Migration Overseas
Since 1998
Work in Canada after completing your studies. Gain valuable Canadian experience and build your path to PR.
PGWP rules in force in 2026: language test results are required for most applicants (since 1 November 2024), non-degree programs must be in an eligible field of study if the study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024, and graduates of public-private partnership curriculum licensing programs are not eligible. IRCC has frozen the field-of-study list for 2026 (no fields added or removed).
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to work in Canada after completing their studies.
A PGWP is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada in any occupation. This Canadian work experience can help you qualify for permanent residence through programs like Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or Provincial Nominee Programs.
The length of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program:
| Program Length | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 months | Not Eligible |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Same as program length |
| 2 years or more | 3 years |
| Master's degree (8 months or more) | 3 years |
| Doctoral degree | 3 years |
IRCC decides which programs are eligible by CIP code, and the rule depends on the date you submitted your study permit application:
Non-degree university, college and polytechnic programs, if the study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, or study permit applications submitted before November 1, 2024
IRCC froze the list for 2026: no fields added or removed. Check your program's CIP code on the IRCC page
Note: University degree programs are exempt from field of study restrictions.
Get your completion letter and final transcript from your school.
Create or log into your IRCC online account.
Complete the PGWP application form (IMM 5710).
Upload passport, completion letter, transcripts, photos.
Application fee ($255 CAD) + biometrics ($85 CAD) if applicable.
Submit and wait for processing (typically 80-180 days).
Your PGWP work experience is highly valuable for Canadian immigration:
1 year of skilled work experience in Canada qualifies you for Express Entry CEC stream.
Many PNPs have streams specifically for workers with Canadian experience.
From 3 November 2026, Canadian work experience earns 40 to 80 points (35 to 70 with a spouse), plus 20, 40 or 70 points after 12 months in an occupation paying 1.3, 1.5 or 2 times the median wage.
A job offer in an occupation on IRCC's high-wage list earns 50, 70 or 100 points, with no LMIA needed. You get either these points or your Canadian experience points, not both. Read the November 2026 changes.
PGWP allows international graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to work in Canada after completing their studies, gaining valuable Canadian work experience.
PGWP validity equals your program length: less than 8 months = no PGWP, 8 months to 2 years = same as program length, 2+ years = 3 years. An eligible master's program of at least 8 months can also get 3 years.
Programs must be at least 8 months long at a PGWP-eligible DLI. Includes college diplomas, bachelor's, master's, and PhDs. Non-degree programs must be in an eligible field of study if the study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024. Language-only programs are generally not eligible.
Apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of completing your program. You must have valid study permit status when applying.
Yes, if you had a valid study permit that allowed work, you can continue working full-time while your PGWP application is being processed.
Yes, PGWP is an open work permit. You can work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada without restrictions.
PGWP provides work experience that qualifies you for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. One year of skilled work makes you CEC-eligible.
Since January 21, 2025, a spouse of a PGWP holder may qualify for an open work permit only if you work in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or in a TEER 2 or 3 occupation on IRCC's eligible list, and your work permit has at least 16 months left when your spouse applies. Dependent children of workers are no longer eligible for these open work permits.
You may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you have a submitted Express Entry application or provincial nomination.
Yes, PGWP holders can study without restrictions. Many pursue additional certifications or courses while working.
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