Key takeaways
- The program must be at least 8 months long (900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible school
- Language (since November 1, 2024): CLB 7 for university programs, CLB 5 for college programs, in all 4 skills
- College diplomas need a field of study on IRCC’s list if you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024
- PGWP length: same as your program if under 2 years; 3 years for 2-year+ programs and for master’s degrees of 8 months or more
- Apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you finished
Who is eligible for a PGWP?
You may be eligible if you:
- Finished a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI).
- Studied full time in every semester. Only the last semester may be part time.
- Meet the language and, if it applies, field of study rules below.
- Apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program.
You are not eligible if you already had a PGWP, studied English or French as a second language, took general interest or non-credit courses (flight school is an exception), or completed more than 50% of the program by distance learning (outside the COVID-19 rules).
Language rule: CLB 7 or CLB 5
| Program | Minimum level, all 4 skills |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) |
| Other university program | CLB 7 or NCLC 7 |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university program | CLB 5 or NCLC 5 |
This applies if you applied for your PGWP on or after November 1, 2024. You need results from an approved test. Convert your scores with the CLB converter.
Field of study rule
If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, a college or non-degree university program must be in an eligible field of study, linked to jobs in long-term shortage. The list covers areas such as agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare, science and technology (STEM), trades and transport. IRCC lists each eligible program by its CIP code.
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are exempt, and so are flight school graduates. IRCC says it will not add or remove eligible fields during 2026. If your program was on the list when you applied for your study permit, it stays eligible for you.
How long will my PGWP be?
| Your program | Possible PGWP length |
|---|---|
| 8 months to under 2 years | Up to the length of the program |
| 2 years or longer | 3 years |
| Master’s degree, at least 8 months (applications since February 15, 2024) | 3 years, even if the program was under 2 years |
| Two eligible programs in a row | May combine the lengths, if each program is eligible |
Your PGWP cannot last past your passport’s expiry date, so renew your passport first if it expires soon. If your program started on or after September 1, 2024, time studied online from outside Canada is taken off the length.
Worked examples
- Two-year college diploma in a field on the list, CLB 6, study permit applied for in 2025: eligible, 3-year PGWP (CLB 5 needed).
- One-year master’s (12 months), CLB 8: eligible, 3-year PGWP. No field of study rule for degrees.
- One-year college certificate (10 months), field not on the list, study permit applied for in 2025: not eligible.
After you get your PGWP
A PGWP is an open work permit, so you can work for almost any employer. Canadian work experience in a skilled job can lead to permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class. Plan your route in study permit to PR and the study-to-PR pathway, and check current processing times for permit extensions.