Work in Canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Turn your Canadian education into Canadian work experience. The PGWP is an open work permit for eligible graduates of designated learning institutions, and often the bridge to permanent residence.

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KEY REQUIREMENTS

What You Need to Qualify

Program

An Eligible Program

Your program must be at least 8 months long (900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution, and you must have studied full time in each academic session, except the final one.

Language

Language Test Results

Applicants must show official language results in all four abilities:

  • Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs: CLB 7 / NCLC 7
  • College, polytechnic and other non-university programs: CLB 5 / NCLC 5
Field of Study

Field of Study Requirement

If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024 and studied in a college or polytechnic program, or a university program other than a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, your program must be in a field linked to occupations in long-term shortage.

PERMIT LENGTH

How Long Your PGWP Can Be

A PGWP cannot be valid beyond your passport’s expiry date, and you can hold only one PGWP in your lifetime, so timing matters.

Programs of 8 Months to Under 2 Years

The PGWP may be valid for up to the length of your study program. A 9-month program, for example, may lead to a PGWP of up to 9 months.

Up to program length

Programs of 2 Years or Longer

Graduates of programs of 2 years or more may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years.

Up to 3 years

Master’s Degrees

Graduates of a master’s program of at least 8 months may apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if the program was shorter than 2 years.

3 yearsSince Feb 2024
TIMING

Deadlines and Working While You Wait

  • Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation (such as a final transcript or completion letter) that you completed your program.
  • You may work full time while your application is processed if, when you applied, you held a valid study permit, had completed your program, were eligible to work off campus, and had not exceeded the off-campus work-hour limit during academic sessions.
  • Renew your passport first if it expires soon — the PGWP will not be issued beyond it.
OUR SERVICE

How We Support Your PGWP

Eligibility Review

Program, school, field of study and language checks

Document Preparation

Completion proof, transcripts and test results

Application

Accurate, on-time submission

PR Planning

Using your Canadian experience toward PR

FAQ
No. You can receive only one PGWP in your lifetime, even if you complete another program later.
No. It applies to college and polytechnic programs and to university programs other than bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, where the study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
Your PGWP will not be valid beyond your passport’s expiry date. If possible, renew your passport before applying so you receive the full permit length.
Yes. Skilled work experience gained on a PGWP may help you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry or for provincial nominee programs.

Requirements change frequently. The information on this page summarizes IRCC guidance as reviewed in September 2026 and is for general information only. For current rules, see the official Government of Canada page, or book a consultation for advice on your situation.

NEXT STEP

Make the Most of Your Canadian Degree

Your PGWP is a one-time opportunity. We help you apply correctly and plan the work experience that leads to permanent residence.

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