How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit After Studying in Canada
Learn how to apply for a Canadian post-graduation work permit within 180 days of graduating, including PGWP eligibility, language and field-of-study rules, required documents, 2026 fees and work authorization while you wait.
CA Canada
Immigration & Travel ~ 15 min read
15 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-25
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You may apply for a post-graduation work permit if you completed a PGWP-eligible program at an eligible designated learning institution, normally studied full-time during each semester except that you may study part-time in your final semester, and apply within 180 days after your school confirms that you completed the program. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during those 180 days. In 2026, most applicants must also provide approved English or French language test results. Bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university graduates generally need CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language abilities, while graduates of other college, polytechnic or non-university programs generally need CLB 5 or NCLC 5. Certain non-degree programs also require an eligible field of study. The PGWP fee is $255. If you applied while your study permit was still valid and met IRCC's work conditions, you may be allowed to work full-time while waiting for a decision.
What you need
- Complete a PGWP-eligible program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
- The program must normally be at least 8 months long, or at least 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs.
- Maintain full-time student status in Canada during each semester of the program, although you may study part-time during your final semester.
- Apply within 180 days after receiving confirmation that you completed your program.
- Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after program completion.
- Provide proof of program completion, such as a degree, diploma, certificate, official completion letter or official transcript accepted by IRCC.
- Provide proof of full-time enrolment, normally through an official transcript.
- Provide approved English or French language test results if required.
- Provide proof that your program is in an eligible field of study if the field-of-study requirement applies to you.
- Provide proof of an upfront immigration medical exam if you want to work in an occupation for which a medical exam is required.
- Have a valid passport. The validity of your passport can limit the duration of the PGWP issued.
Eligibility
You may qualify for a post-graduation work permit if you completed a qualifying program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution, the program was normally at least 8 months long or 900 hours for applicable Quebec credentials, you maintained full-time student status during each semester except that your final semester may be part-time, and you apply within 180 days after your school confirms that you completed the program. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during those 180 days. Most applicants applying in 2026 must also meet language requirements, and some non-degree graduates whose study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024 must meet the eligible field-of-study requirement. Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you PGWP-eligible because the specific program must also qualify.
How to do it
- Confirm that both your designated learning institution and your specific study program are PGWP-eligible.
- Check that you meet the general eligibility rules, including program length, full-time study history and the 180-day application deadline.
- Determine the language level that applies to your credential and take an accepted English or French language test if required.
- If your program is subject to the field-of-study requirement, identify its 6-digit CIP code and confirm that it qualifies under the applicable IRCC rules.
- Wait until your school gives you written confirmation that you completed the program, such as an official completion letter, transcript, degree, diploma or certificate.
- If your study permit will expire before you receive your final marks or completion confirmation, either apply for a visitor record before expiry or leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside Canada.
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account and complete the work permit eligibility questionnaire.
- Upload your proof of program completion, official transcript, language results and field-of-study evidence if required.
- Upload proof of an upfront medical exam if applicable to the type of work you want to perform.
- Pay the $255 PGWP fee and submit the application within 180 days after program completion.
- If you lost your student status but are still within the permitted restoration period, apply online for the PGWP and restoration of student status and pay the additional restoration fees.
- Monitor your IRCC account for requests and the final decision.
- If you applied from inside Canada while eligible to work after graduation, keep proof of your work authorization while the application is pending.
Who can apply for a post-graduation work permit?
A post-graduation work permit, commonly called a PGWP, allows eligible graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions to work in Canada after finishing their studies.
Graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically make you eligible. Both the institution and the specific program must meet IRCC's PGWP rules.
What are the main PGWP eligibility requirements in 2026?
Under the current IRCC rules, you normally need to meet all of the following general requirements:
- complete a program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution;
- complete a program that is at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs;
- maintain full-time student status during each semester of the program;
- you may study part-time during your final semester;
- apply within 180 days after receiving confirmation that you completed the program;
- have had a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days after program completion.
How long do you have to apply for a PGWP after graduation?
You have up to 180 days after your school confirms that you completed your study program to apply for a PGWP.
The completion date is linked to the confirmation from your school that you completed the program, not simply the date of your graduation ceremony.
Do not wait until the end of the 180-day period if your temporary resident status is about to expire.
What happens if your study permit expires before you get your final marks?
IRCC advises students not to let their status expire while waiting for final marks or completion confirmation.
If your study permit will expire before you receive your marks, you can either:
- apply for a visitor record before your study permit expires so you can remain in Canada legally; or
- leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside Canada.
If you stay in Canada and allow your study permit to expire, you must restore your status as a student if you want to submit an in-Canada PGWP application under the restoration rules.
Can you apply for a PGWP after your study permit expires?
Yes, in limited circumstances.
If your study permit expired and you did not change to visitor status before expiry, IRCC states that you have up to 90 days after the study permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student, provided you continue to meet the PGWP requirements.
You must apply online, pay the $255 PGWP fee and pay the applicable restoration fee. Because of system limitations, IRCC instructs restoration applicants to pay the restoration fee separately online and attach the receipt to the PGWP application.
How much does a post-graduation work permit cost in 2026?
The standard PGWP fee is $255.
This consists of:
- $155 work permit processing fee; and
- $100 open work permit holder fee.
If you also need to restore your student status, additional restoration fees apply. IRCC currently lists a restoration-related amount of $389.75 in its immigration program tool.
Other costs can include language testing, medical examinations, document translations and biometrics where applicable.
What language test do you need for a PGWP in 2026?
Most people submitting a PGWP application in 2026 must provide proof of English or French language ability. The main exception is for eligible flight school graduates.
IRCC accepts the following tests for PGWP language requirements:
- CELPIP General;
- IELTS General Training;
- PTE Core;
- TEF Canada;
- TCF Canada.
Language requirement for bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates
If you graduated with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree, you must show at least CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Language requirement for other university programs
Graduates of other university programs also need at least CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
Language requirement for college, polytechnic and other non-university programs
Graduates of other college, polytechnic or non-university programs generally need at least CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four abilities.
Language requirements for flight school graduates
Graduates from a PGWP-eligible flight school do not have to meet the PGWP language requirement.
What IELTS score do you need for a PGWP?
For IELTS General Training, IRCC's current conversion table shows:
- CLB 7: 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking;
- CLB 5: reading 4.0, writing 5.0, listening 5.0 and speaking 5.0.
The required CLB level depends on your type of study program.
Do you need an eligible field of study for a PGWP?
Some applicants do.
If you graduated with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree, there is no field-of-study requirement.
If you graduated from another university program, college, polytechnic or non-university program and you submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you generally must have graduated in an eligible field of study.
If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, you do not need to meet the field-of-study requirement.
What is a CIP code for PGWP eligibility?
IRCC uses the 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programs code, or CIP code, to determine whether a study program meets the field-of-study requirement.
You can get your CIP code from your designated learning institution or compare your program with the Statistics Canada CIP classification.
IRCC states that the eligible PGWP field-of-study list is frozen for 2026, meaning it will not add or remove eligible fields during 2026.
What documents do you need for a PGWP application?
IRCC requires evidence showing both that you graduated and that you met the study requirements.
Typical required documents include:
- proof that you completed your studies;
- an official transcript or copy of an official transcript showing full-time enrolment;
- language test results if required;
- proof of an eligible field of study if required;
- proof of an upfront medical exam if applicable;
- passport or travel document information;
- other documents listed in your personalized IRCC checklist.
What counts as proof that you completed your program?
IRCC accepts one of the following forms of proof from a PGWP-eligible DLI and program:
- a degree, diploma or certificate from a credit-earning program;
- an official letter from your school confirming completion;
- an official transcript;
- a copy of your official transcript from your school's website.
Flight school programs have separate documentation rules.
How do you prove you studied full-time?
Submit an official transcript from your DLI or a copy of your official transcript from the DLI's website.
IRCC generally requires full-time status during every semester of the program, but permits part-time study during the final semester.
Can an authorized leave affect PGWP eligibility?
Yes. An unauthorized leave can make you ineligible if IRCC determines that you failed to comply with your study permit conditions.
IRCC recognizes certain authorized leaves of up to 150 days. If you took an authorized leave, you should provide evidence that your designated learning institution approved it.
Does online study affect PGWP eligibility?
Yes. The rules depend on when your program and study permit application were started.
For a lock-in date on or after September 1, 2024, IRCC requires you to complete at least 50% of your program in class within Canada. Time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from the length of the PGWP.
Time spent studying online from outside Canada after August 31, 2024 does not count toward the PGWP length.
Are public-private partnership programs PGWP-eligible?
Most programs delivered by a private career college on behalf of a public PGWP-eligible institution under a curriculum licensing agreement are not PGWP-eligible.
Limited transitional exceptions apply based on when the student began the program and whether the licensing arrangement was within the same province or between provinces.
If your program was delivered under this type of arrangement, verify the exact IRCC transitional rule before applying.
Who is not eligible for a PGWP?
IRCC lists several situations that make a graduate ineligible, including when the person:
- already received a PGWP after an earlier program;
- studied English or French as a second language;
- completed general interest or self-improvement courses;
- completed a non-credit program, except for an eligible flight school program;
- received certain Global Affairs Canada funding that requires returning to the home country after graduation;
- completed more than 50% of the program through distance learning, subject to historical COVID-19 exceptions;
- completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada;
- completed a program that is not PGWP-eligible.
How to apply for a PGWP online
You can apply from inside Canada or from another country if you meet the applicable requirements.
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account.
- Choose the option indicating that you do not have a Personal Reference Code if applicable.
- Select Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.
- Complete the questionnaire so IRCC can generate your personalized document checklist.
- Complete the required work permit form.
- Upload your completion documents and official transcript.
- Upload language results if required, even if the document checklist displays them as optional.
- If the field-of-study requirement applies, upload your CIP evidence in the Client Information section because the system may not specifically request it.
- Upload medical examination evidence if applicable.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Submit the complete application within your 180-day deadline.
Why does the PGWP checklist show language results as optional?
IRCC warns that the online document checklist may display language proof as an optional document even when language results are mandatory for your program.
If the language requirement applies to you, you must upload your results despite the optional label. Failing to provide required language evidence can result in refusal.
Where do you upload proof of an eligible field of study?
Due to current online system limitations, IRCC may not specifically request field-of-study evidence in the document checklist.
If the field-of-study rule applies to you, upload evidence supporting your eligible CIP code in the Client Information section of your application.
Can you apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
Yes. If you completed your study program in Canada, you may leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from outside the country as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Separate distance-learning requirements apply to graduates who completed qualifying portions of their studies from outside Canada.
Can you work while waiting for your PGWP?
You can work full-time while IRCC processes your PGWP application if, when you submitted the application:
- you had a valid study permit;
- you had completed your study program;
- you were eligible to work off campus without a work permit; and
- you did not work more than 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions.
If these conditions were met, IRCC states that you remain authorized to work until a decision is made on the PGWP application.
What is the WP-EXT for PGWP letter?
Some eligible applicants receive a WP-EXT for PGWP, IMM 0127 E letter after applying.
IRCC states that you remain authorized to work while waiting for the PGWP decision even if the 180-day validity date printed on this letter has expired, provided you remain eligible. If you need updated proof for an employer, you can request it from IRCC through the web form.
How can you prove to an employer that you can work while waiting?
IRCC says you can show an employer:
- proof that you completed your program;
- a copy of your study permit showing the applicable work condition;
- the acknowledgement of receipt for your online PGWP application showing that the application was received before your study permit expired; and
- your WP-EXT for PGWP letter if IRCC issued one.
If the PGWP application is refused or rejected, you must stop working as soon as IRCC notifies you.
How long can a PGWP be valid?
The validity of the work permit depends on the level and length of your study program and the validity of your passport.
Master's degree programs
If you completed a master's degree program that was at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for an applicable Quebec program, you may qualify for a 3-year PGWP even if the master's program was less than 2 years.
This special rule does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.
Programs between 8 months and less than 2 years
For most other eligible programs that are at least 8 months but less than 2 years, IRCC may issue a PGWP for up to approximately the same length as the study program.
Programs lasting 2 years or more
If your eligible program was at least 2 years long, IRCC may issue a PGWP valid for up to 3 years.
More than one program
You may be able to combine the length of more than one eligible study program if each program is PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec credentials.
You must meet the eligibility requirements for each program. If one program has a higher language threshold, IRCC requires you to meet the higher language requirement.
Can your passport shorten your PGWP?
Yes. IRCC cannot issue a work permit beyond the validity of your passport.
If your passport expires before the full period for which you otherwise qualify, IRCC may issue a shorter PGWP. After renewing your passport, you may be able to apply on paper to extend the PGWP for the remaining eligible period.
Can you get a second PGWP?
No. IRCC states that you cannot obtain another PGWP if you already received one after completing an earlier program of study.
Do you need a medical exam for a PGWP?
A medical examination may be necessary if you want to work in an occupation where immigration medical clearance is required.
If you complete an upfront medical exam and include valid proof with the PGWP application, IRCC can issue the work permit without a condition that restricts you from those occupations, assuming you otherwise meet the medical requirements.
How long does PGWP processing take?
IRCC does not publish one permanent processing time for all PGWP applications. Current estimates change depending on where the application is processed and IRCC's workload.
Use the official IRCC processing-time tool for the current estimate. An incomplete application, medical examination or request for more documents can make processing longer.
What happens after a PGWP is approved inside Canada?
IRCC sends a decision letter to your secure account.
For an approved in-Canada work permit application, IRCC states that you may start working as soon as you receive the approval note rather than waiting for the physical work permit to arrive by mail.
The work permit should normally arrive at your Canadian mailing address within about 6 weeks after the decision letter. Contact IRCC if it does not arrive within that period.
PGWP application checklist
- Confirm that your DLI and specific program are PGWP-eligible.
- Confirm that the program was at least 8 months or 900 hours where applicable.
- Review your transcript for full-time study during each semester.
- Calculate the 180-day application deadline from your completion confirmation.
- Check when your study permit expires.
- Take an accepted language test and meet CLB or NCLC requirements if applicable.
- Check your program's 6-digit CIP code if a field-of-study requirement applies.
- Get your official completion letter or credential and transcript.
- Complete an upfront medical exam if your intended occupation requires it.
- Make sure your passport is valid for the full potential PGWP period.
- Complete the online IRCC work permit application.
- Upload language results even if the checklist displays them as optional.
- Upload eligible-field evidence in Client Information if required.
- Pay the $255 PGWP fee.
- Submit before the 180-day deadline.
- If applying after loss of student status, meet the restoration deadline and pay the required restoration fees.
- Keep proof of your authorization if you qualify to work while the PGWP is processing.
- Monitor your IRCC account for messages and the decision.
Frequently asked questions
How long after graduation do I have to apply for a PGWP?
You have up to 180 days after your school confirms that you completed your study program. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during those 180 days.
How much does a PGWP cost in Canada in 2026?
The standard PGWP fee is $255, consisting of the $155 work permit processing fee and the $100 open work permit holder fee. Additional restoration, biometrics, medical exam or third-party costs may apply.
Can I apply for a PGWP after my study permit expires?
Potentially. If you did not change to visitor status and your study permit expired, IRCC states that you may have up to 90 days after expiry to apply for the PGWP and restore your status as a student, provided you meet all other requirements.
What language score do I need for a PGWP in 2026?
Bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university graduates generally need CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Graduates of other college, polytechnic or non-university programs generally need CLB 5 or NCLC 5. Eligible flight school graduates are exempt from the PGWP language requirement.
What IELTS score is required for a PGWP?
For IELTS General Training, CLB 7 corresponds to 6.0 in each of reading, writing, listening and speaking. CLB 5 corresponds to reading 4.0, writing 5.0, listening 5.0 and speaking 5.0.
Do bachelor's degree graduates need an eligible field of study for a PGWP?
No. Graduates with bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees do not have a PGWP field-of-study requirement.
Do college graduates need an eligible field of study for a PGWP?
If you graduated from a college, polytechnic or other non-university program and submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you generally need to graduate from an eligible field of study.
Will PGWP eligible fields change during 2026?
IRCC states that the eligible field-of-study list is frozen for 2026 and no eligible fields will be added or removed during the year.
Can I work full-time while waiting for my PGWP?
Yes, if you had a valid study permit when you applied, completed your program, were eligible to work off campus and did not exceed the permitted 24 hours per week of off-campus work during regular academic sessions.
What happens if the 180 days on my PGWP work authorization letter expire?
If you received the WP-EXT for PGWP letter, IRCC states that eligible applicants remain authorized to work until a decision is made even if the 180-day validity date on the letter has passed.
How long can a PGWP be valid?
Programs of 2 years or more can normally lead to a PGWP of up to 3 years. Shorter eligible programs can lead to a permit of up to the program length. Eligible master's graduates can qualify for a 3-year PGWP even when the master's program was less than 2 years, provided it was at least 8 months long or 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs.
Can I get a second post-graduation work permit?
No. IRCC states that you are not eligible for another PGWP if you already received one after completing an earlier program.
Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
Yes. A graduate who completed their program in Canada may leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from outside Canada if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Does part-time study make me ineligible for a PGWP?
You normally need to maintain full-time student status during every semester, but IRCC permits part-time study during your final semester. Special rules can apply to authorized leave and other circumstances.
How long does a PGWP application take?
IRCC does not publish one fixed PGWP processing time for every applicant. Check the current IRCC processing-time tool because estimates change depending on application location and workload.
Official sources
IRCC - Post-graduation work permit overviewIRCC - Post-graduation work permit eligibilityIRCC - PGWP language requirements and test score conversionsIRCC - PGWP field of study requirementIRCC - Documents required for a PGWPIRCC - How to apply for a post-graduation work permitIRCC Help Centre - Working while waiting for a PGWPIRCC Help Centre - Proving work authorization while waiting for a PGWPIRCC - Work permit fees and application steps from inside CanadaIRCC - Check current application processing timesRelated procedures
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