Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Requirements

Core Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must meet these criteria:

• Graduated from designated learning institution (DLI) with PGWP-eligible program

• Program at least 8 months in continuous full-time study

• Maintained full-time student status in each semester (except final semester or authorized leave)

• Completed program in Canada (distance learning restrictions apply)

• Applied within 180 days of receiving final transcript or official program completion letter

• Held valid study permit when applying or within 180 days before applying

Language Testing Requirement (Effective November 1, 2024)

All PGWP applicants must provide language test results:

Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree Graduates

Required level:

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 OR

• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7

• All four skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking

College, Diploma, Certificate, or Other Non-Degree Graduates

Required level:

• CLB 5 OR NCLC 5

• All four skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking

• Must also graduate from eligible field of study (see below)

Accepted tests:

• IELTS General Training

• CELPIP General

• PTE Core

• TEF Canada (French)

• TCF Canada (French)

Field of Study Requirement (Non-Degree Programs Only)

Applies to college diplomas, certificates, and other non-degree credentials:

Eligible Fields of Study

Programs must be in one of these broad categories:

1. Agriculture and agri-food

2. Healthcare

3. Social assistance and social services

4. Education, law, and public services

5. Skilled trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, etc.)

6. Transport

7. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Who is Exempt from Field of Study Restrictions

These graduates do NOT need to be in eligible fields:

• Bachelor's degree graduates

• Master's degree graduates

• Doctoral (PhD) degree graduates

• Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools

• Applicants who submitted study permit application before November 1, 2024

Program and Institution Requirements

Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Your institution must:

• Be on DLI list at time you started and completed studies

• Be authorized by province or territory to award degrees, diplomas, or certificates

• Have PGWP-eligible programs (not all DLI programs qualify)

Program Duration and Type

Minimum requirements:

• At least 8 months in duration

• Continuous full-time study

• Leads to degree, diploma, or certificate

• Completed in Canada (with limited exceptions for online study during COVID-19 pandemic)

PGWP Duration and Validity

Work permit length depends on program duration:

Limitations:

• PGWP validity cannot exceed passport expiry date

• If multiple credentials, PGWP length based on combined length of eligible programs

Application Timing

Critical deadlines:

• Apply within 180 days of program completion

• Must have valid study permit when applying OR study permit must have expired less than 180 days before applying (restoration to study permit may be required)

• Can only apply once (PGWP is one-time opportunity)

Common Ineligibility Reasons

You are NOT eligible for PGWP if:

• Graduated from non-DLI institution

• Program less than 8 months duration

• Studied part-time

• Unauthorized study break

• Completed program through distance learning (with limited pandemic exceptions)

• Studied in program not leading to degree, diploma, or certificate

• Previously received PGWP

• Applied more than 180 days after program completion

• Non-degree graduate in ineligible field of study

• Language test scores below minimum threshold

• Language test results older than 2 years

How to Check Program Eligibility

Step-by-step verification:

1. Confirm DLI status: Check if your institution is on DLI list

2. Verify program type:

   • Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree: No field restrictions

   • Diploma, certificate, or other: Must check field of study eligibility

3. Check CIP code: For non-degree programs, find program's CIP code on IRCC webpage and verify against eligible categories

4. Confirm duration: Program must be at least 8 months continuous full-time study

5. Verify completion date: Ensure you can apply within 180 days of completion

Language Test Score Equivalencies

Minimum CLB 7 (for degree graduates):

Minimum CLB 5 (for non-degree graduates):

Refer to IRCC official language equivalency chart here

Special Circumstances

Multiple Programs Completed

If you completed multiple eligible programs:

• You can combine program lengths

• All programs must be at least 8 months and PGWP eligible

• Must meet the language requirements for the program that has higher level of language requirements (if applicable)

• Must apply within 180 days of completing final program

Flight School Graduates

Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools:

• Exempt from field of study requirements

• Must meet all other PGWP requirements

• School must be on approved flight school list

Post Graduate Work Permit Applied Before November 1, 2024

If you applied for PGWP before November 1, 2024:

• Exempt from language testing requirement

• Exempt from field of study requirements (if non-degree)

• Must still meet all other eligibility criteria

Next Steps

If eligible:

1. Book language test appointment (if required)

2. Request official transcripts from institution

3. Obtain program completion letter or certificate

4. Prepare required documents

5. Apply online within 180 days of completion

If unsure about eligibility:

• Contact your institution's international student office

• Verify CIP code and field of study with institution

• Consult with regulated Canadian immigration consultant

• Review complete requirements on IRCC website