1. Who is Eligible for a PGWP?
You may be eligible if:
- You graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Your program of study was at least 8 months long and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- You maintained full-time student status throughout your program (exceptions may apply for your final term or COVID-related disruptions).
- You apply within 180 days of receiving official confirmation (transcript or completion letter) that you met the requirements of your program.
- You held a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days.
2. Important Changes in 2024–2025: New Focus on Specific Fields of Study
As of November 1, 2024, not all programs are eligible for a PGWP. IRCC has restricted eligibility to certain fields of study to better align with Canada’s labor market needs.
Eligible Fields of Study Include:
- Healthcare (e.g., nursing, lab tech, personal support work)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Skilled Trades (e.g., welding, electrician, plumbing)
- Transport (e.g., logistics, aircraft maintenance, trucking-related programs)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food (e.g., farm management, food science)
These changes primarily affect non-degree post-secondary programs. University-level bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs generally remain eligible regardless of field.
How to Check If Your Program Qualifies
- Get your program’s CIP code (Classification of Instructional Programs). This is often listed in your school’s program description or can be requested from your registrar.
- Cross-reference the CIP code with IRCC’s updated list of eligible programs. Schools such as NBCC and IRCC itself provide searchable lists.
- Ask your school’s international student office to confirm eligibility based on the most recent IRCC guidelines.
3. Documents You Need to Apply
- A valid passport
- A final transcript from your institution
- An official letter of completion from your institution
- A copy of your study permit
- A digital photo (for online submission)
4. Processing and Working While You Wait
- Processing time: 2–4 months on average.
- If you applied before your study permit expired, you can:
- Work full-time while waiting for a decision.
- Remain in Canada under maintained status (formerly “implied status”).
5. PGWP Validity Duration
The length of your PGWP depends on the length of your completed program:
| Program Duration | PGWP Validity |
| Less than 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Same as program length |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
PGWPs are only issued once in a lifetime, so plan strategically.
6. Language Requirement
Graduates must now demonstrate language proficiency of at least:
- CLB 5 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in English or
- NCLC 5 (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) in French
This applies to certain post-secondary programs under new immigration pathways.
