IRPR r 209.2 — Post-Graduation Work Permit — immi.wiki
Text of provision
Refer to the current compilation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227) on the Justice Laws website for the verbatim text of regulation 209.2. This provision has been subject to amendments in recent years — always verify against the current official compilation.
Plain English
Regulation 209.2 of the IRPR governs the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — an open work permit available to international students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and who meet specified eligibility criteria.
The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning it is not employer-specific and allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada (with limited exceptions). It provides a pathway for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which is a key prerequisite for many economic immigration programs including the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
Key eligibility criteria under r 209.2 include:
- The applicant must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI;
- The program must have been completed at a public post-secondary institution, or at a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules as public institutions in the province (private colleges with degree-granting authority meet this test in most provinces);
- The applicant must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion (the official transcript or a completion letter);
- The applicant must have maintained valid study permit status throughout the program, with limited exceptions.
The duration of the PGWP corresponds to the length of the completed program, up to a maximum of 3 years for programs of 2 years or more. PGWP validity was amended by IRCC in 2024 to limit the maximum to 3 years for graduates of 2-year or longer programs in most fields, with some occupations in shortage areas being eligible for targeted duration. Graduates of programs shorter than 2 years receive a PGWP for the same duration as their program.
Practical effect
The PGWP is a one-time permit — it cannot be renewed. Once a PGWP expires, the holder must have obtained another status in Canada or have left Canada. Most PGWP holders use the work experience gained during the PGWP period to qualify for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
Significant changes to PGWP eligibility were introduced in 2024 to address concerns about labour market alignment. Changes included field-of-study requirements tying PGWP eligibility to programs in healthcare, STEM, trade, agriculture, and education — for college-level programs. University graduates at the bachelor's level and above remain eligible regardless of field of study, subject to meeting other criteria.
Applicants should verify current PGWP eligibility requirements against IRCC's program delivery instructions, as the regulatory framework has been actively amended. The legislative foundation in r 209.2 sets the framework; IRCC's operational instructions provide the detailed eligibility criteria currently applied by officers.