PGWP for College and Diploma Students: Field of Study and Language Rules
College and diploma graduates face two extra PGWP tests: a language score of CLB 5 and, for most, an eligible field of study. Degree graduates skip the field test. We check your CIP code, your dates and your test scores before you apply.
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Does the field of study rule apply to you?
It applies if you graduated from a college, polytechnic or other non-university program and you applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024. If you applied before that date, you do not need to meet the field rule. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates have no field requirement (IRCC).
What language level do you need?
College, polytechnic and other non-university graduates need CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 skills. Other university programs need CLB 7. Read our full PGWP guide for permit length, fees and the one-permit rule.
Key rules at a glance
- Program length: at least 8 months, or 900 hours for Quebec programs.
- Study load: full-time in every semester, with part-time allowed in your final semester.
- Timing: apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed the program.
- School: the school must be PGWP-eligible, and most private college programs delivered for a public college are not.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
The field rule applies to you if
- You applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024.
- You graduated from a college, polytechnic or other non-university program.
- You are not a graduate of a PGWP-eligible flight school.
You skip the field rule if
- Early study permit: you applied for your study permit before 1 November 2024.
- Early PGWP: you submitted your PGWP application before 1 November 2024.
- Degree or flight school: you earned a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, or graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school.
See our PGWP guide, the open work permits guide or the bridging open work permit guide for what comes next.
Why college PGWP applications get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
CIP code not eligible
Your program’s CIP code must be on IRCC’s eligible list when you applied for your study permit or when you apply for your PGWP. The fields are agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare and social services, STEM, trade and transport.
Language score too low
You need CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all 4 skills on an accepted test. One weak skill can sink the file.
School or program not eligible
The school must be PGWP-eligible. Most private college programs delivered for a public college are not, with date-based exceptions.
Not full-time, or unauthorized leave
You must study full-time each semester, with part-time allowed in your last one. An unauthorized leave can cost you the permit. An authorized leave can last up to 150 days with proof from your school.
Applied too late
You must apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program. Do not let your status lapse while you wait for marks.
Not sure your program qualifies?
We check your CIP code, language scores and dates before you pay the fee.
PGWP deadlines you cannot miss
Apply within 180 days
Count from the date your school confirms you completed the program. Your study permit must have been valid at some point in those 180 days.
If your study permit expires before you get your marks, you can apply for a visitor record or leave Canada and apply from outside. If you stay and let it expire, you must restore your student status, which costs extra.
You can only get 1 PGWP. If you combine programs, each must be PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months long, and the higher language requirement applies. Plan your next program before you apply.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How a college PGWP application works, step by step
Six stages from your CIP code to your permit.
Check your CIP code
Find the 6-digit CIP code on your school website or ask your school. Compare it with the IRCC eligible list.
Book your language test
Reach CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all 4 skills with CELPIP, IELTS General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Get your completion letter
Ask your school to confirm you completed the program. Your 180 day clock starts then.
Gather your papers
Collect your transcript, diploma or certificate, passport, study permit and test results.
Apply online and pay
Pay the PGWP fee and give biometrics if asked. Apply from inside or outside Canada.
Plan your next step
Start early on Express Entry or a job offer so your PGWP time counts.
College PGWP costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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College and diploma PGWP FAQs
Do college students need an eligible field of study for a PGWP?
Yes, if you graduated from a college, polytechnic or other non-university program and applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024. You skip the rule if you applied for your study permit before that date, or if you hold a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
Which fields of study are eligible?
IRCC lists eligible programs by CIP code in 6 groups: agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare and social services, STEM, trade and transport. They link to jobs in long-term shortage, and IRCC can change the list.
What is a CIP code and how do I find mine?
A CIP code is a 6-digit number that classifies your program by field of study. Check your school’s website, ask your school, or search the Statistics Canada CIP catalogue. Then check it against the IRCC list.
What language level do I need for a college PGWP?
You need CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all 4 skills. That is CELPIP 5 in each skill, or IELTS General Training scores of 4.0 reading, 5.0 writing, 5.0 listening and 5.0 speaking. PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada also work.
Do I need a language test if I applied for my study permit before November 2024?
Yes, if you submit your PGWP application on or after 1 November 2024. The language rule depends on your PGWP application date. The field rule depends on your study permit date.
How long will my college PGWP be valid?
If your program lasted 8 months to under 2 years, the PGWP can match the program length. If it lasted 2 years or more, it can be valid for 3 years. Your passport expiry date can shorten it.
Can I get a PGWP from a private college?
Only if the school is PGWP-eligible. Programs a private college delivers for a public college are mostly not eligible. Exceptions apply if you began before 15 May 2024 in the same province, or before 31 January 2023 between provinces.
Do I have to study full-time?
Yes, in every semester, except you may study part-time in your final semester. An unauthorized leave can cost you the PGWP. An authorized leave can last up to 150 days with proof from your school.
How soon must I apply for my PGWP?
You must apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program. Your study permit must have been valid at some point in those 180 days.
Can I get more than one PGWP?
No. IRCC says you cannot get a PGWP if you already had one. If you finished more than one program before your first PGWP, you may combine them if each qualifies.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
You can leave Canada after completing your program and apply for the PGWP from outside. Distance learning rules also apply to some graduates. Check the rules for your lock-in date.
What if my college PGWP is refused?
Read the refusal letter and officer notes. You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. See our work permit refused guide.