Quick answer
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions work in Canada after they finish studying. Apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program. You'll need CLB 7 in English for a degree (CLB 5 for a college program) and, for non-degree programs, an eligible field of study. A PGWP lasts up to 3 years, and you can only get one.
Last reviewed against official Government of Canada sources. Rules change often: confirm with a counsellor before you apply.
- Minimum program length
- 8 months (900 hours in Quebec)
- Apply within
- 180 days of confirmation you completed your program
- Length
- Up to 3 years; 3 years for an eligible master's
- English (applications from 1 Nov 2024)
- CLB 7 for degrees; CLB 5 for college programs
Who can get a PGWP
- You completed a program of at least 8 months (900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
- You studied full time in every semester (part time is allowed in your final semester).
- You apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program, and your study permit was valid at some point in those 180 days.
- You meet the language requirement and, if it applies to you, the field-of-study requirement.
How long your PGWP lasts
| Your program | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| Master's degree of at least 8 months | 3 years (since 15 February 2024) |
| 8 months to under 2 years | Up to the length of your program |
| 2 years or longer | 3 years |
If you completed more than one eligible program of at least 8 months each, their lengths can be combined. Your PGWP can't run past your passport's expiry date; after renewing your passport, you can apply on paper to extend it.
Language requirement
For PGWP applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024, you need an approved language test result showing, in all four skills (exact scores in CLB to IELTS):
- CLB 7 in English (or NCLC 7 in French) for a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, or another university program
- CLB 5 in English (or NCLC 5 in French) for a college, polytechnic or other non-university program
Field-of-study requirement
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree graduates have no field-of-study requirement. Graduates of other university programs, and of college, polytechnic or non-university programs, must have studied in an eligible field if they applied for their study permit on or after 1 November 2024. Comparing options? See PG diploma vs master's.
Online study counts against you
For study on or after 1 September 2024, at least 50% of your program must be completed in class in Canada. If more than half of your program was distance learning, you're not eligible.
Who isn't eligible
- You've already received a PGWP.
- You studied English or French as a second language, or took general-interest or self-improvement courses.
- You completed a non-credit program (flight school programs excepted).
- Your studies were funded by Global Affairs Canada with a requirement to return home.
- You studied at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
After your PGWP
Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP can open pathways to permanent residence, such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. Licensed RCICs handle every immigration application we support.
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