To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, international students must:
1-Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Only DLIs are authorized to host international students. Confirm your school is on the official DLI list.
2-Pick a PGWP-eligible program: Not all programs at DLIs qualify. Confirm with the school and check the program’s CIP code if needed. CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) is Canada’s official system for categorizing programs of study and is used to determine PGWP eligibility based on field of study.
As of 2024, some programs must also match in-demand occupations to qualify.
3-Meet the language requirement:
- CLB/NCLC 7 for university-level programs
- CLB/NCLC 5 for college-level programs
4-Study full-time for at least 8 months and graduate from an eligible institution:
You must complete a program that is academic, vocational, or professional in nature, and results in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The program must be at least 8 months long and taken continuously with full-time enrollment during each academic session. You must also receive a transcript and an official letter confirming program completion when applying for the PGWP.
5-PGWP length:
- Master’s (8+ months): Up to 3 years
- Other programs: Length of PGWP depends on program duration
Note: You can only get one PGWP in your lifetime, and you must remain admissible to Canada at graduation.
