Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Canada: Eligibility, Fees and How to Apply
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lets graduates of eligible Canadian schools work for any employer after they finish their studies. You must apply within 180 days of finishing, and most applicants now need proof of language skills. The permit can last up to 3 years and often leads to permanent residence.
since 1991
What is a PGWP?
A PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible designated learning institutions. It lets you gain Canadian work experience with any employer. Graduating from a designated school does not make you eligible on its own, so check your program first.
How long does a PGWP last?
It depends on your program and passport. A program of 2 years or more can earn a 3-year PGWP. A shorter program of 8 months or more can earn a permit up to its length. A master’s degree of 8 months or more can earn 3 years even if it was shorter than 2 years. Your permit can never run past your passport’s expiry date.
Key rules at a glance
- Program: at least 8 months (900 hours in Quebec)
- Study status: full-time each semester, part-time allowed in the final one
- Deadline: apply within 180 days of confirmation that you finished
- Second PGWP: IRCC says you are not eligible if you already received one
Is a PGWP right for you?
Check your program and timeline.
A PGWP fits if
- You finished an eligible program of at least 8 months
- You studied full-time and your study permit was valid in the 180 days after
- You meet the language and field rules for your program
- You have not had a PGWP before
Look at another route if
- Your program is not PGWP-eligible: look at an employer-specific or other open permit
- You missed the 180 days: ask us about restoring status
- You already had a PGWP: you cannot get another, so look at an LMIA or LMIA-exempt permit
Read our open work permits hub, the college and diploma PGWP guide or the eligible programs post.
PGWP requirements
These rules come from IRCC. Rules changed on 1 November 2024, so check the date you applied for your study permit.
Eligible school and length
You completed a program at a PGWP-eligible school that ran at least 8 months, or 900 hours in Quebec.
Full-time study
You kept full-time status in each semester. You may study part-time in your final semester.
Language proof
Most applicants must show CLB 7 for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs, and CLB 5 for most college, polytechnic and other non-university programs, in all 4 abilities.
Field of study
No field rule for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Other programs may need an eligible field linked to long-term shortage occupations.
The 180-day window
Apply within 180 days of confirmation that you finished. Your study permit must have been valid at some point in those days.
Not sure your program qualifies?
We check your school, program, dates and language results before you apply.
Special cases that change the rules
Accelerated programs
If you finish early, you may still get a PGWP for the program’s full normal length.
Study permit lock-in on or after 1 September 2024 needs at least 50% of the program in class in Canada.
A private college delivering a public college’s program is mostly not eligible. Dates apply: after 15 May 2024 in one province, after 1 February 2023 across provinces.
Documents to prepare
Gather these before the 180 days run out.
How to get a PGWP, step by step
Six stages from your last exam to your permit.
Confirm eligibility
Check your school, program, language and field rules.
Book your language test
Get your results before you apply, since most applicants need them.
Gather your papers
Collect your completion letter, transcripts and study permit.
Apply within 180 days
Apply online and pay $155 plus the $100 open work permit holder fee.
Biometrics and review
Give biometrics if asked and respond to IRCC quickly.
Receive and plan
Plan your next step early: work experience can open Express Entry.
PGWP fees at a glance
From the IRCC pages, checked 5 October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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PGWP FAQs
What is a post-graduation work permit?
A PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible designated learning institutions. It lets you work for almost any employer in Canada. Graduating from a designated school does not guarantee eligibility.
Who is eligible for a PGWP?
You need a completed program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible school, full-time study in each semester, and an application within 180 days. Your study permit must have been valid at some point in those 180 days. Most applicants also need language proof, and some need an eligible field of study.
What language level do I need for a PGWP?
You need CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs. Most college, polytechnic and other non-university programs need CLB 5 or NCLC 5. Both levels apply in all 4 abilities, and applications sent before 1 November 2024 are exempt. Read our language tests guide.
Do I need an eligible field of study?
Not for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Other programs may need to be in a field linked to occupations in long-term shortage, if you applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024. Check IRCC’s current list and our eligible programs post.
How long is a PGWP valid?
It depends on your program and passport. A program of 2 years or more can earn up to 3 years. A shorter program of at least 8 months can earn a permit up to its length. A master’s degree of at least 8 months can earn 3 years even if it was shorter than 2 years. The permit can never run past your passport’s expiry date, so renew a passport that expires soon before you apply.
How much does a PGWP cost?
The IRCC fee is $255, which is $155 for the work permit plus the $100 open work permit holder fee. Biometrics may cost extra. Check the fee list on the day you apply.
Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
Yes, in some cases. If you completed your program in Canada, you may leave and apply from outside Canada, but the 180-day window still applies. Check IRCC’s rules for your situation.
Can I get a second PGWP?
No. IRCC says you are not eligible for a PGWP if you already received one, and you cannot get one after an earlier program of study. If you finished more than one eligible program before your first PGWP, you may combine their lengths into that one permit, if each program was at least 8 months.
Does online study count?
Study permit lock-in on or after 1 September 2024 needs at least 50% of the program in class in Canada. Time studied outside Canada is deducted from your PGWP. Special rules apply to earlier lock-in dates.
Do private college programs qualify?
Most programs delivered by a private college for a public college under a licensing agreement are not eligible. Exceptions depend on the start date: on or before 15 May 2024 in the same province, or on or before 31 January 2023 across provinces.
Can a PGWP lead to permanent residence?
It can. Canadian work experience may qualify you for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class. Read our Canadian Experience Class guide and our PGWP expiry post.
What if my PGWP application is refused?
Read the refusal letter and officer notes, then decide whether to reapply or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. Deadlines are short. Read our PGWP refusal post and book a review. See our work permit refused guide for the Federal Court deadlines.