Graduated in Canada?Turn it into work experience.
The PGWP is an open work permit that lets eligible graduates work for most Canadian employers and build the experience that supports a future permanent residence pathway.
- Up to 3 yrs
- Possible permit length
- 180 days
- Deadline to apply after completion
- Open permit
- Not tied to one employer
- CLB 5–7
- Language requirement, by credential
Overview
Overview
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program gives eligible international graduates an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. The permit may be valid for up to three years, depending on the type and length of the completed program and the expiry date of the passport.
Because it is an open work permit, a PGWP is not normally tied to one employer or occupation. That flexibility helps graduates enter the labour market and build the skilled work history required by some economic immigration programs.
Not every program offered by a designated learning institution qualifies. Before applying — ideally before enrolling — confirm that both the institution and the specific program are PGWP-eligible.
Can I study overseas and still be eligible?
Distance-learning rules depend on when the program or study permit application began. The temporary COVID-19 policies that permitted extensive overseas online study have ended.
For a program with a lock-in date on or after September 1, 2024, a student must generally complete at least 50% of the program in class in Canada. Time studied outside Canada is deducted when IRCC calculates the potential length of the permit, and online study from outside Canada after August 31, 2024 does not count toward it.
Different transitional rules may apply to programs started between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2024. A careful review matters when a program included online study, an overseas component, a transfer, or time spent outside Canada.
How long is a PGWP valid?
The final validity period is decided by IRCC and cannot extend beyond passport validity. A PGWP is generally available only once, so check your passport and your complete study history before submitting.
- Programs shorter than eight months: generally not eligible, subject to specific Quebec and special-case rules.
- Eight months to under two years: a permit may be issued for up to the same length as the program.
- Master’s degrees: an eligible program of at least eight months may qualify for a three-year permit even if under two years.
- Two years or longer: a permit may be issued for up to three years.
- More than one program: lengths may sometimes be combined when each program meets the requirements.
The detail
What you need to know
Eligibility requirements
- Complete a PGWP-eligible program at an eligible designated learning institution.
- Program lasting at least eight months, or at least 900 hours for certain Quebec credentials.
- Full-time status during each academic semester; part-time generally permitted in the final semester.
- Written confirmation and a transcript showing program requirements were completed.
- Apply within 180 days after the school confirms completion.
- Held a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days, unless an exception applies.
Language and field of study
- Most applications on or after November 1, 2024 require approved English or French test results.
- University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral): generally CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in each ability.
- College, polytechnic and other non-university graduates: generally CLB / NCLC 5 in each ability.
- Degree graduates are not subject to a field-of-study requirement.
- Other graduates may need an eligible field of study if the study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
Deadline and status
You generally have 180 days after the institution confirms completion. If your study permit expires before final marks are available, you may apply for a visitor record to stay, or apply from outside Canada. Staying past expiry may require restoration and additional fees. Some graduates may work full-time while the application is processed if they held a valid study permit when applying, completed their program, and were eligible to work off campus without exceeding permitted hours.
Who may not qualify
- Already received a PGWP previously.
- Completed a non-eligible program, or only English/French as a second language.
- General-interest or most non-credit courses.
- Exceeded permitted distance learning.
- Failed to comply with study permit conditions, or took unauthorized leave.
- Public-private curriculum licensing programs are generally not eligible.
Checklist
Supporting documents commonly required
- 01Official letter confirming completion of the program.
- 02Official transcript, or an accepted transcript obtained through the institution.
- 03Valid passport and copies of relevant passport pages.
- 04Current and previous Canadian immigration documents.
- 05Approved language test results, where the requirement applies.
- 06Evidence that the program meets any applicable field-of-study requirement.
- 07Explanations and records for authorized leave, transfers, part-time semesters, distance learning or status issues.
Step by step
How the process works
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check the institution, the program and your study history.
- 2
Calculate the deadline
Work back from the completion confirmation date.
- 3
Language and field check
Confirm which requirements apply to your credential.
- 4
Gather documents
Completion letter, transcript, passport, status records.
- 5
Submit online
File before the 180-day deadline closes.
- 6
Work while waiting
Confirm every condition before starting or continuing work.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Generally 180 days after your school confirms that you completed your program. Your study permit must also have been valid at some point during those 180 days.
Depending on the credential and program length, a permit may be issued for up to three years. Passport expiry can shorten it.
A PGWP is generally available only once in a lifetime.
Some graduates may, if they held a valid study permit when they applied, completed their program, and were eligible to work off campus during their studies without exceeding the permitted hours. Confirm every condition before you begin.
Next step
Protect your PGWP deadline
We review your institution and program, calculate the application deadline, assess language and field-of-study requirements, examine study gaps or transfers, prepare supporting documents, and identify status concerns before submission.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
Talk to a regulated consultant
We confirm eligibility, flag the risks, and build the document plan before anything is filed.
Book consultationFree assessment