Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca/PGWP
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
What is a PGWP?
The PGWPPGWP: Post-Graduation Work Permit — an open work permit (no specific employer required) that lets you work anywhere in Canada after graduating from an eligible Canadian program. Valid for up to 3 years. is an open work permit — meaning you can work for any employer in any occupation in Canada. It is available to graduates of eligible Canadian programs at eligible DLIDLI: Designated Learning Institution — a school approved by a province to host international students and, for PGWP purposes, specifically approved to offer PGWP-eligible programs..
The PGWP is the bridge between your degree and the Canadian work experience you need for Express Entry.
→ Study → PR Pathway Map — see where PGWP fits
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:
- Have graduated full-time from a PGWP-eligible DLI and program
- Your program must be at least 8 months long
- Apply within 180 days of receiving your official confirmation of program completion
- Meet the language requirement (applies if your study permit was applied for on or after November 1, 2024)
- Your program must be on the eligible field-of-study list (applies to non-degree programs where study permit was applied for on/after November 1, 2024)
The language requirement (2024 rule)
If your study permit was applied for on or after November 1, 2024, you must prove your language ability at the time you apply for a PGWP:
| Program type | Minimum CLBCLB: Canadian Language Benchmark — IRCC's English/French proficiency scale. CLB 7 = upper intermediate. CLB 5 = intermediate. |
|---|---|
| University (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) | CLB/NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities |
| College bachelor's degree | CLB/NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities |
| Other college / non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities |
| PGWP-eligible flight school | Exempt — separate rules apply |
Your language test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of your PGWP application.
Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP (for English); TEF Canada or TCF Canada (for French).
The field-of-study requirement (2024 rule, non-degree programs)
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 other non-degree credential), your program's CIP codeCIP code: Classification of Instructional Programs code — the taxonomy IRCC uses to classify fields of study. Your program's CIP code must be on IRCC's approved list for you to get a PGWP. must appear on IRCC's eligible field-of-study list.
Degree programs (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) are exempt from this requirement.
The eligible list was expanded from 920 to 1,107 programs in 2025. IRCC stated in January 2026 that no changes to the list are planned for the rest of 2026. Always confirm your program on the IRCC eligible list.
→ Choosing a PGWP-Eligible School & Program — verify before you enrol
How long is a PGWP?
PGWP length is tied to your program length, up to a maximum of 3 years:
| Your program | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| 8 months to under 2 years | Equal to program length |
| 2 years or longer | Up to 3 years |
| Master's degree ≥ 8 months | 3 years (effective Feb 15, 2024) |
The master's rule is significant: a 1-year master's now qualifies for a 3-year PGWP.
The 180-day window
You have 180 days from the date on your official confirmation of program completion (transcript, letter of completion, or convocation) to apply for your PGWP. Apply as soon as you receive that confirmation — do not wait for convocation ceremonies.
If you miss the 180-day window, you lose eligibility for the PGWP. There are very limited exceptions.
How to apply
- Graduate and receive your official completion confirmation.
- Take a language test (if required) — ensure results are less than 2 years old.
- Apply online through the IRCC portal within 180 days.
- While your application is processing, you may be authorized to continue working under "maintained status" (implied status) — check current IRCC guidance.
- Receive your PGWP — it will specify the expiry date and conditions.
What to do with your PGWP
Use your PGWP time strategically:
- Build skilled work experience in a NOCNOC: National Occupational Classification — the job classification system. TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 = skilled roles eligible for CEC. TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation — this is what qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class.
- Accumulate 1 year of eligible experience as quickly as possible — that's the CEC threshold.
- Create your Express Entry profile once you have ≥1 year of Canadian work experience.
- If your PGWP is expiring while your PR application is pending, you may qualify for a BOWPBOWP: Bridging Open Work Permit — lets you keep working legally while your PR application is in progress..
→ Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) → Canadian Experience Class (CEC) → CRS Calculator