Post-Graduation Work Permit

PGWP rules in 2026 continue the November 2024 framework with the 2026 program expansion. University bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates qualify regardless of field. Graduates of college, polytechnic, and CEGEP programs must have studied in fields linked to long-term Canadian labour shortages. The 2026 expansion added more eligible programs in healthcare, skilled trades, transport, and STEM. Graduates need CLB 7 in English or French for university level and CLB 5 for college level, proven through approved tests. Permit length still matches program length up to three years.

The new PGWP framework requires graduates of non-degree college and polytechnic programs to have studied in fields linked to long-term Canadian labour needs. The eligible field list expanded in 2026 to include more healthcare, skilled trades, transport, and STEM occupations. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates from public universities are exempt from the field-of-study requirement. Language proof is mandatory: CLB 7 for university grads, CLB 5 for college grads. Graduates have 180 days from program completion to apply. Government fee is $255 (PGWP) plus $85 biometrics.

PGWP eligibility requires graduating from an eligible Designated Learning Institution after completing a program of at least eight months of full-time study. You must apply within 180 days of receiving final transcripts or completion confirmation. College and polytechnic graduates must meet the field-of-study requirement aligned to Canadian labour needs. University graduates from public institutions are exempt from field rules. You must hold valid status when applying. Distance learning of more than 50% disqualifies you. Language requirement is CLB 7 for universities and CLB 5 for colleges.

IRCC estimated approximately 200,000 to 300,000 PGWPs will expire across 2026 based on the surge of student arrivals during 2021 to 2023. This drove the maintained status doubling to 365 days in April 2026 to give graduates more time to transition to permanent residence streams or alternative permits. Many holders are pursuing PNP nominations, Express Entry through Canadian Experience Class, BOWPs after PR application acknowledgment, or LMIA-supported permits. Plan your PR pathway before the PGWP expires since it cannot be renewed.

PGWP length matches your program duration up to a maximum of three years. Programs of 8 to 23 months get a permit equal to the program length. Programs of 2 years or longer get the full 3-year permit. Master's degree graduates from programs less than two years still receive a full 3-year PGWP under the master's rule. You only get one PGWP in your lifetime, so timing matters. Calculate program duration from start to end date, not from credential issuance.

PGWP eligibility requires completion of an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution lasting at least 8 months of full-time study. You must apply within 180 days of program completion confirmation, hold valid status throughout your studies, and meet the post-November 2024 field-of-study rules if you graduated from college or polytechnic. University degree graduates from public institutions are exempt. Language proof is required: CLB 7 for university level, CLB 5 for college level. Online or distance learning over 50% of the program makes you ineligible.

A PGWP is valid for the same length as your academic program up to three years. An 8-month certificate yields an 8-month permit. A 2-year diploma yields a 2-year permit. Any program of 2 years or longer (or any master's degree regardless of length) qualifies for the maximum 3-year permit. PGWPs cannot be extended or renewed. You receive only one PGWP per lifetime, so use the time to gain Canadian work experience that supports a PR application through Express Entry, PNP, or other economic streams.

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit allowing graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. It is the most common transition route from study permit to permanent residence because Canadian work experience earned on a PGWP qualifies for Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. Length matches your program up to three years. Government fee is $255 plus $85 biometrics. Apply within 180 days of program completion. You can hold only one PGWP in your lifetime.