As graduation approaches this June, international students in Canada are considering their next steps. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers a valuable opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which can be instrumental in transitioning to permanent residency. However, recent changes to the PGWP program have introduced new eligibility criteria. Here's an updated guide to help you understand the PGWP in 2025.
What is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to work in Canada for up to 3 years. The duration of the permit depends on the length of the study program completed. This work experience can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency through various immigration pathways.
Who is Eligible for the PGWP?
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Program Completion: You must have completed a program of study at a PGWP-eligible DLI that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs).
- Full-Time Status: You must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each semester of your study program, except for the final semester, which can be part-time.
- Application Timeline: You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation (such as a transcript or an official letter) from your institution that you have met the requirements of your program.
- Valid Study Permit: Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application.
Special cases, such as accelerated programs, distance learning, authorized leaves, and transfers between schools, may have additional considerations.
Recent Changes to the PGWP Program
As of November 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented significant changes to the PGWP eligibility criteria:
1. Language Proficiency Requirement
All applicants must now demonstrate language proficiency by achieving a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in French across all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
2. Field of Study Requirement
For graduates of diploma or certificate programs (excluding bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees), eligibility for the PGWP is now restricted to those who have completed programs in fields of study linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages in Canada. These fields include:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- Health care
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transport
But there are some Exceptions based on your Study Permit Application Date
Applied Before November 1, 2024: You are subject to the previous PGWP eligibility criteria, without the new language proficiency and field of study requirements.
Applied On or After November 1, 2024: You must meet the new language proficiency requirement, and if you are graduating from a diploma or certificate program, your field of study must be in an eligible occupation facing labour shortages.
Does the Field of Study Apply to me?
If you graduated with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree, there is no field of study requirements, BUT you must complete a Language test in English - CLB 7 or French NCLC 7.
If you applied for your Study permit On or After November 1, 2024 at a college, polytechnic, non-university program or any other university program, then yes the Field of Study is applicable in order to determine whether you receive a Post-Graduate work permit.