Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca/PGWP eligibility
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
Why this matters so much
The PGWPPGWP: Post-Graduation Work Permit — an open work permit available after graduating from an eligible Canadian program. It lets you work anywhere in Canada for up to 3 years. PGWP-obtained work experience is the most common way to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry. is often called the "golden ticket" for international students aiming for permanent residence. But not every school — and not every program — makes you eligible for it.
Choosing the wrong institution or program can mean graduating with no legal path to stay and work. This guide tells you exactly what to look for.
Rule 1: Your school must be a PGWP-eligible DLI
Your school must be a DLIDLI: Designated Learning Institution — a school approved by its province to host international students. Not all DLIs are PGWP-eligible. that is specifically authorized to offer PGWP-eligible programs. Check the official DLI list on canada.ca — look for the "PGWP-eligible" column.
Generally eligible:
- Canadian public post-secondary institutions (universities, colleges, CEGEPs in Quebec, technical institutes)
- Most public language schools attached to a college or university
- PGWP-eligible flight schools (specific list on IRCC site)
- Private post-secondary institutions in certain provinces under specific conditions
Generally not eligible:
- Most private career colleges (some exceptions exist)
- Online-only programs from a school that would otherwise be eligible (verify: your program must include the required on-campus/in-person component)
Rule 2: Your program must be at least 8 months
To qualify for a PGWP:
- Your program must be 8 months or longer in duration.
- You must study full-time (part-time studies generally don't count toward PGWP length).
A program shorter than 8 months does not qualify for a PGWP, even if your school is eligible.
Rule 3: The field-of-study requirement (non-degree programs, Nov 1 2024+)
This rule applies if:
- Your study permit was applied for on or after November 1, 2024, AND
- Your program is not a degree (i.e., it is a diploma, certificate, or another non-degree credential).
In that case, your program's CIP codeCIP code: Classification of Instructional Programs code — a standardized taxonomy IRCC uses to classify fields of study. For non-degree PGWP applicants, your program's CIP code must appear on IRCC's approved eligible-field-of-study list. must appear on IRCC's eligible field-of-study list.
Degree graduates are exempt — if you are completing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, the field-of-study requirement does not apply to you.
The eligible list was expanded from 920 to 1,107 programs in 2025. IRCC confirmed in January 2026 that no further changes to the list are planned for the rest of 2026.
→ Confirm your program's eligibility on canada.ca's PGWP eligibility page — IRCC publishes the full list.
How long is a PGWP?
PGWP length generally matches your program length, up to a maximum of 3 years:
| Program length | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| 8 months to under 2 years | Equal to program length |
| 2 years or longer | Up to 3 years |
| Master's ≥8 months | 3 years (rule effective Feb 15, 2024) |
The master's-to-3-year rule is significant: graduates of master's programs of at least 8 months are now entitled to a 3-year PGWP regardless of program length (provided all other eligibility criteria are met).
How to verify your specific school and program
- Check the DLI list: canada.ca DLI list — confirm PGWP eligibility column.
- Confirm your program's CIP code (if you are in a non-degree program and applied for your study permit on or after Nov 1, 2024): ask your admissions office or registrar for the CIP code, then verify it against IRCC's eligible list.
- Check program length: confirm full-time duration is ≥8 months.
- Verify IRCC's current rules at canada.ca/PGWP eligibility — the field-of-study list and rules can change.
Common traps to avoid
- Transferring schools mid-study can affect your PGWP eligibility — the final credential must come from an eligible institution.
- Going part-time (even for one semester) can shorten or eliminate your PGWP.
- Online-only programs may not qualify even from an eligible school — verify the delivery format.
- Stacking short programs doesn't automatically give you a longer PGWP — only the program you are graduating from counts.
The payoff: PGWP → CEC → PR
If you choose a qualifying school and program, graduate, and apply within 180 days of getting your completion confirmation, you get an open work permit valid for up to 3 years. That work permit gives you time to build the skilled Canadian work experience needed for the Canadian Experience Class — the most common federal path to permanent residence for former international students.
→ Study → PR Pathway Map → Canadian Experience Class (CEC)