Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
An open work permit after graduation - the bridge from studying to Canadian experience and PR.
Official Canada pageWho this route is for
International students who have completed an eligible program at a qualifying DLI and want to work anywhere in Canada to build the experience that feeds CEC/PNP.
Eligibility requirements
- Completed a full-time program of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI and received final marks/completion confirmation
- Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion; held valid status as a student
- Language: university bachelor's/master's/doctoral graduates need CLB/NCLC 7; college and other graduates need CLB/NCLC 5 (in English or French, all four abilities)
- Field-of-study requirement: non-degree (e.g., most college) graduates must have studied in an eligible field tied to in-demand occupations; bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates are exempt from the field-of-study restriction
- Permit length matches program length, up to a maximum of 3 years; it is an open permit (no job offer needed)
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Language (since 1 Nov 2024) and field-of-study rules were added in 2024-2025; the eligible field list was revised on 25 Jun and again on 4 Jul 2025.
Other Canada routes
Study Permit (with Provincial Attestation Letter)
TemporaryAuthorization for international students at a Designated Learning Institution - the study-work-PR entry point.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
PermanentClassic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
PermanentThe fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
PermanentPR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.