Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility in 2026: What International Students in Canada Need to Know

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. It provides flexibility to change jobs, work part-time or full-time, and gain Canadian work experience to strengthen permanent residence applications.

The duration of a PGWP depends on the length of the study program: shorter than 2 years allows a work permit up to the program length, 2 years or longer typically grants a 3-year PGWP, and master's programs (8 months or longer) also qualify for a 3-year PGWP. If multiple eligible programs were completed, IRCC may combine them to determine the PGWP length.

To qualify for a PGWP, an international student must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on IRCC's PGWP-eligible list, complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours), maintain full-time student status, complete all program requirements with written confirmation, and apply within 180 days of completing the program. The passport must be valid for the duration of the PGWP requested.

Recent changes include a language proficiency requirement as of November 1, 2024, and a field of study requirement as of June 25, 2025. The language requirement mandates a minimum of CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates in all four abilities, while the field of study requirement ties eligibility to specific CIP codes, adding 119 eligible fields and removing 178 fields.

Courses must be completed and proof of completion provided to apply within 180 days. Required documents include proof of completion, final transcript, passport, language test results, proof of field of study, digital photo, and fees.