How to Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to Live in Canada

Navigating Canadian immigration as an international student? Get the most up-to-date information on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Learn about new language requirements, eligible fields of study, and recent changes to spousal work permits to ensure a smooth transition from student to worker.

Securing the opportunity to live and work in Canada after completing your studies is a dream for many international students. The most common and direct pathway to achieving this is by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is often a key step toward permanent residency.

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This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about the PGWP, including who is eligible, the recent changes you need to be aware of, the application process, and alternative options if you don’t qualify.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a specific type of open work permit issued by the Government of Canada to international students who have successfully completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI). As an open work permit, it allows you to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, without needing a job offer. The validity of the PGWP is directly tied to the length of your academic program, with a minimum of eight months and a maximum of three years.

The PGWP is an essential bridge between your academic life and your professional career in Canada. It offers the flexibility to explore the Canadian job market and gain valuable work experience, which is often a prerequisite for many of Canada’s permanent residency programs.

New Rules and Key Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet several key criteria. It is crucial to be aware of recent and upcoming policy changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as these can significantly impact your eligibility.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Completion of Study: You must have completed a program of study that was at least eight months long at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Full-time Student Status: You must have maintained full-time student status during each academic session of your program, with the exception of your final semester.
• Valid Study Permit: You must apply for the PGWP while you have a valid study permit or within 180 days of receiving your official confirmation of program completion.
• 2. New Language Proficiency Requirement (Effective November 1, 2024): As part of new federal policies, all PGWP applicants must now provide proof of language proficiency in either English or French. This is a critical change.
• For University Graduates: You must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
• For College Graduates: You must achieve a minimum CLB level of 5 in all four abilities.
• Accepted Tests: The accepted language tests are IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General.

Field of Study Requirement (Effective November 1, 2024)

The eligibility of your program for a PGWP now depends on your field of study for certain non-degree programs. This rule applies to students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

• Who is Exempt? Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university are exempt from this requirement.
• Who is Affected? Students in college diploma, certificate, and other non-degree programs must ensure their program is on the government’s list of eligible fields of study. These eligible fields are linked to jobs in long-term labor shortages in Canada and are identified by a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. You must confirm your program’s CIP code is on the list when you apply for either your study permit or your PGWP.
• Upcoming Changes: The list of eligible fields is regularly updated to reflect labor market needs. As of July 2025, fields in healthcare, education, and skilled trades have been added, while some in agriculture and technology are expected to be removed in early 2026.

How to Apply for Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (Step-by-Step)

The PGWP application is an online process that must be completed through the official IRCC portal.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin, carefully review all the eligibility requirements, paying close attention to the recent changes that apply to your situation, especially the new language and field-of-study rules.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Prepare all the necessary documents to avoid delays. This includes:

• Proof of Program Completion: An official letter from your institution confirming you have met all graduation requirements, along with your official transcript.
• Passport: A copy of your passport’s bio-data page and all pages with stamps or visas. Your PGWP cannot be issued beyond your passport’s expiry date.
• Proof of Language Proficiency: Your official and valid language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
• Study Permit: A copy of your valid study permit.
• Digital Photo: A passport-style digital photograph that meets IRCC specifications.

Step 3: Begin the Online Application

Visit the official IRCC website and create or log in to your account. From your dashboard, follow the prompts to “Apply to come to Canada,” then select the option for a work permit. The system will generate a customized document checklist for you.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit

The total application fee for the PGWP is $255 CAD, which includes the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee. You must pay this fee online before you can submit your application.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, you must wait for a decision from IRCC. Processing times can vary, but generally range from a few weeks to several months. Once approved, you will receive an approval letter (Port of Entry Letter) in your IRCC account.

Alternatives to the Post-Graduation Work Permit

If you are not eligible for a PGWP or you miss the application deadline, there are other pathways to staying and working in Canada:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit: If you have a job offer, your employer can apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) on your behalf. If the LMIA is approved, you can then apply for a work permit tied to that specific employer.
2. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Recent policy changes have restricted SOWP eligibility. This option is now primarily available only to spouses of students enrolled in master’s and doctoral degree programs, and a select few other professional degree programs.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some provinces have specific immigration streams that target international graduates. If you meet the criteria for a provincial nominee program, you may be able to apply for a work permit and eventually permanent residency through that pathway.
4. Extend Your Study Permit: If you have the financial means, you can enroll in a new program to extend your study permit and maintain your legal status in Canada while exploring other work permit options.

It is highly recommended that you consult the official IRCC website or a registered Canadian immigration consultant for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Q1: What is the main purpose of the PGWP?

A: The PGWP is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) to gain valuable work experience in Canada. This experience can be a key step towards applying for permanent residency.

Q2: What are the primary eligibility requirements for a PGWP?

A: To be eligible, you must have completed a program of study at least eight months long at a PGWP-eligible DLI, maintained full-time student status, and applied within 180 days of completing your program. As of late 2024, there are also new language and field of study requirements that may apply to you.

Q3: Is there a new language requirement for the PGWP? A: Yes. Effective November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of language proficiency. University graduates need a minimum of CLB 7, while college graduates require a minimum of CLB 5. The accepted tests are IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General.

Q4: Do all graduates have to meet the new field of study requirement?

A: No. This new rule primarily affects students who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and are in non-degree programs (like college diplomas or certificates). University bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree graduates are exempt.

Q5: How can I find out if my program is PGWP-eligible under the new rules?

A: If you are in a non-degree program, you must check if your program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code is on the government’s official list of eligible fields of study. These fields are tied to labor shortages in Canada.

Q6: What if my study permit is about to expire before I can apply for the PGWP? A: You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final transcripts or a letter of completion. If your study permit is expiring and you haven’t received these documents, you should consider applying for a visitor record to maintain your legal status in Canada.

Q7: Can I work while waiting for my PGWP application to be processed?

A: Yes, in most cases. You can start working full-time after submitting your PGWP application, provided you had a valid study permit and were eligible to work off-campus during your studies.

Q8: Are there alternatives if I’m not eligible for a PGWP?

A: Yes. Alternatives include applying for an Employer-Specific Work Permit (if you have a job offer), exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or, in some cases, a Spousal Open Work Permit if your spouse is eligible.

Q9: Has the Spousal Open Work Permit changed for international students?

A: Yes. Recent policy changes have restricted eligibility. A Spousal Open Work Permit is now primarily available only to the spouses of students in master’s and doctoral degree programs, and a few other professional degree programs.

Q10: Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?

A: Yes, you can. You must apply for the PGWP online within 180 days of completing your program. You should ensure your passport is valid, as the length of your PGWP cannot exceed your passport’s expiration date.