PGWP eligibility must be planned before enrolment—not after graduation.
General requirements
Complete an eligible program at a PGWP-eligible DLI lasting at least 8 months (900 hours in Québec), remain full-time each semester except a permitted final part-time semester, apply within 180 days of written completion and have held a valid study permit during that 180-day period.
Language for degrees/university
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university-program graduates generally need approved English CLB 7 or French NCLC 7 in all four skills.
Language for college/non-university
Other college, polytechnic and non-university graduates generally need CLB/NCLC 5 in all four skills.
Field of study
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates have no field requirement. Other university, college and non-university graduates whose study-permit application was filed on or after November 1, 2024 generally need an eligible CIP field.
Length
Programs from 8 months to under 2 years usually support a permit up to the program length; programs of 2 years or more may support up to 3 years. Passport expiry can shorten issuance.
Common exclusions
A prior PGWP, stand-alone ESL/FSL, general-interest or non-credit study, more than 50% distance learning, non-eligible DLI/program and most public-private curriculum-licensing programs can make the graduate ineligible.
One-time permit
A PGWP is generally available once. A later program does not create a second PGWP, so sequencing programs, passport validity and the first application matter.
Verify the exact program and future goal before paying tuition.
- 01
Match the institution name, campus, DLI number, credential and program start/end dates to the letter of acceptance.
- 02
Read the deposit and refund terms for visa refusal, withdrawal, deferral and program cancellation; keep every receipt and written representation.
- 03
Check whether the credential is recognized for the intended regulated profession, trade, graduate admission or career outcome.
- 04
For PGWP planning, verify the exact program—not only the school—and document the DLI-list result on the day of payment.
- 05
For a non-degree program, identify its CIP code and whether the applicant’s study-permit filing date triggers the eligible field-of-study rule.
- 06
In Québec, confirm the CAQ, financial-capacity and attestation process before the federal application.
Master’s and doctoral students have important 2026 rules.
PAL/TAL
From January 1, 2026, students entering a degree-granting master’s or doctoral program at a public DLI do not need a PAL/TAL; the LOA and all other study-permit evidence remain required.
Doctoral processing
IRCC advertises 2-week processing for eligible doctoral study-permit applications that follow the specific instructions and submit a complete application.
Family
Family members may apply together, but every person must qualify for their own visa/permit. A spouse open work permit depends on the current program-level and family rules.
PGWP length
A qualifying master’s program of at least 8 months (900 hours in Québec) may support a 3-year PGWP even if the program is under 2 years; certificate and diploma programs do not receive this master’s exception.
Maintain student status and keep a paper trail after arrival.
Enrolment and progress
Remain enrolled at the DLI named in the permit and actively pursue studies. Preserve enrolment letters, transcripts, attendance and authorized-leave records.
Authorized leave
A DLI-authorized leave is generally limited to 150 days for compliance purposes. On- and off-campus work is not allowed during an authorized leave.
Contact and permit conditions
Update the school and IRCC where required and obey work, medical, level, DLI and expiry conditions printed on the permit.
Stopping or finishing early
Stopping studies can end work authorization. The study permit normally becomes invalid 90 days after written program completion even if a later date is printed.
Travel document
A study permit is not a visa. Re-entry normally requires a valid passport plus TRV or eTA, and the final admission decision remains with CBSA.
Study can support—but never guarantee—a permanent-residence pathway.
- 01
Choose a program for real education and career value first. A DLI, PGWP or Canadian credential does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.
- 02
Before enrolment, compare PGWP eligibility, expected NOC/TEER, provincial licensing, language requirements and relevant Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic, rural or Francophone programs.
- 03
Keep authorized status and work records. Unauthorized work, ineligible self-employment or missing proof can make experience unusable.
- 04
After graduation, calculate PGWP timing, language tests, ECA for prior foreign education where useful, job requirements, provincial residence intent and permit expiry together.
Official sources & application
The practical answer is in this guide; use these links to verify live changes and apply officially.
Ghasedak explains the eligibility, evidence, process and important cautions in plain language. Because laws, forms, fees and filing methods can change, also check the live official instructions on the day you submit. This is general information, not individual legal advice.