Post-Graduation Work Permit
Work anywhere in Canada after graduation — any employer, any occupation, no job offer required. Your bridge from student to permanent resident.
What is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work anywhere in Canada — for any employer, in any occupation — without needing a job offer. It is one of the most powerful pathways toward Canadian permanent residence for international graduates, particularly through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. You must meet all eligibility requirements and apply within 180 days of receiving official confirmation that you completed your program.
If you applied for your PGWP on time (within 180 days) and your study permit was valid when you submitted your application, you may be eligible to work in Canada while waiting for a decision under implied status rules. This does not apply if you are restoring your status.
How Long Will Your PGWP Be?
Select your program type to see your PGWP validity period.
Master's Degree
As of Feb 15, 2024PGWP Valid For
3 Years
You can apply for a 3-year PGWP even if your master's program was less than 2 years, as long as your program was at least 8 months long and you meet all other eligibility requirements.
Does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.
Your PGWP will only be issued for the period your passport is valid — whichever comes first. Renew your passport before applying if it expires before your full PGWP eligibility period. You can apply to extend your PGWP on paper after getting a new passport — you do not need to provide language proof again for a PGWP extension due to passport expiry.
General Eligibility Requirements
You must meet ALL of the following to be eligible for a PGWP:
You completed a program at a PGWP-eligible DLI that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs)
You maintained full-time student status in Canada during each semester of your study program (part-time is permitted in your final semester only)
You apply within 180 days of receiving official confirmation that you completed your program
Your study permit was valid at some point during the 180-day period after graduation and before you submitted your PGWP application
Requirements by Education Level
If you submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, you are exempt from the language requirement. If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, you are exempt from the field of study requirement.
Language Requirement
CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in all 4 skills
Field of Study
No field of study requirement
Language requirement applies to PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
Accepted Language Tests
English Tests
CELPIP-General
Take the CELPIP-General test
IELTS General Training
Take the General Training option
PTE Core
Pearson Test of English — take the PTE Core option
French Tests
TEF Canada
Test d'évaluation de français
TCF Canada
Test de connaissance du français
Results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your PGWP application. Tests must be taken in person and must assess all 4 skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
If you submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, you are exempt from the language requirement. Flight school graduates are also exempt.
Who is NOT Eligible for a PGWP
You already received a PGWP previously
You studied English or French as a second language only
You took general interest or self-improvement courses
You received GAC funding or a scholarship requiring you to return to your home country after graduation
You completed more than 50% of your program through distance learning (with limited COVID-19 exceptions)
You completed a program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada
You completed a program at a DLI that is not PGWP-eligible, including most curriculum licensing agreement programs (public-private partnerships)
Special Cases & Exceptions
Documents Required
Government Fees
IRCC Government Fees — PGWP
| Fee Item | Amount | When Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Processing Fee | $255 CAD | Always required |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 CAD | Only if you have not given biometrics in the last 10 years |
| Status Restoration Fee | Additional fee | Only if your study permit expired before you applied |
Important: Government fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time.
PGWP → Canadian Experience Class → Permanent Residence
The PGWP is one of the most effective stepping stones to Canadian permanent residence. Work experience gained on your PGWP — typically 1 year in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation — makes you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, which is the primary pathway to PR for PGWP holders.
Learn about Canadian Experience ClassHow Asteco Can Help
PGWP applications involve strict deadlines, changing language requirements, and critical decisions about implied status and PR pathways. Our RCIC team manages every detail.
Ready to Apply?
Our RCIC will assess your PGWP eligibility and guide you through the full process — including your path to PR.
Book a ConsultationCheck My Eligibility — Free