Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit

The Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a popular pathway for international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies. This open work permit allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can later help in obtaining permanent residency.

What Is a Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit?

The PGWP is an open work permit issued to international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions. It enables them to work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada. Unlike employer-specific work permits, the PGWP does not require a job offer at the time of application.

The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of your completed program. It can be valid for up to three years. The work experience gained through a PGWP is especially useful for those planning to apply for permanent residence through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit Eligibility

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet several criteria defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Applicants must have completed a full-time study program of at least eight months in length at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. You must have maintained full-time status during every academic session of the program, with some exceptions allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time of application, you must provide a final transcript and an official letter from your DLI confirming the successful completion of your program.

Eligible Institutions

Only graduates from specific institutions can apply for a PGWP. These include public post-secondary schools such as universities, colleges, and CEGEPs in Quebec.

Some private institutions also qualify. In Quebec, private institutions that follow public rules or offer specific recognized programs (like the DEP or ASP) are eligible. Additionally, graduates of private institutions that are legally authorized to award degrees under provincial law—such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees—may be eligible if the program leads to such a degree.

Changes to PGWP Eligibility (2024 Update)

Canada has updated its PGWP eligibility rules to better align with labour market needs. These changes took effect in September and November 2024.

One major update concerns students attending curriculum licensing programs. These are private colleges delivering programs licensed by public colleges. As of September 1, 2024, these students are no longer eligible for the PGWP.

Another major update introduces language proficiency requirements for PGWP applicants. From November 1, 2024, applicants must prove proficiency in English or French:

University graduates: CLB 7
College graduates: CLB 5

Also, graduates from public colleges will only be eligible if their program relates to in-demand occupations in the Canadian labour market. These changes make it crucial for students to carefully choose both their program and institution.

Distance Learning

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC temporarily allowed students to complete studies online from abroad without affecting PGWP eligibility.

Students who submitted a study permit application before August 31, 2022, could complete up to 100% of their studies online and still qualify. However, starting September 1, 2023, any study time spent outside Canada is now deducted from the total PGWP duration.

This means if you begin studying online after this date, the time spent abroad will reduce the length of your future work permit.

Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit Application

You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days (six months) after receiving your final transcript and an official letter of completion from your DLI.

If your study permit is set to expire before receiving your final marks or graduation confirmation, you can either:

Apply to stay in Canada by obtaining a visitor record, or
Leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from abroad

To be eligible at the time of application, you must:

Have a valid study permit, or
Have held a study permit previously, or
Be authorized to study in Canada without a permit under section 188(1)(a) or (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Documents Required for a PGWP Application

You must include the following documents in your application:

An official transcript from your DLI
An official letter confirming that you completed your study program

These documents are mandatory. The IRCC may also request other supporting materials based on your case. Ensure all information is accurate and submitted within the deadline.

How Long Is a PGWP Valid?

The length of your PGWP depends directly on the length of your Canadian study program. Here’s how it works:

If your study program was less than eight months, you are not eligible for a PGWP. For programs between eight months and two years, the permit is valid for the same length as the program. So, if your course was ten months, your PGWP will also be ten months long.

If you completed a program of two years or more, you are eligible for a three-year PGWP. Recent IRCC policy changes now also allow master’s program graduates—even if their program is less than two years long—to receive a full three-year PGWP, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

If you completed multiple eligible programs, each at least eight months long, you may be able to combine them to qualify for a longer PGWP. The combined length of the programs will determine the PGWP duration.

Benefits of the Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit

The PGWP provides many advantages for international graduates looking to build a future in Canada. It allows them to enter the workforce without restrictions, earn Canadian work experience, and increase their chances of qualifying for permanent residence programs.

Through this work permit, many students transition into Canada’s workforce and settle permanently. Experience gained under a PGWP counts toward the Canadian Experience Class, part of the Express Entry system, and boosts points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Using PGWP Experience for Permanent Residency

To benefit from your PGWP when applying for permanent residence, the work experience must meet certain criteria. It should be:

Full-time or equivalent part-time
Paid employment
In an occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
Gained while holding a valid PGWP

This experience makes you eligible for a wide range of immigration programs, including Express Entry and PNPs.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many students unintentionally make choices that disqualify them from obtaining a PGWP. Avoid these pitfalls:

Studying at a non-eligible institution, taking a program under eight months, or failing to maintain full-time status can make you ineligible. Delays in applying—especially beyond the 180-day window—can also result in refusal.

Make sure to check your program’s eligibility and maintain clear records of your academic performance and institutional documentation. Choosing a recognized DLI and an eligible program are essential first steps toward securing a PGWP.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Work in Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.