At a glance
| Fee | $255 ($155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee) |
| Biometrics | $85 (if not given in the last 10 years) |
| Apply within | 180 days of getting your final marks or completion letter |
| Length | 8 months to 3 years, based on your program |
| Times you can get one | Once in your lifetime |
PGWP eligibility
To get a PGWP, you must:
- Have completed an eligible program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible DLI.
- Have studied full-time in Canada during each academic session (except your final session, which can be part-time, and authorized leaves).
- Have received a letter or transcript confirming you completed your program.
- Apply within 180 days of getting your final marks or completion letter.
- Have held valid student status at some point in those 180 days.
- Meet the language requirement (for applications from November 1, 2024).
- Meet the field of study requirement, if your program is not a university degree.
Language requirement (from November 1, 2024)
| Program completed | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from a university | CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in all four skills |
| College program or other non-university program | CLB 5 / NCLC 5 in all four skills |
Accepted tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results must be less than two years old on the day you apply.
Who is exempt? Only people who submitted their PGWP application before November 1, 2024, and graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools. Everyone applying for a PGWP now needs a language test.
Field of study requirement
Since November 1, 2024, graduates of most non-degree college programs must have studied in a field linked to an occupation in long-term shortage. IRCC publishes a list of eligible fields of study by CIP code, and updates it over time.
- Exempt: university bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree graduates
- Exempt: students who applied for their study permit before November 1, 2024, and graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs
- Must check: college diplomas, certificates and post-graduate certificates
Before you choose a college program, check its CIP code against the IRCC list. This is one of the most common mistakes we see.
Programs that are not eligible
- Programs shorter than 8 months
- Programs at non-DLI schools or schools not on the PGWP-eligible list
- Programs delivered through a curriculum licensing agreement (public-private partnership colleges), with limited exceptions
- Programs where you didn't complete at least 50% of your studies in Canada
- English or French as a second language programs only
- If you already had a PGWP
How long is a PGWP?
| Program length | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Same length as your program |
| 2 years or more | 3 years |
| Master's degree of at least 8 months (at a university) | 3 years, even if the program was shorter than 2 years |
| Two eligible programs (each 8+ months) completed within 2 years | Combined length, up to 3 years |
Your PGWP cannot be valid longer than your passport. If your passport expires soon, renew it before you apply, or you will get a shorter permit.
How to apply for a PGWP
- Get your completion letter and final transcript from your school.
- Take a language test if required.
- Check your field of study if you completed a college program.
- Apply online through your IRCC account before your study permit expires, if possible.
- Upload documents: passport, completion letter, transcript, language results, study permit and any other required documents.
- Pay the fees ($255 plus biometrics if needed).
- Give biometrics if requested.
- Wait for a decision. IRCC mails your PGWP if approved.
You can't apply for a PGWP at the border (flagpoling ended for PGWPs on June 21, 2024). You must apply online.
Can I work while my PGWP application is processing?
Yes, if all of the following are true:
- You applied before your study permit expired
- You were a full-time student in your final session (or it was your last part-time session)
- You were allowed to work off campus while studying
- You did not exceed your allowed work hours
You can then work full-time while you wait.
If your study permit has already expired, you can still apply within 180 days, but you must first restore your status (or apply from outside Canada) and you cannot work until your PGWP is approved.
PGWP to PR: your next steps
The PGWP is your chance to build Canadian work experience for PR. Common routes:
| Pathway | What you need |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada, CLB 7 (TEER 0–1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2–3) |
| BC PNP Skilled Worker | BC job offer (TEER 0–3) + 2 years of full-time skilled experience. BC's International Graduate stream is no longer offered |
| Category-based Express Entry draws | Work in healthcare, STEM, trades, education or transport, or French skills |
Plan early. A 3-year PGWP goes fast. Most graduates need 12 months of skilled work, then 6+ months for PR processing. If your PGWP is ending before PR is approved, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
Common PGWP refusal reasons
- Applied after the 180-day deadline
- Program not PGWP-eligible or school not on the list
- Field of study not on the eligible list (college programs)
- Language test missing, expired or below the minimum
- Part-time study during regular sessions without approved leave
- Already received a PGWP before
- Missing completion letter or transcript
Refused? Options include a request for reconsideration (if there was an officer error), restoration of status, or other work permit options. Act quickly, because the restoration window is only 90 days.
How Trueman Immigration helps
- Eligibility check: program, school, field of study and language
- Timeline planning: when to apply to keep the right to work
- Application filing: complete documents and correct forms
- Status help: restoration and maintained status
- PR planning: CEC, BC PNP and category-based draws