FAQ

A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit issued to eligible international students who have successfully completed qualifying programs at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Applicants must generally:

• Graduate from a PGWP-eligible educational institution and program.
• Complete an eligible program lasting at least eight months, or 900 hours for certain Quebec programs.
• Maintain full-time student status during each academic semester, except where permitted.
• Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.
• Meet applicable language proficiency requirements.
• Meet applicable field-of-study requirements.
• Satisfy IRCC's general work permit eligibility requirements.

No. Not every designated learning institution or educational program is PGWP-eligible. Students should verify both the institution's eligibility and the specific program before enrolling.

Eligibility depends on the institution, program and applicable immigration rules. Most programs offered by private career colleges do not qualify. Certain private institutions offering authorized degree programs may qualify for PGWP purposes. Students should not assume that DLI status alone establishes PGWP eligibility.

Generally, graduates of public-private curriculum licensing arrangements are not eligible under the applicable restrictions. The date of study commencement and specific program arrangements may affect eligibility under transitional provisions.

Applicants generally must maintain full-time status throughout their eligible program. However, part-time studies during the final academic semester may be permitted.

Generally, no. Programs consisting primarily of English or French as a second language do not qualify for a PGWP. General-interest and non-credit courses are also generally ineligible, subject to specific exceptions.

Generally, no. A PGWP is normally issued only once in a person's lifetime.

For most applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024:

• University graduates: Generally require CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
• College, polytechnic and other non-university graduates: Generally require CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language abilities.

No. IELTS Academic is not an accepted language test for PGWP language proficiency requirements.

Applicants should confirm:

• Whether their educational institution is PGWP-eligible.
• Whether their specific program qualifies.
• Whether a field-of-study requirement applies.
• The program's official CIP code.
• Whether the CIP code appears on IRCC's eligible list.
• Whether any transitional provisions apply.

Yes. Applicants may use acceptable evidence of program completion, such as an official completion letter or final transcript. They do not necessarily need to wait for the graduation ceremony or physical diploma.

No. Since June 21, 2024, applicants can no longer apply for a PGWP at a Canadian port of entry.

Common supporting documents include:

• Valid passport.
• Current or previous study permit.
• Official completion letter.
• Final academic transcript.
• Accepted language test results, where required.
• Evidence of an eligible field of study, where applicable.
• Medical examination documentation, where required.
• Other documents requested by IRCC.

Eligible graduates may work full-time while awaiting a PGWP decision if they:

• Held a valid study permit when submitting the PGWP application.
• Completed their program.
• Were eligible to work off campus without a separate work permit during their studies.
• Complied with their permitted student work hours.

Applicants who do not satisfy these conditions must wait until they receive appropriate work authorization.

Generally, students must stop working under their student work authorization once they receive confirmation that they have completed their program. They may resume working after submitting a qualifying PGWP application if they meet the requirements for work authorization while awaiting a decision.

Generally, yes, subject to the conditions of the work permit and applicable business laws. However, self-employment may not qualify as eligible Canadian work experience under certain permanent residence programs, including the Canadian Experience Class.

Common reasons include:

• Graduating from a non-eligible institution or program.
• Failure to maintain required full-time enrollment.
• Applying after the 180-day deadline.
• Not meeting applicable language requirements.
• Completing an ineligible field of study.
• Excessive distance learning.
• Missing or inconsistent documentation.
• Previous issuance of a PGWP.
• Failure to meet general immigration requirements.