Updated May 2026
International GraduatesPost-Graduation Work Permit
PGWP 2026 Guide
The PGWP is an open work permit that lets international graduates work for any employer in Canada after completing an eligible program. It is the primary bridge between studying in Canada and achieving permanent residence through Express Entry.
⚖️ Not legal or immigration advice. This guide is a general educational overview based on publicly available IRCC information, last verified May 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify at canada.ca/ircc and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer before applying.
2026 PGWP Key Updates
🔒 Eligible Programs Frozen
IRCC has frozen the list of PGWP-eligible programs for all of 2026. The current 1,107 programs remain eligible — including 178 that were originally scheduled for removal. Provides stability for current students.
🎓 Field-of-Study Rules (College)
College program graduates (applied Nov 1, 2024 or later) must be in a labour-shortage field to qualify. University degree graduates are generally exempt from field restrictions. Master's graduates: 3-year PGWP regardless of field.
📅 In-Person Study Requirement
Since September 1, 2024, at least 50% of your program must be completed in-person in Canada. Online studies outside Canada no longer count (except COVID exceptions: March 2020 – Aug 2022).
🌐 Language Test Required
Non-university program graduates applying after November 1, 2024 must include language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF). University graduates are currently exempt. Tests must be within 2 years of application.
Step-by-step PGWP checklist
1
Confirm Your Program Is PGWP-Eligible
⏱ Before enrolling (or now if already studying)
💰 No fee
Not all programs at Canadian DLIs qualify for a PGWP. Check: your program must be full-time, at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec), at a PGWP-eligible DLI, and for college programs (applied Nov 1 2024 or later), in a designated labour-shortage field. Programs that do NOT qualify: ESL/FSL language programs, general interest courses, government-funded programs, and programs shorter than 8 months. You also cannot receive a second PGWP if you already received one after a previous program.
📄 Documents: IRCC PGWP eligible programs list at canada.ca — search by school and program.
⚠ Watch out: If you're in a college program that doesn't fall into a designated labour-shortage field (healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, etc.), you will not qualify for a PGWP after graduating — regardless of your DLI status.
✓ Tip: IRCC publishes the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes for eligible fields. Ask your DLI's international office to confirm your program's CIP code and PGWP eligibility before you enrol.
2
Complete Your Studies Full-Time
⏱ Duration of program
💰 Tuition
Maintain full-time enrolment throughout your program. Part-time is only permitted in your final semester (if full-time enrolment would mean completing more credits than required) or for documented medical reasons. At least 50% of your program must be completed in-person in Canada (since September 2024). Keep all official enrolment records, transcripts, and any documentation of approved part-time status.
📄 Documents: Ongoing: study permit, enrolment records, attendance records if needed.
⚠ Watch out: Working over 24 hours per week off-campus during study sessions violates your study permit conditions and can affect PGWP eligibility.
✓ Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all enrolment letters, tuition receipts, and any communications from your school about your enrolment status throughout your program.
3
Receive Proof of Completion
⏱ Within weeks of finishing program
💰 No fee
After completing all requirements, your school will issue official confirmation of program completion. This is typically a: completion letter or transcript showing passing grades, or degree/diploma certificate. IRCC accepts final transcripts or an official letter from the registrar. Do not wait for your convocation ceremony — you can apply with a completion letter before the degree is physically printed.
📄 Documents: Official transcript or completion letter from registrar showing all requirements met and degree/diploma earned.
⚠ Watch out: The 180-day PGWP application deadline starts from the date you receive your final marks notification — NOT your convocation date. Apply as soon as you have your completion letter.
✓ Tip: Request your official completion letter and transcript from your registrar immediately after your last grade is posted. Most schools can issue this within 1–2 weeks of results.
4
Gather Application Documents
⏱ 1–2 weeks after graduation
💰 $255 CAD total
Prepare your complete application package: proof of program completion (transcript or letter), valid passport (ideally valid for at least 3 years), copy of your current study permit, any language test results (required for non-university programs), photos, and digital copies of all supporting documents in PDF format under 4 MB each.
📄 Documents: Proof of program completion (transcript/completion letter), valid passport, current study permit copy, language test results (if required — IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF within last 2 years), passport photos.
⚠ Watch out: Your passport must be valid for the duration you want on your PGWP. If your passport expires in 1 year, you'll only get a 1-year PGWP even if you qualify for 3. Renew your passport before applying if it expires soon.
✓ Tip: Renew your passport before applying for PGWP if it expires within 3 years. The PGWP cannot be longer than your passport validity.
5
Apply Online Within 180 Days of Graduation
⏱ Within 180 days of receiving final marks
💰 $255 CAD ($155 permit + $100 open work permit holder fee)
Apply through your IRCC account at canada.ca. The 180-day clock starts when you receive your final marks or completion letter — not your convocation date. Apply online from inside or outside Canada. You cannot apply at a port of entry for a PGWP (except in very limited circumstances).
📄 Documents: All documents from Step 4, IRCC account login, fee payment (credit/debit card).
⚠ Watch out: Missing the 180-day deadline means you permanently lose PGWP eligibility for that program. There is no extension or appeal. Set a calendar reminder for 150 days after graduation as a final warning.
✓ Tip: If you're inside Canada and your study permit expires while your PGWP is being processed, you are on "maintained status" — you can legally remain in Canada and continue working under your previous conditions.
6
Give Biometrics (if not already given)
⏱ Within 30 days of instruction letter
💰 $85 CAD (valid 10 years, skip if already given)
If you haven't given biometrics in the past 10 years, you'll receive a biometrics instruction letter after submitting your application. Book an appointment at a visa application centre immediately.
📄 Documents: Biometrics instruction letter, valid passport, $85 fee receipt.
⚠ Watch out: Most students who studied in Canada for 2+ years have already given biometrics when they applied for their study permit. Check your IRCC account — if valid biometrics are on file, you don't pay again.
✓ Tip: Check your biometrics expiry in your IRCC account before applying. If valid, you will not receive a biometrics instruction letter — this is normal.
7
Receive Your PGWP & Start Working
⏱ 4–20 weeks processing
💰 No additional fee
Once approved, IRCC will mail your PGWP (if inside Canada) or issue a port of entry letter (if outside Canada). Your PGWP duration depends on your program length: programs under 8 months do not qualify; 8 months to under 2 years: PGWP matches program length; 2 years or more: 3-year PGWP; Master's degree programs (8+ months): 3-year PGWP. You can work for any employer in Canada, in any job, without restriction.
📄 Documents: Approved PGWP document.
⚠ Watch out: Your PGWP cannot be renewed or extended. Once it expires, you must have another valid status (PR, another work permit, or study permit) or leave Canada.
✓ Tip: While working on your PGWP, build your Express Entry profile immediately. Work experience in TEER 0/1/2/3 qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after 12 months. This is your primary PR pathway.
8
Build Your Express Entry Profile
⏱ As soon as you have your PGWP
💰 No fee to create profile
While working on your PGWP, create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool. Your CRS score will increase as you gain Canadian work experience. Key score boosters: IELTS/CELPIP CLB 9 in all abilities (up to 136 CRS points), French language skills (50+ points), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination (+600 points), and job offer from a Canadian employer. After 12 months of TEER 0/1/2/3 experience, you qualify for CEC draws. Target CRS for CEC: 507–515 in 2026.
📄 Documents: Use our CRS Score Calculator to check your score with your work experience included.
⚠ Watch out: If your PGWP expires before you receive PR, you may need a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to continue working legally while waiting for your PR application to be processed. Apply for BOWP when you receive your ITA.
✓ Tip: Even 6 months into your PGWP, create your Express Entry profile. The pool ranking is based on your score at time of draw, and earlier profiles have a tie-break advantage.
$255
PGWP total fee ($155+$100)
$85
Biometrics (if first time)
180 days
Application deadline
3 years
Maximum PGWP duration
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while waiting for my PGWP to be processed?
Yes — if you apply before your study permit expires and remain inside Canada, you are on "maintained status" (also called implied status). You can continue to work under the same conditions as your previous status while IRCC processes your PGWP. If your study permit had a no-work condition, you cannot work during this period.
What fields qualify for a PGWP if I'm in a college program?
For college students who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024, your program must align with designated labour-shortage sectors: healthcare and social services, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), trade and industrial occupations, agriculture and agri-food, and education. Programs outside these sectors at colleges will not qualify for a PGWP. University degree programs are currently exempt from this field restriction.
Can I combine multiple programs for a longer PGWP?
Yes — if you completed two or more PGWP-eligible programs consecutively, their durations can be combined. For example, a 1-year diploma followed by a 1-year graduate certificate = 2 years of study = 2-year PGWP. Each program must independently meet eligibility criteria, and you must not have taken significant time off between them.
What happens when my PGWP expires?
A PGWP cannot be renewed or extended. Before it expires, you must either: (1) have received permanent residence, (2) obtain another work permit (employer-specific, spousal, etc.), (3) be approved for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while waiting for a PR application decision, (4) return to studying on a new study permit, or (5) leave Canada. Plan your Express Entry application well before your PGWP expiry date.
Does my PGWP work experience count toward CRS?
Yes — this is the primary purpose of the PGWP. Full-time work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after 12 months. CEC CRS cutoffs in 2026 are 507–515 for general draws. If you work in TEER 4 or 5 (retail, food service, etc.), it counts toward your profile but does not make you CEC-eligible — try to find TEER 0–3 work.