By Nasir Khan, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB # R1053580), PrimeRoute Immigration Consulting Inc. Reviewed against IRCC information in October 2026.
Short answer: A post-graduation work permit lets some international graduates work in Canada after they finish their studies. It depends on your school, your program, your language results and the type of qualification, and you generally have to apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program.
Who can apply
IRCC says you must meet all of its requirements. The main ones are:
- You completed a program of at least eight months at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (900 hours for programs in Quebec).
- You studied full time in each semester, except that you may study part time in your final semester.
- You apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program.
- You held a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days.
- You meet the language requirement and, for some programs, the field of study requirement described below.
Language results
For applications made on or after November 1, 2024, IRCC requires language results in all four skill areas. The level depends on your program: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and other university programs, and level 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university programs. Plan your language test early, because results take time and a test taken just before applying can leave no margin.
Field of study
For bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, there is no field of study requirement. For other university programs and for college programs, if your study permit application was made on or after November 1, 2024, the program must be in an eligible field of study. IRCC publishes the list, and you may need to show proof in your application. Check this before you choose a program, because it can decide whether you can work after graduating.
Programs and situations that do not qualify
You are not eligible if you already received a PGWP, studied English or French as a second language, took general interest or self-improvement courses, completed a non-credit program (flight school excepted), or received certain government funding that requires you to return home. Programs where more than half was distance learning are generally excluded, and many programs offered through curriculum licensing arrangements (sometimes called public-private partnership programs) are not eligible, with limited exceptions. An unauthorized leave from your studies that broke your study permit conditions can also make you ineligible.
How to apply
- Check timing. The 180 days start from the day your school confirms that you completed your program.
- Keep your status valid. Your study permit must be valid when you submit. If it expires before you apply, IRCC says you have up to 90 days after expiry to apply and restore your student status, with an extra fee, and after that you must leave Canada.
- Use the IRCC online account. Applications are generally made online. The questionnaire creates your document checklist.
- Upload your documents. They include language results, your program completion proof, and the field of study evidence if it applies.
- Pay the fees and give biometrics if asked. The PGWP fee is $255 and there are other fees at the end of the application. Biometrics are $85 per person.
Working while you wait
IRCC says you cannot work until your work permit is approved, subject to other conditions that it links to from the application pages. Check the current rules before you start any full-time job, because working without authorization can seriously damage a future application.
Common mistakes
- Letting the 180 days run out.
- Assuming a college program is eligible without checking the field of study list.
- Language results below the required level or missing from the application.
- Part-time studies in earlier semesters that break the full-time rule.
- Waiting for the diploma when the application can be made once your school confirms completion.
When a consultant can help
If you are not sure your program qualifies, you studied part time in some terms, your study permit is expiring or your language results are borderline, a consultation can sort it out before you pay fees. We also help graduates plan what comes after the PGWP, including Express Entry. We cannot promise a permit.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to apply for a PGWP?
Up to 180 days after you receive confirmation that you completed your program.
Can I work while my PGWP is being processed?
IRCC says you cannot work until your work permit is approved, with other conditions on its pages. Check the current rules before starting work.
Do I need a language test?
For applications on or after November 1, 2024, yes. The required level depends on your program, with CLB 7 for degrees and other university programs and CLB 5 for college programs.
Can I get a PGWP more than once?
Generally a graduate can receive only one. Check IRCC guidance for your situation before you plan around a second one.
What if my study permit expires before I apply?
You may have up to 90 days after expiry to apply and restore your student status. After that, you must leave Canada.
Can you guarantee a PGWP?
No. IRCC decides every application. We can check your eligibility and help you apply.
Related: read about work permits, Express Entry, restoration of status and citizenship, see all Canadian immigration services, or learn how we work.
Just graduated or about to?
Book a 30-minute online consultation with Nasir Khan, RCIC-IRB # R1053580. You will get an honest look at your options, including when you are not yet eligible.
This page is general information, not legal or individual immigration advice. Immigration decisions are made by government authorities such as IRCC, and no consultant can guarantee a result. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm current requirements on the official IRCC website before you act.