How Does the PGWP Work?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to work for nearly any employer for a specified period after completing their studies. An important benefit of this route is that it gives you Canadian work experience, which can be used in the future when you apply for permanent residency.
Requirements for Eligibility (2025)
PGWPs will generally be available to those who meet certain requirements in 2025. The main ones are as follows:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation from an eligible program/institution | You must complete a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is eligible for the PGWP. |
| Program length | Your study program must be at least 8 months in duration (or equivalent hours, where applicable). |
| Full-time student status | You must have held full-time status in each academic session of your program. Exceptions may apply for authorized leaves or during the final term. |
| Apply within 180 days | You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days after receiving confirmation (transcript or official letter) that you’ve met all requirements of your program. |
| Valid status at time of application | You must be in Canada with a valid study permit, or have valid status, when you apply (or you can apply from outside Canada if rules permit). |
| Did not already hold a PGWP | You cannot have previously received a PGWP after an earlier study program. |
| Field of study requirement (for some programs) | Since November 1, 2024, graduates of non-degree programs (i.e. certificate, diploma, trade programs) must complete their studies in fields eligible under the PGWP “field of study” list to be eligible. |
| Degree programs exemption | Students who graduate from bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are exempt from the field-of-study restriction—those programs remain eligible regardless of their specific field. |
| Program’s CIP code eligibility | Your program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code must be on the list of eligible fields of study (for non-degree programs) either at your study permit application time or PGWP application time. |
| Recent changes for 2025 | On June 25, 2025, the government updated the list of eligible fields of study: adding 119 new ones and removing 178 fields. Programs removed are grandfathered (i.e. if your permit was applied before removal, you’re still eligible). |
The duration of the PGWP
The validity of your work permit depends on your level and length of study:
- It is possible to have a PGWP valid for up to three years in case your program lasts longer than two years.
- In most cases, your PGWP is valid for a period equal to the length of your study program if it is between 8 months and less than 2 years long.
- The PGWP is available for master’s programs completed after February 15, 2024, even if they were less than 2 years.
- Work permits will be issued until the passport expires, if it expires faster than the PGWP eligibility period. Eventually, you may need to renew your passport and extend your PGWP.
What disqualifies you from PGWP
It is not possible for you to apply if:
- If you completed a program at a non-DLI or one that is not PGWP-eligible, you are not eligible for PGWP.
- You studied English or French only as a second language.
- Your program included more than 50% online/distance learning (after August 31, 2024, this won’t count).
- PGWP was already granted to you previously.
- The study permit you had expired before you applied (unless there were specific conditions).
Steps to Take
For the best chance of getting a PGWP, make sure you:
- Choose a DLI and a PGWP-eligible program (especially non-degree programs, ensuring the field of study is allowed).
- Maintain full-time status (with the exception of permissible breaks and the last term of the year).
- Ensure that the program is completed within the required timeframe (≥ 8 months).
- The application must be submitted within 180 days of the graduation confirmation.
- Validate your passport throughout the PGWP.
- Make sure your program complies with the field-of-study requirement
