The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most valuable pathways for international students in Canada. It allows you to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation for up to 3 years after completing your studies — and it is a critical stepping stone toward Canadian permanent residency.
What Is the PGWP?
The PGWP is an open work permit — meaning you can work for any employer, in any province, in any job (with no restrictions on occupation). It is not employer-specific and does not require an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
Crucially, the work experience you gain on a PGWP counts toward Canadian Express Entry (CEC) and provincial nominee programs (PNP), making it the most common route to permanent residency for international graduates.
PGWP Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
1. Have studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Your Canadian school must be on the DLI list with PGWP eligibility. Most universities, colleges, and trade schools qualify. Language schools, short courses, and some private career colleges do not.
2. Completed a full-time program of at least 8 months
- Programs of 8 months to less than 2 years → PGWP valid for the same length as your program
- Programs of 2 years or more → PGWP valid for up to 3 years
3. Applied within 180 days of receiving your final marks
You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that you have completed your program (not your graduation ceremony — the written confirmation from the institution).
4. Your study permit must have been valid
Your study permit must have been valid while you were completing your studies.
5. Not previously held a PGWP
The PGWP is a once-in-a-lifetime permit. You cannot apply for a second PGWP after another Canadian study program.
What Programs Qualify?
Qualifying programs include: degrees (bachelor's, master's, PhD), diplomas, certificates, and vocational training programs — provided the school is a DLI with PGWP eligibility. Short English/French language programs, some online-only programs (particularly those completed outside Canada), and exchange programs typically do not qualify.
From 2024, IRCC introduced additional field-of-study requirements for college programs. Students who started college programs after November 2024 generally need to be in a field related to a Canadian priority area (healthcare, STEM, trade, agriculture, social work) to qualify for a PGWP. University degree graduates are not subject to the field-of-study restriction.
How to Apply for a PGWP
Applications are made online through your IRCC account (My Account on the IRCC website).
Required documents:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your study permit
- Final official transcripts or a letter of completion from your institution
- Digital photos (passport specifications)
- $255 CAD application fee (2026 fee — confirm current fee on IRCC website)
You can apply from inside Canada or from outside Canada, but you must apply before your current status expires.
Maintaining status: If your study permit expires after your final exam but before you receive your completion letter, you can remain in Canada legally under "maintained status" (implied status) while your PGWP is pending — as long as you applied before your study permit expired.
Processing Times
As of 2026, PGWP processing times range from a few weeks to several months depending on demand and your country of citizenship. Check the IRCC website for current processing estimates before applying.
You can receive a bridging open work permit (BOWP) if your current work permit (or study permit) is expiring before your PGWP is approved and you are waiting for a decision.
PGWP and Permanent Residency
The PGWP is directly tied to Canada's PR pathways:
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
After 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation), you can apply for PR through Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class. CEC draws have historically had high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, so genuine skilled work experience is essential.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Most provinces have streams specifically for international graduates who studied and worked in the province. Ontario (OINP), British Columbia (BC PNP), Alberta (AINP), and others have graduate streams that allow you to apply for a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile — essentially guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR.
Find Canadian immigration consultants who can help plan your PR pathway: Education consultants in Canada | Compare consultants in Vancouver | Compare consultants in Toronto.
Common PGWP Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 180-day application window after receiving your final marks
- Applying after your study permit expires without maintaining status
- Choosing a school or program that doesn't qualify for PGWP
- Completing a second degree assuming you can get a second PGWP (you cannot)
- Failing to check field-of-study restrictions for college programs (post-November 2024 students)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the PGWP valid for?
If your program was at least 2 years long, your PGWP is valid for 3 years. If your program was 8 months to under 2 years, it is valid for the same length as your program. Programs under 8 months do not qualify for a PGWP.
Can I get a second PGWP?
No. The PGWP is a once-in-a-lifetime permit. Completing a second Canadian program after your first PGWP does not make you eligible for another one.
Does the PGWP lead to Canadian permanent residency?
Yes — the PGWP is the most common path. After 1 year of skilled work experience on your PGWP, you become eligible for Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also have graduate streams specifically for students who studied and worked in that province.
What happens if I apply for the PGWP late?
If you miss the 180-day window, you are no longer eligible for a PGWP. You would need to apply for a different work permit (which would require employer sponsorship or LMIA), or depart Canada.
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