A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates of Canadian schools work for almost any employer in Canada. It is also how many graduates gain the Canadian work experience that counts toward permanent residence. This guide summarizes the general eligibility rules IRCC publishes for 2026.
Requirements for each person depend on their own situation, and IRCC makes every decision. Treat this as general information and confirm the details on IRCC’s website before you apply.
PGWP eligibility at a glance
| Requirement | What IRCC says |
|---|---|
| When to apply | Within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your program |
| Program length | At least 8 months (900 hours in Quebec) |
| Language: bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs | CLB / NCLC 7 in all four skills |
| Language: college, polytechnic and other non-university programs | CLB / NCLC 5 in all four skills |
| Field of study requirement | Applies to non-degree programs if you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024 |
1. Apply within 180 days
You have 180 days from the date you receive confirmation that you completed your program, such as a final transcript or a letter from your school. Missing this window is one of the most common ways graduates lose PGWP eligibility, so note the date as soon as you finish.
2. Your program must be long enough and at an eligible school
Your program must be at least eight months long (900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution. Not every DLI or program qualifies, so check before you enrol, not after you graduate.
3. Language test results
Most PGWP applicants need an approved English or French test result. The level depends on the type of program:
- Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees, and other university programs: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- College, polytechnic and other non-university programs: CLB or NCLC 5 in all four skills.
- PGWP-eligible flight schools: no language requirement.
IRCC’s website has a tool to convert test scores into CLB and NCLC levels. Book your test early: results take time, and they need to be valid when you apply.
4. The field of study requirement
If you are in a program that does not lead to a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, and you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, you must graduate in an eligible field of study. Eligible fields are listed by six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code and are concentrated in areas such as health care, trades, education, agriculture, transport and STEM.
In January 2026, IRCC said it would not update the list of eligible fields during 2026, so the current list stays in place for the year. Degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral) are not subject to this requirement.
5. Public–private college partnerships
Programs delivered by a private college under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public college are generally not PGWP-eligible. IRCC lists limited exceptions based on when the program started, so if your school operates this way, check IRCC’s page carefully.
Can you work while waiting for your PGWP?
IRCC says you can work unlimited hours while you wait for a decision if you were eligible to work off campus during your studies and you applied for your PGWP before your study permit expired. If your study permit expires before you apply, different rules apply. Read more in our guide to international student work hours.
Planning tips
- Check your program’s PGWP eligibility, including its CIP code, before you apply for a study permit.
- Take your language test before your final term.
- Keep your study permit valid through graduation, and apply for the PGWP before it expires.
- Save your completion letter and final transcript as soon as you receive them.
Frequently asked questions
Do master’s graduates need to meet the field of study requirement?
No. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs are exempt from the field of study requirement, but they still need CLB or NCLC 7.
Can I get a second PGWP?
In general, a PGWP is issued once in a lifetime. Check IRCC’s eligibility page if you previously held one.
Is a PGWP the same as permanent residence?
No. A PGWP is temporary. Work experience gained on it may help you qualify for permanent residence programs later, but that is a separate application.