- A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee permanent residence.
- Graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically make you eligible. Your school and program must be PGWP-eligible, and you must meet the other requirements.
- Most applicants must provide proof of English or French language ability. Depending on your program and when you applied for your study permit, you may also need to graduate from a program in an eligible field of study.
- Check IRCC’s current eligibility rules and program lists before choosing a school or program.
Are you thinking about studying in Canada and want to work there after graduation? Great news! In this guide, you'll learn which Canadian university and college programs qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What is a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?
A PGWP is a special permit that lets international students stay in Canada and get a job after graduation. You can work for any employer anywhere in Canada.
Graduating from a designated learning institution (DLI) does not automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. The school and program must be PGWP-eligible, and you must meet all other requirements. The field-of-study rule exempts graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, but other university programs may be subject to it. Requirements can also depend on when you applied for your study permit.
A post-graduation work permit can lead to long-term opportunities in Canada, such as gaining valuable work experience that can help you apply for permanent residency.
Different rules between universities and colleges
Not all schools and programs make you eligible for a PGWP, so it’s important to choose carefully if you are an international student planning to work in Canada after school.
PGWP eligibility depends on the school, program, and applicant’s circumstances—not simply whether the school is called a university or college. Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree do not have to meet the field-of-study requirement.
Applicants from other university, college, polytechnic, or non-university programs may need to meet it, depending on when they applied for their study permit.
If the field-of-study requirement applies to you, your program must match an eligible six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
Current eligible fields include:
- agriculture and agri-food,
- education,
- healthcare and social services,
- STEM,
- trades
- transport.
Not every program in these broad categories qualifies; check your program’s CIP code and IRCC’s current list before enrolling.
How to know if you can get a PGWP after graduating
To qualify, you generally must graduate from a PGWP-eligible program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
- The program must be at least eight months long, or 900 hours for Quebec programs.
- You must generally have studied full-time in Canada during each semester; part-time study may be allowed in your final semester.
- You must also apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed the program.
Most applicants who apply on or after November 1, 2024, must provide language test results.
- Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, and graduates from other university programs, generally need CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language areas.
- Graduates from college, polytechnic, or other non-university programs generally need CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four areas.
- PGWP-eligible flight-school graduates are exempt from these language and field-of-study requirements.
Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree do not have a field-of-study requirement.
- For other programs, the field requirement may apply depending on when you applied for your study permit. Check IRCC’s current rules for your specific situation.
Tips for choosing the right program
These tips are crucial for students who want to work in Canada after graduation. They help ensure that they choose a program that makes them eligible for a PGWP.
- Check IRCC’s list of PGWP-eligible designated learning institutions and, if the field-of-study requirement applies to you, the current list of eligible CIP codes. Confirm that the specific program—not just the institution—is eligible.
- Talk to an Advisor. Talk to a school advisor if you’re unsure if your program qualifies. They can help you choose a program that meets your goals and is eligible for a PGWP.
- Stay Updated. Rules can change, so stay updated on the latest information about PGWPs. You can find updates on the Canadian immigration website.
Benefits of Getting a PGWP
It's important to know the typical challenges or misconceptions about getting a PGWP. For example, not all programs make you eligible, and applying within the right time frame after graduation is crucial.
- Work Anywhere in Canada: With a PGWP, you can work for any employer in any province or territory.
- Gain Valuable Experience: Working in Canada after graduation helps you gain experience in your field, which looks great on your resume.
- Canadian work experience: A PGWP may let you gain Canadian work experience that could help you qualify for certain permanent-residence programs. A PGWP does not guarantee eligibility for permanent residence or approval.
Final thoughts
Canada is an amazing place to study, and the PGWP is a fantastic opportunity for international students to start building their careers. By choosing the right program, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of your time in Canada.
If you’re interested in studying in Canada and want to learn more about PGWP-eligible programs, check the official resources and talk to advisors who can guide you. Your dream of studying and working in Canada is closer than you think!
Additional resources:
- Study in Canada: The Ultimate Guide for a Masters
- What Is the Difference Between Colleges and Universities in Canada
- Best Universities in Canada
- Top Quality and Affordable Master's Degrees in Canada
- How to Apply to an International University in Canada
FAQs About Post-Graduation Work Permits in Canada
1. What are the eligibility criteria for a PGWP?
You generally need to complete a program of at least eight months, or 900 hours for Quebec programs, at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution. You must generally maintain full-time student status during each semester, with part-time study allowed in your final semester, and apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program. Most applicants must also meet a language requirement. Depending on your program and when you applied for your study permit, a field-of-study requirement may apply. Check IRCC’s current eligibility rules.
2. Can I apply for a PGWP if I study part-time?
You generally need to have maintained full-time student status during each semester of your program. You may study part-time during your final semester and still qualify, if you meet the other requirements.
3. How long is a PGWP valid?
PGWP length depends on your program, credential, and passport expiry date. For most programs of at least eight months but less than two years, IRCC may issue a permit for up to the length of the program. A master’s degree program that is at least eight months long may qualify for a three-year PGWP even if the program lasts less than two years. For programs of two years or more, a graduate may qualify for a PGWP of up to three years. The permit cannot extend beyond the passport’s expiry date.
4. Can I work while waiting for my PGWP to be approved?
You may work full-time while IRCC processes your PGWP application if, when you applied, your study permit was valid, you had completed your program, you were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying, and you did not exceed the permitted off-campus work hours during academic sessions. Check IRCC’s conditions before working.
5. Can I extend my PGWP?
A PGWP generally cannot be extended just to get more time. However, if IRCC issued a shorter permit because your passport expired before your full eligible PGWP period, you may be able to apply on paper for the remaining eligible time after renewing your passport. Check IRCC’s instructions to confirm whether this applies to you.
6. When should I apply for a PGWP?
Apply within 180 days of confirmation from your school that you completed your program. You do not have to wait for your diploma if you have an official completion letter or transcript. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after program completion. Check IRCC’s application guidance before applying.
