The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs. Studying at a designated learning institution does not automatically establish eligibility. Review your program, study history, application dates and any applicable language or field-of-study requirements.

Requirements reviewed October 17, 2026. This update corrects the earlier information about work authorization during processing, master’s-degree permit length, curriculum-licensing dates and passport-limited extensions.

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements include completing an eligible program of at least eight months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs), studying full-time during the required semesters, and applying within 180 days of confirmation of completion. Part-time study is allowed in the final semester. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after program completion. Special rules apply to leaves, distance learning and other situations. A previous PGWP generally prevents a second one.

For applications submitted from November 1, 2024, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree graduates, and graduates of other university programs, generally need CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Graduates of other college, polytechnic and non-university programs generally need level 5. Flight-school graduates have separate rules. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees have no field-of-study requirement. Other programs may require an eligible CIP code, depending on the study-permit application date.

For same-province public-private curriculum-licensing programs, the relevant grandfathering date is May 15, 2024, not November 1, 2024. Cross-province arrangements have different dates. Check the exact program and applicable exception. IRCC: full eligibility rules and exceptions.

How PGWP Duration Is Calculated

• An eligible master’s degree of at least eight months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) may support a three-year PGWP even when the program is shorter than two years.
• For other eligible programs shorter than two years, the permit may be issued for up to the program length; programs of at least two years may support a three-year permit.
• Eligible completed programs may be combined when each meets the applicable requirements, including length and language requirements.

Issuance is not automatic, and passport validity can shorten the permit. IRCC: PGWP duration.

Application Timing and Status

Eligible graduates can apply from inside or outside Canada. Check the 180-day deadline and the separate rules for your status in Canada. If your study permit expires before you apply and you did not change to visitor status, you may be able to apply for the PGWP and restore student status within 90 days. You cannot work while awaiting that restoration and permit approval. IRCC: applying and restoration.

Can I Work While Waiting?

You may work full-time while IRCC decides the application if you had a valid study permit when you applied, completed your program, were eligible to work off campus without a work permit during your studies, and respected the permitted work hours. These conditions are more specific than simply having maintained status. If they do not apply, wait for work-permit approval before starting work. Stop working if IRCC refuses the application.

For an application made outside Canada, IRCC issues the required new visa or eTA when it approves the PGWP. For an in-Canada application, a new visitor visa is not automatically issued; travel requirements must be checked separately. IRCC: work authorization and travel after applying.

Key Documents

Prepare your completion evidence, study records, passport and study-permit documents, plus language results and proof of an eligible field of study when required. Medical evidence may be needed for some occupations. An open permit can carry medical-related work restrictions; follow the conditions printed on it. IRCC: PGWP documents.

Extensions and Planning Beyond the PGWP

A PGWP is generally a one-time opportunity, but a permit shortened because of passport expiry may be extended for the remaining eligible period after obtaining a new passport. IRCC requires a paper application for that extension. Otherwise, assess another lawful status or work-permit category before expiry; a pending PR application alone does not authorize continued work. IRCC: PGWP extension exception.

Canadian experience may support a future PR application if all requirements are met. A PGWP, graduation or provincial nomination does not guarantee an invitation or PR approval. Explore current Express Entry and provincial criteria rather than assuming a graduate stream remains open.

How VGIS Supports PGWP Applicants

Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, and the VGIS team review eligibility, timing, documents and future permit options. Book a paid consultation to review your study and immigration history.

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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.