Post Graduation Work Permit
Canada’s Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) is a lifeline for international students who dream of building a future in Canada. Designed to make the transition from study to work seamless, the PGWP allows graduates from Designated Canadian Learning Institution (DLI) to work full-time for any employer, without needing a job offer upfront. Depending on the length of your studies, this open work permit can last up to three years, giving you the freedom to gain meaningful Canadian work experience. For many, the PGWP is more than just a work permit – it’s an opportunity to grow professionally, expand horizons, and take the first steps toward permanent residency. With Canadian work experience playing a key role in immigration pathways, the PGWP helps turn dreams into reality, making Canada not just a place to study, but a place to call home.
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What is a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP )?
The PGWP allows graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to work full time for any employer, without needing a job offer upfront. With durations ranging from 8 months to 3 years, this open work permit gives you the freedom to start your Canadian career and gain experience that can lead to permanent residency.]
Key Benefits
✓ No job offer required.
✓ Work full time immediately after applying (if your study permit is valid).
✓ Opportunity to transition to permanent residency through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Eligibility Requirements For PGWP
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have:
- Completed a program of study from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that lasted at least eight months and led to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- Studied full-time each academic session (excludes scheduled breaks), with following exceptions:
- You studied part-time in your final academic session only.
- You took an authorized leave in studies for less than 150 days.
- You stopped studying or changed to part-time studies between March 2020 and the fall semester in 2020 for reasons related to COVID-19.
- Received your degree/diploma, transcript, or an official letter of completion from your school.
- Graduated from a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, a trade or technical school, a university, CEGEP (in Quebec), a private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec, a private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer and results in the issuance of a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) or a Canadian private school that can award degrees under provincial law (for example, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree) but only if the student was enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.
- A valid study permit or visitor record.
- Applied to extend your study permit before it expired, and no decision has been made on your application.
- Applied to change your status to visitor before your study permit expired.
- Apply within 180 days after you graduate.
- none of the exceptions to the PGWP eligibility requirements apply to you
Eligibility Requirements Based on Study Program
If You Graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree
- Language: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French (all skills).
- Program Length: At least 900 hours in Quebec or 8 months outside Quebec.
- Field of Study: No restrictions.
If You Graduated from Any Other University Program
- Language: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French (all skills).
- Program Length: At least 900 hours in Quebec or 8 months outside Quebec.
- Field of Study: No restrictions before November 1, 2024; eligible field required after.
If You Graduated from a College or Non-University Program
- Language: CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French (all skills).
- Program Length: At least 900 hours in Quebec or 8 months outside Quebec.
- Field of Study: No restrictions before November 1, 2024; eligible field required after.
If You Graduated from a Flight School
- Language: No requirement.
- Program Length: At least 8 months or 900 hours.
- Additional Requirements: You must complete training at a DLI approved school and hold a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or be working on an instructor’s rating with a job offer as a flight instructor at a DLI training center.
Field of Study Requirements
If your program has specific field of study requirements, it must align with jobs in areas experiencing long term worker shortages. The fields of study are divided into 5 broad categories:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Health care
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
PGWP Eligibility Based on Your Location
You can apply for a PGWP whether you’re in Canada or outside, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements.
If You’re in Canada
- You must be a graduate who meets all eligibility criteria.
- If your study permit is expiring before receiving your final marks, you can either apply for a visitor record to stay longer or leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from abroad.
- If your permit expires while you’re still in Canada, you must restore your status as a student before applying, which includes additional fees.
If You’re Outside Canada
You must meet all PGWP requirements, including:
- Having a valid study permit or having applied for one before starting your program.
- Your study program was ongoing in March 2020, or you started between spring 2020 and summer 2022.
- Only the time spent studying after your study permit application was submitted counts toward your PGWP length.
PGWP Key Points
Duration: Your PGWP matches the length of your study program, from 8 months to a maximum of 3 years.
In-Person Classes: At least 50% of your program must have been completed in person.
Part-Time or Accelerated Studies: The PGWP duration reflects the full-time length of your program, even if you studied part-time or accelerated your studies.
One Time Issuance: You can only get a PGWP once, so plan carefully!
Work Authorization: You can start working full-time as soon as you apply for your PGWP, as long as your study permit is still valid – no extra work permit needed.
Apply from Anywhere: You can apply for your PGWP from outside Canada after finishing your studies.
Special Cases for PGWP Eligibility
If your situation is unique, you might still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Here’s how it works:
Finishing Your Program Early: If you complete your program faster than expected, you could still qualify for a PGWP based on the full program length. For example, finishing a one-year program in eight months can still get you a one-year PGWP.
Distance Learning: During COVID-19, until August 31, 2022, students were allowed to complete their entire program online from outside Canada if they couldn’t travel due to the pandemic. This applied to those who started their program between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, or were already enrolled in March 2020, as long as they had or applied for a study permit. However, from September 1, 2022, onwards, at least 50% of the program must be completed in-person in Canada to qualify for a PGWP, and any time spent studying outside Canada after September 1, 2024, will not be counted toward PGWP
Taking a Break from Studies: If you had to take a break, an authorized leave of up to 150 days won’t affect your eligibility, as long as your school approved it. Unauthorized leaves, however, can disqualify you.
Switching Schools: If you transferred schools, make sure you studied for at least 8 months in total. If you moved from a non-DLI to a DLI, only the time spent at the DLI (minimum 8 months) counts toward your eligibility.
Studying Abroad and in Canada: If your school gave you credit for studying overseas, you might still qualify, but your PGWP will only cover the time you spent studying in Canada.
Flight School Graduates: If you completed training at a DLI-approved flight school, you can qualify if you hold a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or have a job offer as a flight instructor at a DLI training center.
Quebec Graduates: For vocational and technical training in Quebec, your program must be at least 900 hours at a PGWP-eligible DLI. When applying, include an official letter from your school with program details, your certificate, or transcript.
Who Are Not Eligible for a PGWP?
Unfortunately, not all international students qualify for PGWP. Here are the situations where you wouldn’t be eligible:
- You’ve already received a PGWP in the past (it’s a one-time opportunity).
- Your studies focused primarily on English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL).
- You enrolled in general interest or self-improvement courses.
- Your studies were funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) or as part of programs like the Government of Canada Awards, Equal Opportunity Scholarship (Canada–Chile), or the Canada–China Scholars Exchange Program.
- You participated in the Organization of American States Fellowship Program.
- Most of your program credits were completed through distance learning.
- You studied at a non-Canadian institution, even if the program was delivered in Canada.
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FAQs About PGWP
It allows graduates of eligible Canadian DLI’s to gain work experience in Canada. It’s an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer.
Eligibility is primarily for full-time students, but part-time study in your last semester is acceptable.
No, you can apply without a job offer, giving you the flexibility to search for employment post-graduation.
PGWP is typically issued only once after completing your first eligible study program. For example, if you complete a 2-year diploma program and receive a 3-year PGWP, you cannot apply for another PGWP after completing an additional study program. However, the PGWP’s validity is tied to your passport validity. If you are eligible for a 3-year PGWP but receive only 2 years due to your passport’s expiration date, you can extend your PGWP for the remaining year by renewing your passport. This extension is contingent on meeting the eligibility criteria and having a valid passport for the entire requested duration.
Yes, special considerations are given to various academic situations like accelerated programs and study breaks.
Your PGWP is tied to your passport’s validity; renew your passport for the full PGWP period.
Unapproved breaks can impact eligibility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuous, full-time enrollment.
Yes, post-graduate diplomas are considered, as long as they meet PGWP standards.
Its duration mirrors your study program, ranging from 8 months to a maximum of 3 years.
Yes, you have 180 days post-study permit expiry, provided you maintain legal status.
Yes, this interim period allows you to work full-time while your application is processed.
Yes, but ensure your re-entry documents like a visitor visa or eTA are valid.
As long as it’s part of a Canadian program, you’re eligible.
The minimum duration for PGWP eligibility is 8 months, aligned with substantial academic programs.
No, whether it’s a diploma or a degree, the focus is on meeting other eligibility criteria.
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