Post-Graduation Work Permit Canada.
Strategic PGWP guidance for international graduates navigating current program eligibility, language and field-of-study requirements, status, timing and work authorization.
Know Your PGWP Basics.
A PGWP is an open work permit for eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs. Eligibility depends on the program, study history, application timing and the rules that apply to your credential.
Eligible School Program
Your designated learning institution and the specific completed program must both support PGWP eligibility.
Full-Time Study History
You generally need full-time status during each academic session, with limited exceptions such as the final semester.
Language Test Evidence
Current applications generally require approved English or French results meeting the level for the study program.
Field-of-Study Rules
Affected non-degree graduates may need an eligible CIP code based on when the study permit application was submitted.
Check Your Position.
Choose the situation closest to your studies. This provides a preparation focus—not an eligibility decision.
Confirm Program and Language Rules
Review the PGWP eligibility of the program, full-time study history, completion documents, approved language results and 180-day application window.
Check Your PGWP Fit.
Before applying, connect the school, program, study history, completion date and current eligibility rules as one consistent file.
Eligible Canadian Program
The completed credential must come from a PGWP-eligible program at an eligible designated learning institution.
- DLI and program check
- Minimum program duration
- Completion confirmation
Consistent Study History
Your transcript and enrolment history should support the applicable full-time study requirements and any permitted exception.
- Full-time academic sessions
- Final-semester exception
- Authorized study status
Current Language Results
Approved English or French test results must meet the applicable benchmark in all four language abilities.
- Correct test type
- Required benchmark
- Valid results at submission
Eligible Study Field
Some non-degree programs require an eligible field of study based on the study permit application date and current CIP rules.
- Credential type
- Study permit date
- Program CIP code
Prepare Your PGWP File.
Use this private checklist to see whether the core graduation, study, language and status records are ready for review.
Estimate Your Deadline.
Enter the date your school first confirmed that you completed your program. This produces a planning estimate only; your official documents and status still need review.
Follow Four Clear Steps.
A disciplined sequence protects the application window and keeps eligibility, status and work authorization separate.
Confirm PGWP Eligibility
Review the DLI program, credential, study history and rules applying to your intake.
Collect Current Evidence
Prepare completion, transcript, language, field-of-study and status records.
Apply Within Time
Submit a complete online application within the applicable 180-day window.
Confirm Work Authority
Do not assume you may work while waiting; verify every required condition first.
Understand Permit Length.
Your PGWP length depends on the eligible program or programs completed, passport validity and the rules applying to your credential.
Shorter Eligible Programs
An eligible program lasting at least eight months but less than two years may support a permit up to approximately the same length.
Program length mattersMaster’s Degree Programs
An eligible master’s degree program of at least eight months may support a three-year PGWP under the current rules.
Credential-specific rulePrograms of Two Years
An eligible program of two years or longer may support a PGWP of up to three years, subject to passport validity.
Maximum is not automaticVerify Current Rules.
PGWP language, field-of-study and application requirements have changed in recent years. Confirm the rules applying to your credential and study-permit history before submitting.
Confirm Work Authorization.
Submitting a PGWP application does not automatically authorize work. The applicant must satisfy the current conditions for working while a decision is pending.
Applied Before Expiry
The PGWP application generally needs to be submitted while the study permit remains valid for the interim-work rules to apply.
Completed Your Program
The school must confirm that all program requirements have been completed before post-study work begins.
Eligible to Work
The student must have been eligible to work off campus without a work permit during studies and not exceeded the permitted hours.
Keep Filing Evidence
Retain the submission confirmation and any IRCC letter showing the conditions that apply while the application is processed.
Get Clear Answers.
Review the questions graduates most often ask about eligibility, timing, language evidence and working after submission.
Discuss your questions →No. The institution and the specific program must be PGWP eligible, and the graduate must satisfy the study-history, timing, language, field-of-study and status rules that apply.
You generally have up to 180 days after your school first confirms program completion. Your study permit must also have been valid at some point during that 180-day period.
For applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, most graduates need approved English or French results. The required level depends on the credential and program type.
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from the field-of-study requirement. It may apply to affected non-degree programs depending on the study-permit application date.
Only if every current IRCC condition is met. The application date, study-permit validity and eligibility to work during studies can all matter, so do not assume authorization.
Plan Your PGWP Application.
Connect your program, study history, language evidence, status and timing before the 180-day window becomes urgent.