Canada · work unsponsored
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
- Processing time
- Typically 60–120 days.
- Government fees
- CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).
- Typical duration
- Up to 3 years.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The PGWP is the primary bridge from study to permanent residence in Canada. Duration is up to 3 years based on programme length. Eligibility was tightened significantly in 2024 — study programme must be PGWP-eligible and graduates of certain college/university partnerships no longer qualify.
Recent changes to this route
- Canada tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility1 November 2024
IRCC introduced significant changes to PGWP eligibility, including field-of-study restrictions for most programmes and new language-test requirements.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are the largest PGWP cohort. The 2024 changes introduced a programme-eligibility list and a CLB 7 langu…
Chinese applicants
Chinese graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions use PGWP as the typical Express Entry CEC bridge. The 3-year m…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian students saw PGWP refusal pressure on off-campus work compliance in 2024. Adhere strictly to the 24-hour-per-we…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Graduate of a PGWP-eligible programme at a Designated Learning Institution.
- ✓Apply within 180 days of final marks.
- ✓Meet language benchmarks introduced in 2024 (CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college graduates).
Common blockers
- !Programme not PGWP-eligible — list tightened in 2024.
- !Application outside the 180-day window.
Typical evidence
- ·Transcript and programme completion letter.
- ·Language test results (post-2024 requirement).
Application pathway
Confirm PGWP eligibility before enrolment
Check the IRCC PGWP-eligible programme list — do not assume all DLI programmes qualify.
Graduate and apply within 180 days
Include final transcript and completion letter.
Work toward CEC or PNP
Use PGWP time to accumulate Canadian experience for permanent-residence transition.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for PGWP ↗
Graduates use this IRCC page to confirm timing, documents, and online PGWP application steps.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).. A decision then typically takes 2 months – 6 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is a PGWP valid?+
Up to 3 years. Duration matches the length of the study programme (programmes under 8 months do not qualify; programmes of 8 months to less than 2 years grant matching length; programmes 2 years or longer receive 3 years).
Does a Post-Graduation Work Permit lead directly to permanent residence?+
Not by itself. The PGWP is an open work permit that does not itself lead to settlement, but it is the primary bridge from study to permanent residence — you use the Canadian work experience it provides to work toward the Canadian Experience Class or a Provincial Nominee Program.
Does every Canadian college or university program qualify for a PGWP?+
No. The program must be PGWP-eligible at a Designated Learning Institution, and the eligibility list was tightened in 2024 so that graduates of certain college/university partnerships no longer qualify. Confirm a program's PGWP-eligibility before you enrol.
Is there a language test for the Post-Graduation Work Permit now?+
Yes, since 2024. University graduates need CLB 7 and college graduates need CLB 5, and you must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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