Your Pathway to a PGWP in Canada
An interactive guide to navigating the Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility requirements.
Step 1: The Foundation - Your Institution
The first and most critical step is ensuring your school is eligible. Not all schools that accept international students qualify.
Is it a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
This is the baseline requirement for any international student.
Is it a PGWP-Eligible DLI?
This is the key. Check the official IRCC list to confirm your school offers PGWP-eligible programs.
Graduating from a DLI is not enough. You must confirm the institution specifically offers PGWP-eligible programs, which are typically public post-secondary schools.
Step 2: The Core - Your Program's Duration
The length of your study program directly impacts the duration of your work permit. Longer programs yield longer work permits, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Master's Degree Exception
As of Feb 15, 2024, graduates of master's programs (8+ months) can get a 3-year PGWP, even if the program was under 2 years.
Combining Programs
You can combine two eligible programs (each 8+ months) to qualify for a longer PGWP, potentially up to 3 years.
Step 3: Your Responsibility - Maintaining Status
How you study is just as important as where and what you study. You must adhere to your study permit conditions throughout your program.
In-Person Study Requirement
For programs starting on or after Sept 1, 2024, a significant portion must be completed in Canada.
Academic Status
Maintain Full-Time Status
You must be a full-time student in every academic session, with an exception for your final semester, which can be part-time.
Authorized Leaves
Taking an unauthorized break can make you ineligible. Authorized leaves from your school, up to 150 days, are permitted.
Step 4: The New Rules - Are You Affected?
For students pursuing non-degree programs with a study permit application on or after Nov 1, 2024, new requirements are in place.
Eligible Fields of Study
Your program must be in an occupation with a labour shortage. This is identified by its CIP code. Check with your institution and the IRCC list to ensure your program qualifies.
Language Proficiency
You must submit valid language test results meeting minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
Your Action Plan
Use this checklist to ensure you stay on the right track for PGWP eligibility.
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1
Verify Your DLI
Before enrolling, confirm your institution is on the IRCC list and offers PGWP-eligible programs.
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2
Confirm Program Details
Ensure your program is at least 8 months long. If it's a non-degree program, check its CIP code for eligibility.
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3
Maintain Your Status
Study full-time and ensure you meet the 50% in-person study requirement. Avoid unauthorized breaks.
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4
Plan Your Application
Remember, you can only get a PGWP once. Apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
