Canada PGWP – Post-Graduation Work Permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible international graduates of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada to work for any employer after completing their studies. PGWP helps graduates gain valuable Canadian work experience that can later support permanent residency applications through programs like Express Entry and PNP streams.

To qualify, graduates must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months, maintain valid study status, and apply within 180 days of receiving their confirmation of graduation. Programs completed mostly in-person are eligible, while over 50% online studies may affect eligibility. The permit’s duration depends on the length of the study program, up to 3 years for programs of two or more academic years.

PGWP Eligibility

To be eligible for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international graduates must meet a set of requirements outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the official Government of Canada website.​

Key PGWP Eligibility Criteria

• Completion of a program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).​
• Maintenance of full-time student status throughout each academic session, except for the final semester or certain authorized breaks.​
• Application for the PGWP within 180 days of confirmation of program completion.​
• Possession of a valid study permit during the studies and/or at some point in the 180 days before applying.​
• For non-degree (diploma or certificate) programs, the field of study must appear on the government-approved list at the time of applying.​
• Successful completion of a recognized immigration language test: CLB/NCLC 5 for diploma/certificate programs and CLB/NCLC 7 for degree programs.​
• Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs are exempt from the field of study requirement, but all must meet the general criteria.​
• Applicants may only receive one PGWP in their lifetime.​
• Some special provisions or exceptions may apply for cases like authorized leave or study gaps, as outlined by IRCC.

Canada’s Post-Graduate Work Permit program maintains an official list of eligible fields of study on the canada.ca website. All bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs remain fully PGWP-eligible, regardless of their field. For diploma, certificate, and non-degree programs, eligibility is limited to specific fields identified by Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes that address Canada’s skilled labour needs—such as healthcare, engineering, social work, education, STEM, skilled trades, and more.

Examples of PGWP-Eligible Fields

• Healthcare & Social Services: Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Pharmacy, Psychology, Dentistry, Occupational Therapy.
• Engineering & Technology: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and other engineering technologist/technician programs.
• Education: Teaching, Early Childhood Education, Subject-Specific Instruction (e.g., Earth Science, Geography).
• Skilled Trades: Culinary Arts, Pipefitting, Cabinetmaking, Construction Management, Precision Agriculture.
• STEM Fields: Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Science and Mathematics
• Veterinary Science: Veterinary Technology, Animal Health Programs.
• Other key sectors: Community Organization, Advocacy, Rehabilitation, Art Therapy, Pain Management, Public Health Genetics.

PGWP Requirements

To receive a PGWP, international graduates must complete qualifying studies at a designated Canadian institution, maintain valid status, and apply within a strict timeline. Let’s check basic requirements:

Proof that you’ve completed your studies

• Degree or diploma
• Official letter from your school
• Official transcript (or transcript copy from DLI’s website)
• (Must be from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution and program)

Proof that you were enrolled in full-time studies

• Official transcript from your DLI
• Copy of transcript from the DLI’s website

Proof of language ability (for applications submitted on or after Nov 1, 2024)

• English or French language test results
• Must show ability in reading, writing, listening, speaking
• Tests accepted: CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training), TEF Canada, TCF Canada, PTE Core
• Test results must be less than 2 years old at time of application
• Exemptions apply (e.g. PGWP-eligible flight schools)

Proof that you graduated in an eligible field of study (if applicable)

• Evidence that your program matches an eligible Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code

Proof of upfront medical exam (if applicable)

• If your intended job/work setting requires it, you should do a medical exam in advance.
• Having valid medical exam results may allow your PGWP to be issued without conditions limiting job types.

How to Apply for PGWP?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. This process can be completed from inside or outside Canada as long as you meet all eligibility criteria.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the general and program-specific requirements:

• Completed a program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible institution.
• Maintained full-time student status (except in final term or authorized leave).
• Applied within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion.
• Your study permit was valid at some point in those 180 days.
  Otherwise, if your study permit has expired, you must restore your status within 90 days.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need to prepare:

• Proof of program completion (degree, diploma, or letter of completion).
• Official or online transcript from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Copy of your study permit.
• Passport (must be valid for the expected duration of PGWP).
• Language test results (if required for your field of study under the new 2024–2025 rules).
• Proof of eligible field of study (for non-degree programs).
• Upfront medical exam proof (if applicable).

Step 3: Apply Online

Most applicants must apply online through their IRCC account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner).

1. Go to the IRCC website and sign in.
2. Use the online tool to answer questions and generate your personalized document checklist.
3. Upload all documents in the required sections, language test results and field eligibility proof go under “Client Information” if not automatically requested.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

You’ll pay online using a credit or debit card:

• PGWP fee: includes open work permit holder fee.
  If restoring student status due to an expired permit, pay the restoration fee as instructed and attach a receipt to your PGWP application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After uploading documents and paying fees:

• Review and confirm everything is accurate.
• Submit your application online before the 180-day deadline.
• You can stay in Canada while awaiting a decision if your study permit was valid at the time of applying.

Step 6: Wait for Processing and Receive Your Permit

You’ll receive an acknowledgment from IRCC once your application is submitted. Processing times vary, but you’ll be notified when:

• The decision is made, and
• Your PGWP (work permit) is mailed or available digitally.

You can then begin working full-time in any occupation across Canada once your PGWP is approved. If you applied within Canada with a valid study permit, you may also work while awaiting approval.

PGWP Processing Time

Online applications inside Canada: approximately 8–10 weeks from the date IRCC receives your complete application.

Applications from outside Canada: generally take 12–16 weeks, as they include additional verification and travel document steps.

The processing time starts the day IRCC receives a complete application, including biometrics if required, and ends when a final decision is made.

PGWP Validity

The Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) validity depends on the length of your study program and the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

1. 8 months to <2 years: PGWP valid for the same duration as program length.
2. 2 years or more: PGWP valid for 3 years.
3. Master’s programs (since Feb 15, 2024): Eligible for a 3‑year PGWP even if program duration is less than 2 years (minimum 8 months required).
4. Multiple eligible programs: Duration can be combined if each is at least 8 months long and PGWP‑eligible.
5. Passport limitation: If your passport expires earlier, the PGWP will be issued only until that date, and you can later extend it with a renewed passport.