About the PGWP

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows students who have graduated from eligible schools to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Graduating from a DLI doesn’t automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. 

• Check the DLI list to find out which schools have eligible programs.

As of November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements for a PGWP changed. If you submitted your PGWP application before November  1, 2024, or are a flight school graduate, you’re exempt from the new requirements.

How long is a post-graduation work permit valid?

The length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

For master’s degree programs as of February 15, 2024

You can apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if your master’s program was less than 2  years, as long as

• your program was at least 8  months (or 900  hours for Quebec programs) and
• you meet all other eligibility requirements

This doesn’t apply to certificate or diploma programs.

For all other programs

If your program was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years

We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.

For example, if you completed a 9-month program, we may give you a work permit for up to 9 months.

If your program was 2 years or more

We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.

If you completed more than 1 program

You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program.

Each of the programs you completed must be

• PGWP eligible and
• at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length

You can’t get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.

If your passport expires before your PGWP

Make sure your passport is valid for the full length of time you’re eligible for a PGWP before you apply.

Your work permit will only be issued for the period your passport is valid. If your passport expires before the full duration of your eligibility, you can apply to extend your PGWP.

To extend your PGWP, you  must apply on paper after you get a new passport that’s valid for the entire period you’re eligible for the work permit.