Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit that allows international students to stay and work in Canada after graduating from a designated educational institution. The PGWP is an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada.

However, not everyone who graduates in Canada is eligible for a PGWP. Applicants must meet all the requirements set by IRCC (canada.ca).

1. Who is eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet all eligibility requirements, including:

• General conditions
• Conditions based on the curriculum.
• Language proficiency requirements
• Requirements regarding field of study (if applicable)
• Requirements are based on the application location (inside or outside Canada).

2. General requirements for applying for a PGWP

You meet the general eligibility requirements if all of the following conditions are met:

• Completed a PGWP-eligible program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • The program duration is a minimum of 8 months.
  • Quebec only: a minimum of 900 hours
• Maintain full-time student status throughout all semesters.
  • It is possible to study part-time in the final semester.
• Submit your PGWP application within 180 days of receiving confirmation of completion of your program.
• Your study permit:
  • It must be effective at some point within 180 days of graduation.
  • And before you apply for a PGWP

👉 IRCC has regulations that make certain exceptions, known as special cases .

3. Special cases may still qualify.

You may still be eligible for a PGWP if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Accelerated programs
• Distance learning is permitted in certain circumstances.
• The program follows a curriculum licensing agreement (public-private partnership).
• There is a period of leave from studies as required by regulations.
• Transferring schools during the course of study.
• Study programs in Canada include an overseas study component.
• Graduates from certain designated schools in Quebec

4. Cases that are NOT eligible to apply for a PGWP

You are not eligible for a PGWP if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Previously granted PGWP
• Study program:
  • English or French as a second language
  • Hobbies and self-improvement courses
• Receiving a scholarship or grant from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) requires returning to your home country after graduation.
• Completed over 50% of the coursework online/distance learning.
  • Note : There are exceptions for online learning due to COVID-19.
• Complete your studies at:
  • An educational institution that is not Canadian but is located in Canada.
  • A DLI is not eligible for PGWP.
• Study program:
  • Taught through curriculum licensing agreements (public-private partnerships - P3)
  • Unless otherwise permitted by IRCC

5. Conditions based on the CURRICULUM

IRCC categorizes PGWP eligibility based on the type of program you graduated from, including:

• Graduate:
  • Bachelor
  • Master's degree
  • Doctor
• Graduates of the following programs:
  • Other universities
  • College, polytechnic
  • This is a non-university program.
• Graduated from flight school.

👉 Each group has its own eligibility criteria, as outlined on canada.ca.

6. Conditions based on APPLICATION LOCATION

IRCC sets different requirements depending on how you submit your application:

• From within Canada
• From outside Canada

👉 Graduates from within and outside Canada are not subject to the same set of requirements; they need to check the specific circumstances of their case.

7. Requirements regarding FIELD OF STUDY (if applicable)

Some academic programs have field of study requirements.

In these cases:

• You must graduate from a program that is affiliated with industries experiencing long-term labor shortages.
• IRCC publishes a list of eligible fields of study on canada.ca

👉 This requirement does not apply to all programs; it only applies when specified by IRCC.

8. What if I don't qualify for the PGWP?

According to canada.ca, if you don't qualify for a PGWP, you can still:

• Submit a different type of work permit (if eligible).
• Consider other career paths in Canada after graduation.

👉 The PGWP is not the only path, but it is the most common one if you meet the eligibility requirements.

9. Conclusion

• The PGWP allows international students to stay and work in Canada after graduation.
• The PGWP eligibility requirements are very strict and depend on:
  • School (DLI)
  • Curriculum
  • Study time
  • Learning format
  • Application deadline and method
• Graduating is not the only requirement for a PGWP.

👉 Before submitting your application, carefully check each condition against canada.ca to avoid rejection.

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