The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is the open work permit that lets an international graduate work in Canada after finishing studies – and for most Indian students it is the first real step towards Canadian work experience. The rules changed on 1 November 2024: most applicants now have to prove their English or French level, and graduates of non-degree programs must also have studied in an eligible field. This guide explains the PGWP 2026 rules in plain language, based on the official IRCC pages.
Quick answer
| What it is | An open work permit – you can work for almost any employer in Canada |
| Minimum program length | 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) |
| Apply within | 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program |
| Language requirement | CLB/NCLC 7 (degrees and other university programs) or CLB/NCLC 5 (college and non-university programs) |
| Fee | CAD 255 |
| Validity | Up to 3 years, depending on program length and passport validity |
IRCC says you meet the general requirement if all of these are true:
Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you eligible – always check that your program is PGWP-eligible on the official DLI list before you pay your tuition.
| Your program | Minimum language level | Field-of-study rule |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all 4 skills | None |
| Any other university program | CLB/NCLC 7 in all 4 skills | Eligible field required if you applied for your study permit on or after 1 Nov 2024 |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university program | CLB/NCLC 5 in all 4 skills | Eligible field required if you applied for your study permit on or after 1 Nov 2024 |
You are exempt from the language requirement if you submitted your PGWP application before 1 November 2024 or graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school. If you submitted your study permit application before 1 November 2024, the field-of-study requirement does not apply to you.
| Language | Accepted tests |
|---|---|
| English | CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core |
| French | TEF Canada, TCF Canada |
Test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application, and IRCC says tests should be taken in person. Convert your band scores with our IELTS to CLB converter. If you need to prepare, see our IELTS coaching in Hyderabad (take the General Training version) and PTE coaching (take PTE Core, not PTE Academic).
Watch out
IELTS Academic does not count for the PGWP. IRCC tells applicants to take the IELTS General Training option. Booking the wrong version is one of the most expensive mistakes a graduate can make.
If your program has a field-of-study requirement, you must have graduated from a program linked to occupations in long-term shortage, as listed by IRCC. The list is based on CIP codes, so check your program’s CIP code with your school before you enrol. The current list is linked from the official PGWP eligibility page.
| Your situation | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| Program of at least 8 months but less than 2 years | Up to the same length as your program (a 9-month program can get up to 9 months) |
| Program of 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
| Master’s degree (at least 8 months) | Up to 3 years, even if the program was shorter than 2 years (not for certificates or diplomas) |
| More than one eligible program | Lengths can be combined if each program is PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months; the higher language requirement applies |
Your permit is also limited by your passport: IRCC issues it only for the period your passport is valid, so renew a passport that is close to expiry before you apply. You cannot get a second PGWP if you already received one after an earlier program.
Canadian skilled work experience on a PGWP can open the door to the Canadian Experience Class and add points to your CRS score. Read our guide to Express Entry requirements and try the PNP eligibility finder to see which provincial programs fit your profile.
Pro tip
Plan backwards from PR: check your language score for Express Entry before your PGWP test, so one good test can serve both applications.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before you enrol | Confirm the school is a PGWP-eligible DLI, confirm your program is PGWP-eligible, and check whether your program needs an eligible field of study. |
| During your studies | Stay full-time in every semester (part-time is allowed only in your final semester), keep your passport valid and plan your language test. |
| In your final year | Take CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core (or a French test) so the result is under 2 years old when you apply. |
| After you complete the program | Get confirmation that you completed your program, then apply within 180 days. |
Yes, for most applicants who apply on or after 1 November 2024. The exceptions are flight school graduates and people who submitted their PGWP application before that date.
IELTS General Training. IRCC’s document guidance names the General Training option, not Academic.
IRCC says master’s graduates can apply for a 3-year PGWP even if the program was shorter than 2 years, as long as it was at least 8 months and they meet all other requirements. This does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.
180 days from confirmation that you completed your program of study, and your study permit must have been valid at some point during those 180 days.
No. You cannot get a PGWP if you already had one after an earlier program, but if you completed more than one eligible program you may be able to get one PGWP that combines their lengths.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 6 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Studying in Canada or planning to? Our study in Canada consultants in Hyderabad check your program, language plan and PGWP eligibility before you commit to a school. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154. Already working? See our Canada immigration consultants.
