Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Overview
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit available to international graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs. It allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada for a period equal to the length of the completed program, up to a maximum of three years.
The PGWP is a critical component of Canada's immigration system because Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP can qualify a graduate for Express Entry (through the Canadian Experience Class), which is a primary pathway to permanent residence.
The PGWP is an open work permit — the holder is not restricted to a particular employer or occupation. However, it is issued only once per applicant; it is not renewable.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a PGWP, the applicant must:
- Have completed a program of at least 8 months duration at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is eligible to issue PGWPs (not all DLIs are eligible — the PGWP-eligible DLI list is maintained by IRCC)
- Have held a valid study permit while completing the program (or have applied for a study permit while outside Canada and received a port of entry letter of introduction)
- Apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of completion of the program (transcript or official letter from the DLI)
- Not have previously been issued a PGWP (the PGWP is a once-in-a-lifetime permit)
Program length and PGWP duration
The duration of the PGWP corresponds to the length of the completed program:
- Programs of 8 months to less than 2 years — PGWP valid for the same length as the program
- Programs of 2 years or more — PGWP valid for 3 years (the maximum)
- If multiple programs are completed (e.g., a 1-year certificate followed by a 2-year diploma), IRCC policy allows the combined durations to be used in some circumstances
Language requirement (from 2024)
From November 2024, applicants must demonstrate English or French language proficiency (CLB/NCLC 7 for most programs; CLB/NCLC 5 for certain trades and vocational programs) as a condition of PGWP eligibility. The requirement reflects the language skills needed to succeed in the Canadian labour market.
Selection criteria
The PGWP is assessed on whether the applicant meets the objective eligibility criteria — it is not a discretionary or competitive process. Key assessment points:
- The DLI must appear on the PGWP-eligible institutions list
- The program must be a full-time program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- The 180-day application window must not have expired
- The applicant must not be inadmissible (character, health)
Application process
- Complete the eligible program and obtain official written confirmation of completion (transcript or letter) from the DLI.
- Apply for the PGWP online through the IRCC portal within 180 days of receiving the written confirmation.
- Provide: confirmation of program completion, study permit, passport, biometrics (if required).
- Provide language test results demonstrating the required CLB/NCLC level (if not already on file with IRCC from the study permit application).
- Receive the PGWP decision. If approved, the permit is issued for the applicable period.
Related programs
Notes
The PGWP is not renewable. Once it expires, the holder must either obtain another type of work permit (such as an employer-specific work permit requiring an LMIA, or an IEC working holiday permit if eligible) or have obtained permanent residence.
Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation for at least one year qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the primary Express Entry stream for persons already in Canada.
Graduates of master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certain professional programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy) from eligible Canadian universities are generally eligible for a 3-year PGWP regardless of the exact program length, subject to IRCC's current policy.