Canada
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Overview
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible international students who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work for any employer across the country. This work experience can be a critical step toward permanent residency, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of Express Entry.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Completed an eligible program of study at a DLI that was at least 8 months long and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Studied full-time in Canada for the entire length of the program (except for the final semester or authorized leave).
- Graduated from one of the following:
- A public post-secondary institution (college, university, or CEGEP in Quebec).
- A private institution in Quebec that offers programs under the same rules as public institutions (DEP or ASP programs).
- A Canadian private school authorized by provincial law to grant degrees, provided the program leads to a degree (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral).
- Apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation (e.g., a transcript or completion letter) from your school confirming you met program requirements.
- Hold a valid study permit or have held one previously and changed your status to a visitor before applying.
Validity of the PGWP
The length of your PGWP depends on the duration of your study program:
Less than 8 months
8 months to less than 2 years
2 years or longer
Multiple eligible programs
Less than 8 months
Not eligible.
8 months to less than 2 years
PGWP may be valid for the same duration as your study program.
2 years or longer
You may be issued a 3-year PGWP.
Multiple eligible programs
If each is at least 8 months and completed at an eligible DLI, the PGWP may combine their lengths (up to 3 years max).
Language Requirements(Effective November 1, 2024)
Starting November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must demonstrate English or French proficiency based on the level of their program:
Accepted Tests
Required Minimum Scores
Accepted Tests
- English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core
- French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada
- All results must be less than 2 years old.
Required Minimum Scores
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree:
- CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Other university programs:
- CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all areas.
- College and other non-university programs
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply:
- Within 180 days of receiving your official transcript or program completion letter.
- From inside or outside Canada.
- While waiting for a decision, if you applied before your study permit expired, you can work full-time under maintained status.
The PGWP is a one-time opportunity and cannot be extended or renewed. However, after it expires, you may be eligible for another type of work permit, including:
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- An open work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) (e.g., if you’re the spouse of a skilled worker or international student).
- A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you’ve applied for permanent residence under specific immigration programs and are waiting for a decision.