The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is Canada's most powerful immigration tool for international students. It lets you live and work anywhere in Canada — for any employer — for up to 3 years after graduation, building the Canadian work experience needed to qualify for permanent residency. Understanding the PGWP strategically from your first day of study is essential. StudentBuddy supports your full Canadian journey, from finding student accommodation in Canada in your first year through planning your post-graduation career and PR pathway with resources on funding options.
The PGWP gives international graduates open work rights in Canada for up to 3 years. Apply within 180 days of receiving your completion letter. A 1-year Masters now qualifies for a 3-year PGWP. PhD graduates always receive the maximum 3 years. The permit is open — work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada.
PGWP duration by programme type
| Programme | PGWP duration | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Under 8 months | Not eligible | No PGWP for short programmes |
| 8 months to under 2 years | Equal to programme length | 1-year cert = 1-year PGWP |
| 2 or more years (single programme) | 3 years maximum | 4-year bachelor's = 3-year PGWP |
| 1-year Masters | 3 years | Special rule since 2023 — major advantage |
| 2-year Masters | 3 years | Standard maximum |
| PhD (any length) | 3 years | Always the maximum |
Eligibility conditions in full
- Graduated from a full-time programme at an eligible DLI
- Studied in Canada for at least 8 months
- Maintained full-time enrolment throughout (final semester exception applies)
- Applied within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of completion
- Held a valid study permit at the time of application
- Have not previously received a PGWP (once per lifetime)
PGWP to PR: the step-by-step pathway
- Receive your official completion letter or transcript
This starts your 180-day PGWP application window. Apply immediately — there is no advantage to waiting.
- Apply online through your IRCC account
Submit your completion letter, study permit details, and passport. PGWP processing takes 4–8 weeks. You can work full-time during processing under maintained status if your study permit was valid when you graduated.
- Work in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
Most professional roles requiring a university degree qualify. Verify the NOC TEER classification of your occupation at canada.ca before accepting any role you plan to use for CEC.
- Achieve CLB 7+ in IELTS (or equivalent)
Minimum CLB 7 = IELTS 6.0 in each band. CLB 9 (IELTS 7.0 each band) adds significant CRS points. Score higher to compete more effectively in Express Entry draws.
- Create your Express Entry profile
Enter the pool with your Canadian credential, work experience, and language scores. Monitor for targeted draws in your occupation category — these often have lower CRS thresholds than general draws.
- Respond to your Invitation to Apply within 60 days
Submit a complete PR application. Processing takes 6–12 months after submission.
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Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
Yes. Since November 2023, all Masters degree graduates receive a 3-year PGWP regardless of whether the programme was 1 or 2 years. This makes 1-year Masters programmes in Canada exceptionally attractive for the PR pathway.
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer, in any role, anywhere in Canada without needing LMIA sponsorship. PGWP holders can switch jobs freely, try different sectors, and negotiate from a position of full work flexibility — a significant practical advantage over employer-specific or closed permits.
Yes. Spouses and common-law partners of PGWP holders can apply for an open spousal work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer. Both partners can accumulate Canadian work experience toward their own or joint PR applications.
Yes. Work in Canada on a PGWP in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation counts as Canadian work experience for Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class. This is the core mechanism by which international graduates transition to Canadian permanent residents.
Consider PNP streams, which may have different requirements, or targeted federal streams. Do not let your PGWP expire without a plan for maintaining legal status in Canada. Begin your job search and PR planning before graduation, not after.
