Post Graduate Work Permit

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is designed to help international students transition to the Canadian workforce after completing their studies. This open work permit allows graduates of a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer. Depending on the length of their study program, graduates may be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which can support future applications for permanent residency.

PGWP- Key Points

• The PGWP is available for graduates of post-secondary programs, including diplomas, degrees, and certain certificate programs.
• International graduates have a limited timeframe to apply for the PGWP. It is recommended to apply within 180 days (six months) of completing the program.
• A post-graduation work permit can be valid for any length of time between eight months and three years.
• The PGWP is considered an open work permit, which means that graduates can work for any employer in Canada and are not restricted to a specific job or location.
• Generally, the PGWP will be approximately the same duration as the applicant’s period of study, up to a maximum of three years.
• As long as more than 50% of your program of study is conducted via in-person classes, you are eligible for a PGWP equal to the duration of your program of study.
• If you studied part-time, or did accelerated studies, the length of your PGWP will be the length of your program of study, if taken full-time.
• International students can only receive ONE Post-Graduation Work Permit. You cannot get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
• Applicants who apply for a PGWP prior to the expiration of their study permit are eligible to begin working full time immediately, while their application is processing (i.e., you do not need to have a work permit while awaiting a decision on your PGWP application).
• If you leave Canada after your studies have been completed, you can also apply for a PGWP from overseas.
• Graduates who hold a valid PGWP may be eligible to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for an open work permit.

PGWP Application- Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have:

• Completed a program of study from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that lasted at least eight months and led to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• Studied full-time each academic session (excludes scheduled breaks), with two exceptions:
  -You studied part-time in your final academic session only.
  -You took an authorized leave in studies for less than 150 days.
• Received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the applicant has met the requirements to complete their program of study.
• Graduated from a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, a trade or technical school, a university, CEGEP (in Quebec), a private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec, a private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer and results in the issuance of a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) or a Canadian private school that can award degrees under provincial law (for example, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree) but only if the student was enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.
• Valid study permit or applied for its extension or eligible for its restoration at the time of application.
  Apply for the PGWP within 180 days (six months) of receiving written confirmation of completing your program.

* New PGWP Updates (November 01, 2024) *

1. Language Proficiency Requirements

All PGWP applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French across all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). The required levels are:

University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees): Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in French.

College, Polytechnic and Other Non-University Graduates: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.

Accepted language tests include CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada. Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

2. Field of Study Requirements:

To qualify for a PGWP, your program must align with Canada's long-term labor market needs. Eligible fields include:

• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Education (added December 17, 2024)

Graduates from university programs are exempt from this field of study requirement. However, non-university graduates must ensure their program falls within one of these eligible categories to qualify for a PGWP.

PGWP Application Deadline

You must apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of receiving your official transcript and confirmation letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), stating you've met the requirements of your program. When applying, you must prove that you currently hold or previously held a valid study permit or were authorized to study in Canada without one under specific immigration regulations. If your study permit expires while you're in Canada, you must restore your student status before applying for the PGWP.

If you stay in Canada and let your permit expire, you must apply to restore your status as a student to apply for your PGWP.

Special Cases for PGWP Eligibility

You may still qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) under certain unique circumstances:

Accelerated Programs:

If you complete your program in less time than its standard duration, you may still be eligible for a PGWP matching the full length of the original program. For instance, finishing a 1-year program in 8 months could still make you eligible for a 1-year PGWP.

Distance Learning:

If less than 50% of your program was completed through distance learning, you may be eligible for a PGWP. The permit’s length will correspond to your entire program duration, including both in-person and distance learning. However, any distance education completed outside Canada won’t count toward the PGWP duration. Programs with over 50% distance learning are not eligible.

Ineligible PGWP Applicants

International students are ineligible for the PGWP Program if they:

• Have previously been issued a PGWP.
• Studied English or French as a second language.
• Took general interest or self-improvement courses.
• Received funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
• Participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC.
• Obtained the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada–Chile.
• Participated in the Canada–China Scholars’ Exchange Program.
• Participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program.
• Completed the majority of the credits toward the completion of their program of study by distance learning.
• Completed a program of study delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of the length of stay in Canada.

How Can-X Punjab Can Help with PGWP applications?

At Can-X Immigration, we guide international graduates through every step of the PGWP application process. Our staff helps you determine your eligibility under the latest rules, including language and field of study requirements. We ensure your documentation and submissions are accurate—whether you’re applying from within Canada or overseas. With changing policies and new updates, our team keeps you informed and compliant, helping you maximize your chances of securing valuable Canadian post graduation work permit.

Contact Us to discuss your options