Get a PGWP More Than Once?

Generally, no.

IRCC states that a person is not eligible for another PGWP if they already received a post-graduation work permit after an earlier program of study.

This makes the PGWP strategically different from many other temporary work permits.

Before applying, a graduate should therefore consider:

• whether all qualifying programs have been completed;
• whether program lengths can be combined;
• passport validity; and
• the maximum PGWP duration potentially available.

23. How Passport Expiry Can Shorten a PGWP

A PGWP cannot normally be issued beyond the validity of the applicant's passport.

A person who would otherwise qualify for a longer PGWP can therefore receive a shorter permit because the passport expires earlier.

IRCC advises applicants to ensure that the passport is valid for the full period of PGWP eligibility before applying.

If IRCC shortened the PGWP solely because of passport expiry, the holder may be able to apply for the remaining eligible period after obtaining a new passport.

IRCC currently requires this type of PGWP extension to be submitted on paper.

24. Distance Learning and PGWP Eligibility

The amount and location of distance learning can affect PGWP eligibility and permit duration.

Under the current general rules, a graduate is not eligible where more than 50% of the study program was completed through distance learning, subject to the remaining historical COVID-19 transitional rules for eligible periods.

IRCC continues to recognize special historical measures for certain studies completed online outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.

Applicants with substantial online study should assess the dates and location of study rather than applying a single rule to the entire program.

25. Public-Private Curriculum Licensing Programs and PGWP Eligibility

Programs delivered through public-private curriculum licensing arrangements require particular caution.

IRCC ended PGWP eligibility for international students who begin certain programs delivered by private colleges on behalf of public colleges under curriculum licensing arrangements.

For the general rule introduced in 2024, international students who began this type of program on or after May 15, 2024 are not eligible for a PGWP when they graduate.

There are separate transitional rules for certain programs involving institutions in different provinces, including an earlier February 2023 cut-off.

26. PGWP Rules for Flight School Graduates

Flight school graduates are subject to special PGWP rules.

A graduate may qualify where they:

• completed a flight training course at a DLI training centre and obtained a Canadian commercial pilot's licence; or
• have or are obtaining an instructor's rating and have a job offer as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training centre.

Graduates from a PGWP-eligible flight school are currently exempt from both:

• the PGWP language requirement; and
• the field-of-study requirement.

27. Programs That Do Not Normally Qualify for a PGWP

IRCC identifies several situations that do not normally support PGWP eligibility.

These include a person who:

• already received a PGWP;
• studied English or French as a second language;
• completed general-interest or self-improvement courses;
• completed a non-credit program, subject to the flight-school rules;
• received certain Global Affairs Canada funding or scholarships requiring a return home;
• completed more than 50% of the program by distance learning, subject to applicable historical exceptions;
• completed a program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada; or
• completed a course or program that is not PGWP-eligible.

Curriculum licensing programs can also be ineligible depending on the applicable dates and arrangement.

28. Documents Required for a PGWP Application

IRCC currently identifies several core forms of evidence for a PGWP application.

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, documents can include:

• proof that the study program was completed;
• an official completion letter;
• degree, diploma or certificate;
• official transcript or an eligible copy of the transcript;
• evidence of full-time enrolment;
• qualifying language test results;
• evidence of the eligible field of study and CIP code where required;
• passport;
• study permit;
• evidence concerning an authorized leave or another special circumstance where relevant; and
• proof of an upfront immigration medical examination where applicable.

IRCC may request additional evidence after the application is submitted.

See the broader Canada Work Permit Documents Checklist .

29. How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit

An eligible graduate can apply for a PGWP from inside Canada or from another country.

The applicant should generally:

1. confirm that the DLI and program are PGWP-eligible;
2. review the complete study history;
3. confirm the 180-day application deadline;
4. determine the applicable language requirement;
5. determine whether the field-of-study requirement applies;
6. obtain the completion letter and transcript;
7. obtain valid language results where required;
8. prepare CIP-code evidence where required;
9. complete the online work permit application;
10. upload the supporting evidence; and
11. pay the applicable government fees.

For the general Canadian work permit application framework, see How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada .

30. Post-Graduation Work Permit Fees

As of September 2026, the standard government fees for a PGWP are:

Biometrics or restoration fees may apply depending on the applicant's circumstances.

See Canada Work Permit Fees and Biometrics .

31. Can You Work While Waiting for a PGWP?

Certain graduates can work full-time while IRCC processes their PGWP application.

Under IRCC's current instructions, the graduate can work full-time until a decision is made if they:

• had a valid study permit when the PGWP application was submitted;
• completed the study program;
• were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying; and
• did not work more hours than they were permitted to work while studying.

If these conditions are not met, the person must wait until work authorization exists before beginning employment.

32. Can You Travel While a PGWP Application Is Processing?

A person in Canada who travels while a PGWP application is pending must separately consider the requirements for re-entry to Canada.

Depending on nationality and travel method, a valid temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization may be required.

IRCC currently states that a qualifying graduate who leaves and re-enters Canada after applying for a PGWP can continue working full-time while waiting for the decision if the applicable work authorization conditions remain satisfied.

A work permit itself is not a travel document and does not guarantee admission to Canada.

33. Medical Exams and PGWP Work Restrictions

Some occupations require an immigration medical examination before unrestricted work authorization can be issued.

This can be particularly relevant for graduates who intend to work in occupations involving:

• health care;
• child care;
• certain educational settings; or
• other occupations for which IRCC requires a medical examination.

IRCC currently advises PGWP applicants who want to work in an occupational setting requiring a medical exam to provide proof of an upfront medical examination where applicable.

Otherwise, the resulting PGWP may contain occupational restrictions.

34. Does a PGWP Lead to Permanent Residence?

A PGWP does not itself grant permanent residence.

However, work performed in Canada while holding valid work authorization can be relevant to permanent residence pathways.

Depending on the person's occupation, language ability, education and other circumstances, potential pathways can include:

• the Canadian Experience Class;
• other Express Entry programs;
• Provincial Nominee Programs; and
• other federal or provincial economic immigration programs.

For Express Entry planning, see the Express Entry Canada Complete Guide .

A graduate should not assume that every job performed while holding a PGWP will qualify as Canadian work experience for every permanent residence program. Each program has its own requirements.

35. Can a PGWP Holder Later Get a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Potentially.

A PGWP holder who later submits an eligible permanent residence application may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit if the applicable BOWP requirements are met.

BOWP eligibility is not automatic merely because the applicant holds a PGWP or has entered the Express Entry pool.

The permanent residence application must be under an eligible category and must reach the processing stage required by IRCC.

See the Bridging Open Work Permit Canada guide .

36. Can the Spouse of a PGWP Holder Get an Open Work Permit?

A spouse or common-law partner does not automatically qualify for an open work permit simply because the principal applicant holds a PGWP.

Family open work permit rules changed significantly in 2025 and depend on factors such as:

• the principal worker's occupation;
• whether the worker is on an eligible pathway to permanent residence;
• the remaining validity of the principal worker's work authorization; and
• the particular family-member category being relied on.

The spouse's eligibility should therefore be assessed separately.

See Spousal Open Work Permit Canada .

37. Can a Post-Graduation Work Permit Be Extended?

A PGWP is not ordinarily renewable simply because the holder wants additional time to work in Canada.

One important exception arises where IRCC issued the permit for less than the period for which the applicant was eligible because the applicant's passport expired earlier.

After obtaining a new passport, the holder may be able to apply for the remaining PGWP period.

IRCC currently requires this passport-related PGWP extension to be made on paper.

In other situations, a PGWP holder approaching expiry may need another work permit category, such as:

• a Bridging Open Work Permit;
• an LMIA-supported work permit;
• an LMIA-exempt work permit; or
• another category for which the person independently qualifies.

See Canada Work Permit Extension .

38. Common PGWP Eligibility Mistakes

Assuming every DLI program is PGWP-eligible

DLI status alone does not guarantee that a particular program supports PGWP eligibility.

Ignoring the November 1, 2024 rule changes

Most current applicants need qualifying language results, and many non-degree graduates are also subject to the field-of-study requirement.

Using the wrong language test

PGWP applicants should use an IRCC-accepted test and the correct test version, such as IELTS General Training rather than assuming any IELTS result will qualify.

Meeting the overall language score but missing one ability

The applicable CLB or NCLC minimum must be met in each required language ability.

Assuming a program title proves the CIP code

Field-of-study eligibility is based on the applicable six-digit CIP classification, not simply the marketing name of the program.

Studying part-time without assessing the PGWP consequences

Full-time status is generally required throughout the program except for recognized exceptions, including the final semester.

Missing the 180-day application deadline

PGWP eligibility is time-sensitive. The application must generally be submitted within 180 days after confirmation of program completion.

Assuming the 180-day deadline preserves status

The PGWP application deadline and the validity of temporary resident status are separate issues.

Working after graduation without confirming authorization

Only graduates who meet the applicable work authorization requirements can work while the PGWP application is processing.

Ignoring passport expiry

A short passport validity period can cause IRCC to issue a shorter PGWP.

Assuming a PGWP can simply be renewed

A PGWP is generally a one-time permit. Ordinary renewal is not available merely because the holder wants more time in Canada.

39. Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Checklist

40. Post-Graduation Work Permit Canada FAQs

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

A PGWP is an open work permit that can allow eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian institutions and programs to work in Canada after completing their studies.

Is every DLI graduate eligible for a PGWP?

No. Graduating from a DLI does not automatically establish PGWP eligibility. The institution, program and applicant must satisfy the applicable requirements.

How long must my program be for a PGWP?

Under the general rule, the program must be at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec credentials.

Do I need to study full-time?

Generally, yes. Applicants normally need to have maintained full-time student status during each semester, although the final semester may be part-time and other limited exceptions can apply.

How long do I have to apply after graduation?

You generally have up to 180 days after receiving confirmation that you completed your program.

Does my study permit need to remain valid for all 180 days?

No. IRCC requires that the study permit have been valid at some point during the 180-day period after program completion, although status and restoration issues must be assessed separately.

Can I apply for a PGWP if my study permit expired?

Potentially. A qualifying graduate may be able to apply within 90 days after the study permit expires and request restoration of student status while applying for the PGWP.

What language score do university degree graduates need?

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates currently need at least CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in each of the four language abilities.

What language score do college graduates need?

Graduates of other college, polytechnic and non-university programs generally need at least CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in each of the four abilities.

Which English tests are accepted for a PGWP?

IRCC currently accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core.

Which French tests are accepted?

IRCC currently accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

How old can my language test results be?

The results must be less than two years old when the PGWP application is submitted.

Do bachelor's degree graduates need an eligible field of study?

No. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree graduates are currently exempt from the PGWP field-of-study requirement.

Who needs an eligible field of study?

The requirement generally applies to affected graduates of other university, college, polytechnic and non-university programs who submitted their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, subject to the applicable transitional rules.

Will the PGWP eligible field list change in 2026?

IRCC has announced that no eligible fields of study will be added or removed during 2026.

What is a CIP code?

It is a six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs code used to classify a post-secondary program by field of study.

Can a one-year master's degree lead to a three-year PGWP?

Potentially, yes. An eligible master's degree program of at least 8 months, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs, can support a three-year PGWP if all other requirements are met.

Can a one-year college certificate lead to a three-year PGWP?

Not under the special master's degree rule. For most other programs shorter than two years, the PGWP may be issued for up to approximately the same length as the study program.

Can I combine two programs for PGWP duration?

Potentially. Each program generally must be PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec credentials, and the applicant must meet the requirements for each program.

Can I get a second PGWP?

Generally, no. A person who already received a PGWP after an earlier program is not normally eligible for another one.

Can I work while my PGWP application is processing?

Certain graduates can work full-time while waiting for a decision if they held a valid study permit when they applied, completed their program, were eligible for off-campus work and complied with the applicable work-hour limits while studying.

Can I keep working after the date on my PGWP work authorization letter?

If you meet IRCC's requirements for working while the PGWP application is processing, IRCC currently states that you can continue working until a decision even if the validity period shown on the WP-EXT for PGWP letter expires.

Can I travel while my PGWP is processing?

Potentially. IRCC states that a qualifying applicant can leave and re-enter Canada and continue working while waiting for the decision, but the person must independently satisfy the requirements for admission to Canada and hold any required TRV or eTA.

How much does a PGWP cost?

As of September 2026, the standard PGWP fees are $155 for the work permit plus the $100 open work permit holder fee, for a total of $255 before any additional applicable fees.

Does a PGWP require an LMIA?

No. A PGWP is an LMIA-exempt open work permit.

Does a PGWP require a job offer?

No specific employer job offer is normally required as the basis for a PGWP application.

Can a PGWP be extended?

It is not ordinarily renewable. A limited extension may be available where IRCC shortened the permit because the applicant's passport expired before the full eligible PGWP period.

Does a PGWP lead directly to permanent residence?

No. However, authorized Canadian work experience gained after graduation can be relevant to permanent residence programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or a Provincial Nominee Program, depending on the applicable requirements.