Back to All Visas
Subclass PGWPWork permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Overview

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for graduates of eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is not permanent residence. Duration depends on the program (often up to 3 years). You generally get one PGWP in a lifetime. Canadian skilled work on a PGWP is the usual bridge to the Canadian Experience Class and to many provincial graduate streams. Language and field-of-study rules that took effect around November 2024 apply to many newer applicants — lock-in dates matter.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Completed a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours for certain Quebec programs) at a PGWP-eligible DLI
  • Maintained full-time student status in each semester (part-time is usually allowed in the final semester)
  • Apply within 180 days of written confirmation that you completed the program
  • Your study permit was valid at some point during those 180 days
  • Language: typically CLB/NCLC 7 for university degree programs, CLB/NCLC 5 for many college/polytechnic programs if you applied for the PGWP on or after 1 November 2024
  • Field-of-study limits may apply to non-degree programs if you submitted the study-permit application on or after 1 November 2024; bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees generally have no field-of-study requirement
  • You have not already received a PGWP

Application Process

1

Confirm your DLI and program are PGWP-eligible before and after you enrol — lists change

2

Finish the program and obtain a completion letter and official transcript

3

Apply online within 180 days; keep status valid (visitor record or leave Canada if the study permit will expire first)

4

Pay the PGWP fee and biometrics if required; include language results when the post-November 2024 rules apply to you

5

If eligible, you may work while waiting if you applied before the study permit expired

6

Use the open work permit to gain TEER 0–3 Canadian experience toward CEC or a PNP graduate stream

Processing Time

Varies — check IRCC processing times; apply before status expires

Based on current DHA estimates

Application Costs

PGWP applicationCAD $255
Biometrics (if required)CAD $85
Language test (if required)Third-party — variable

Key Tips

  • A PGWP does not by itself give PR — plan CEC, PNP, or AIP while you accumulate skilled hours
  • Work while you were a full-time student usually does not count toward CEC
  • Field-of-study and language rules depend on when you applied for the study permit or PGWP — verify your lock-in date on canada.ca
  • Distance learning from outside Canada after 31 August 2024 generally does not count toward PGWP length
  • Private programs delivered for a public college (curriculum licensing / P3) are often ineligible if you started after the 2024 cut-off dates