PGWP: your work permit after studying in Canada
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for graduates of Canadian colleges and universities. It lets you work for any employer in Canada for up to 3 years, and it is how most graduates gain the experience they need to apply for permanent residence. A PGWP is issued only once, so a mistake with deadlines or your choice of program can cost you the whole path to PR.
How we can help
From checking your PGWP eligibility to a plan for PR. Message us and we’ll tell you where to start.
Message us on WhatsAppWe’ll check your eligibility and deadlines
Whether your program is PGWP-eligible, whether your field of study is on IRCC’s list, whether your language scores are high enough, and how much of your 180 days is left.
Ask on WhatsAppWe’ll prepare and submit your application
We’ll gather your documents, complete the forms and submit your application so you can work full-time while you wait for a decision.
Ask on WhatsAppYour study permit has already expiredurgent
If it’s been less than 90 days since your status expired, we’ll apply for your PGWP together with restoring your status.
Ask on WhatsAppA work permit for your spouse
We’ll check whether your occupation and PGWP length qualify, and prepare your spouse’s application.
Ask on WhatsAppA plan to move to PR
We’ll work out in advance when you’ll have enough experience for the CEC or OINP, and what to do if your PGWP ends first.
Ask on WhatsAppWho can get a PGWP
- you completed a program of at least 8 months at a DLI, and the program is PGWP-eligible;
- you studied full-time in every semester (part-time is allowed only in your final semester);
- you apply within 180 days after your school confirms that you completed your program;
- your study permit was valid at some point during those 180 days;
- you have language test results at the required level;
- for college and non-degree programs, your field of study is on IRCC's list.
Who can't get a PGWP
- anyone who has already had a PGWP;
- graduates of ESL/FSL courses, general interest courses and non-credential programs;
- anyone who completed more than half of the program online from outside Canada;
- students in public-private curriculum-licensing programs who started after May 15, 2024;
- graduates of non-Canadian institutions located in Canada;
- Global Affairs Canada scholarship holders who are required to return home.
Language test
Since November 1, 2024, you need a language test in all four skills for a PGWP:
| Program | Minimum level |
| University: bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university programs | CLB 7 |
| College, polytechnic and other programs | CLB 5 |
Accepted tests are IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. You need a test even if you studied in English, so it's best to take it before you finish your program.
Field of study requirement
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates don't need to meet the field of study requirement. Graduates of college and other non-degree programs must complete a program whose CIP code is on IRCC's list — fields linked to occupations in long-term shortage in Canada: science and technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, trades and transport. The code must be on the list when you apply for your study permit or for your PGWP. For 2026, IRCC is not adding or removing any fields. The requirement doesn't apply if you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024.
How long a PGWP is valid
| Program | PGWP length |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Same as the program length |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
| Master's degree of at least 8 months | Up to 3 years |
| Several programs in a row | Lengths can be combined if each program is eligible, up to 3 years |
A PGWP can't be valid longer than your passport. It can't be extended — the only exception is when you received a shorter permit because of your passport's expiry date.
How to apply and working while you wait
You apply online, from inside or outside Canada. The IRCC fee is $255 ($155 for the work permit and $100 for the open work permit holder fee), plus $85 for biometrics if you haven't given them in the last 10 years.
If you applied while your study permit was valid, completed your program and were eligible to work off campus, you can work full-time while you wait for a decision. If your study permit has already expired, you have 90 days to apply for a PGWP and restore your status, but you can't work until it's approved.
Can your spouse work
The spouse of a PGWP holder can get an open work permit only if you work in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation or in certain TEER 2–3 occupations, and your permit is valid for at least 16 more months. Your spouse can't apply on this basis while your PGWP application is still being processed.
From PGWP to permanent residence
Because a PGWP can't be extended, it's best to plan for PR from your first day of work. The main path is the Canadian Experience Class: one year of work in a TEER 0–3 occupation in Canada. If you work in Ontario, also check the OINP — recent graduates of certain Ontario programs need only 3 months of work with the employer. If you have already applied for PR through Express Entry and your PGWP is ending, you can apply for a bridging open work permit. Want someone to check your hours and NOC codes before you enter the pool? See our Canadian Experience Class consulting.
Your PGWP-to-PR timeline: when to do what
Your PGWP clock starts on the day it’s issued, and it can’t be extended. Working backwards from its end date is the simplest way to make sure you reach PR in time.
Find work in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation. Only this work counts for the Canadian Experience Class, so check your NOC code before you accept a job offer.
Take an approved language test. Results are valid for 2 years, and language is one of the biggest parts of your CRS score. If your degree is from outside Canada, an educational credential assessment (ECA) can add points too.
Create your Express Entry profile. If you work in Ontario or another province, check provincial programs at the same time.
You have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.
If your PGWP is ending, apply for a bridging open work permit so you can keep working.
If you’ll reach 12 months of skilled work only shortly before your PGWP ends, or your CRS score is below recent cut-offs, plan a backup early. See our Canadian Experience Class consulting or book a consultation and we’ll map your dates.
Your PGWP is ending soon: what are your options?
A PGWP can’t be renewed, so what you can do depends on where you are on the way to PR:
- You’ve applied for PR and have an acknowledgement of receipt: you may qualify for a bridging open work permit (Express Entry or a provincial nomination).
- You’re in the Express Entry pool but haven’t been invited: a profile alone doesn’t qualify you for a bridging permit. Options include an employer-specific work permit (usually with an LMIA), a provincial nomination, or an open work permit as the spouse of a worker or student who qualifies.
- No work permit option before your PGWP expires: you can apply to stay as a visitor. You won’t be able to work, but you keep legal status while you plan your next step.
- Your PGWP has already expired: you have 90 days to apply to restore your status. You can’t work until the new permit is approved.
The right choice depends on your dates, your job and your CRS score. Book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp if your PGWP ends within the next 6 months.
Common mistakes
- missing the 180-day deadline after your program completion is confirmed;
- studying part-time in a semester other than the last one;
- choosing a college program whose field isn't on the list, or a curriculum-licensing program;
- not taking the language test in time, or scoring below the required level;
- letting your study permit expire before applying and losing the right to work while you wait;
- starting TEER 0–3 work too late and not reaching a year before the PGWP expires.
Only planning to study? See our Study in Canada page.
What our clients say
5.0★★★★★Google ratingRead reviews →PGWP: frequently asked questions
What is a PGWP?
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for international students who graduated from an eligible program at a designated learning institution in Canada. It lets you work for almost any employer in Canada, and the experience you gain can help you qualify for permanent residence.
Can I extend my PGWP?
No. A PGWP is issued once and can’t be extended. The only exception is when it was shortened because of your passport. If you have already applied for PR through Express Entry, you can apply for a bridging open work permit.
How long do I have to apply after graduation?
180 days from the date your school confirmed you completed the program — final marks, a completion letter or your diploma, whichever comes first. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during those 180 days.
Do I need a language test if I studied in English?
Yes. Since November 1, 2024, everyone needs a test: CLB 7 for university programs and CLB 5 for college programs. Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.
Does a college graduate’s field of study need to be on the list?
Yes, if you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024. Your program’s CIP code must be on IRCC’s list when you apply for your study permit or your PGWP. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates don’t need to meet this requirement.
Can I work while my PGWP application is processed?
Yes, full-time, if you applied while your study permit was valid, completed your program and were eligible to work off campus. If your study permit expired before you applied, you can’t work until your PGWP is approved.
Can I get a PGWP after online studies?
Only if you completed no more than half of the program online from outside Canada. Time studied outside Canada is deducted from the PGWP length.
Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
Yes. If you left Canada after graduating and meet all the requirements, you can apply from outside Canada.
How long will my PGWP be?
If your program lasted 8 months to less than 2 years, the same length. For programs of 2 years or more, and for master’s degrees of at least 8 months, up to 3 years. It can’t be longer than your passport’s validity.
Does a PGWP guarantee permanent residence?
No. A PGWP lets you work and gain experience, but your PR application is assessed separately and IRCC makes the decision. In a consultation, we will plan how to move to PR before your PGWP expires.
What happens when my PGWP expires?
If you’ve applied for PR and received an acknowledgement of receipt, you may qualify for a bridging open work permit. Otherwise, you need another work permit, visitor status or, if it has already expired, restoration within 90 days. Plan this several months before your PGWP ends.
Finishing your studies in Canada?
Start with a consultation — we’ll check your PGWP eligibility, work out your deadlines and put together a plan to move to PR.
