What is the PGWP and how does it work?
After completing their studies at an eligible Canadian institution, international graduates can work for almost any employer for a specified period of time through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This route gives you Canadian work experience, which you can use in the future when applying for permanent residency.
Eligibility requirements for 2025
2025 will generally bring the availability of PGWPs to those who meet certain requirements. Here are some of the most important:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation from an eligible program/institution | You must complete a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is eligible for the PGWP. |
| Program length | Your study program must be at least 8 months in duration (or equivalent hours, where applicable). |
| Full-time student status | You must have held full-time status in each academic session of your program. Exceptions may apply for authorized leaves or during the final term. |
| Apply within 180 days | You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days after receiving confirmation (transcript or official letter) that you’ve met all requirements of your program. |
| Valid status at time of application | You must be in Canada with a valid study permit, or have valid status, when you apply (or you can apply from outside Canada if rules permit). |
| Did not already hold a PGWP | You cannot have previously received a PGWP after an earlier study program. |
| Field of study requirement (for some programs) | Since November 1, 2024, graduates of non-degree programs (i.e. certificate, diploma, trade programs) must complete their studies in fields eligible under the PGWP “field of study” list to be eligible. |
| Degree programs exemption | Students who graduate from bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs are exempt from the field-of-study restriction—those programs remain eligible regardless of their specific field. |
| Program’s CIP code eligibility | Your program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code must be on the list of eligible fields of study (for non-degree programs) either at your study permit application time or PGWP application time. |
| Recent changes for 2025 | On June 25, 2025, the government updated the list of eligible fields of study: adding 119 new ones and removing 178 fields. Programs removed are grandfathered (i.e. if your permit was applied before removal, you’re still eligible). |
Duration of the PGWP
How long your work permit is valid depends on your level and length of study:
- If your program is 2 years or longer, your PGWP may be valid for up to 3 years.
- If your program is between 8 months and less than 2 years, your PGWP is usually valid for a period equal to the length of your study program.
- For master’s programs completed after February 15, 2024, you may get a 3-year PGWP even if the program was less than 2 years, provided you meet other requirements.
- If your passport expires sooner than your PGWP eligibility, your work permit will be issued up to the passport’s validity. You may need to renew your passport and extend your PGWP later.
Things That Disqualify You from PGWP
You will not be eligible if:
- You completed a program at a non-DLI or one that is not PGWP-eligible.
- You studied English or French as a second language only.
- You took more than 50% of your program through online/distance learning (after August 31, 2024, this portion will not count).
- You already previously got a PGWP.
- Your study permit expired before you applied (unless under specific conditional rules).
What You Need to Do
To maximize your chance of getting a PGWP, make sure you:
- Enroll in a DLI and a program recognized as PGWP-eligible (especially for non-degree programs, ensuring the field of study is on the allowed list).
- Maintain full-time status (except in permitted breaks or final term).
- Complete the program in the required timeframe (≥ 8 months).
- Apply within 180 days of confirmation of graduation.
- Keep your passport valid for the length of the PGWP.
- Understand whether the field-of-study requirement applies to your program