Post-Graduate Open Work Permits

Post-Graduate Open Work Permits

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who complete an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work for up to three years. It’s a key step toward gaining Canadian work experience and potentially applying for permanent residency.

PGWP Eligibility Criteria (Updated for 2024–2025)

To qualify for a PGWP, students must meet the following conditions:

1. Complete a Full-Time Program at a DLI

Your program must be full-time, last at least 8 months, and be completed at a recognized Canadian DLI.

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2. Graduate from an Eligible Institution

Your institution can be public or certain private post-secondary schools that are authorized to award degrees under provincial law.

3. Apply Within 180 Days

You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final transcript or official confirmation of program completion.

4. Hold a Valid Study Permit

You must either:

  • Have a valid study permit when you finish your program, or
  • Have had a study permit that expired within the last 90 days

5. No Previous PGWP Issued

You are not eligible if you’ve already received a PGWP after completing another program.

Important Updates: September 2024 & Beyond

IRCC has introduced new requirements for PGWP applicants:

• From September 1, 2024, students must be physically present in Canada for the entire duration of their studies.

➤ Time spent outside Canada will be deducted from your PGWP length.

• At least 50% of your program must be delivered in-person (includes in-person, hybrid, or flexible delivery with mandatory on-campus attendance).

• From November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must meet the new language proficiency requirement:

🎓 Language Requirement:

  • If you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree you need CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
  • If you graduated from any other university program the you need CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all 4 language areas.
  • If you graduated from any other college, polytechnic or non-university program, you need CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
  • If you graduated from a flight school, there are no language or field of study requirements for graduates from a PGWP-eligible flight school.

📌 Not All Programs Qualify for PGWP Please note: Not all academic programs are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). We recommend checking the latest updates on the official IRCC website.

Let TNC Immigration Help You

The PGWP process can be complex, especially with the 2024 updates. At TNC Immigration, our team of professionals is ready to guide you through every step — from checking your program eligibility to submitting a strong PGWP application.

This page provides a basic outline of the respective application, which may or may not be applicable to you. Do not solely rely on the information here. To check your eligibility and get accurate information you can contact our team at TNC Immigration.