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Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Turn your education into Canadian work experience

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Ready to launch your career in Canada?

Our PGWP service helps international graduates work anywhere in Canada, gain valuable experience, and fast-track your path to permanent residency. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience—an essential step toward permanent residency.

  • Eligible Institutions: You must have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Not every DLI program qualifies, so always check the DLI list to confirm your school’s status.
  • Program Completion ≠ Automatic Eligibility: Simply finishing a program at a DLI doesn’t guarantee a PGWP. Your specific credential and institution must be on IRCC’s approved list.
  • New Requirements (Nov 1, 2024): As of November 1, 2024, IRCC updated PGWP eligibility criteria.

Exemptions: If you submitted your PGWP application before Nov 1, 2024 or are a flight school graduate, you remain exempt from the new field-of-study and duration requirements.

Who is Eligible for a PGWP

To qualify for a PGWP, you must:

  1. Study full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec)

  2. Maintain valid status as a student when you apply (or apply within 90 days of your permit’s expiry)

  3. Apply online within 180 days of completing your program

  4. Hold a valid passport for the entire requested validity period

Recent Changes to the PGWP Program

Effective July 4, 2025, IRCC has introduced key updates to the PGWP rules:

  • Reinstated CIP Field-of-Study List: Programs removed on June 25 have been reinstated and remain eligible through early 2026.
  • Extended Grace Periods: Graduates now have 90 days (instead of 60) after program completion to submit their PGWP application.
  • Online-only Extensions: All reinstatement and extension requests must now be filed through IRCC’s secure online portal.
  • Automatic Open Work Permit for Spouses: Spouses/common-law partners of PGWP holders are automatically eligible for an open work permit once the main application is submitted.

Field of Study Requirement & Updates

IRCC uses 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2021 codes to confirm your program meets the field-of-study requirement.

  • Exceptions: No CIP check if you:
    • Applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024
    • Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
    • Graduated from an eligible flight school
    • Submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024

Check the List of Currently Eligible CIP Codes

To ensure your program qualifies under the PGWP field-of-study requirement, review the complete list on Canada.ca:

Eligible CIP Codes for PGWP (Education)

Why Choose JH Click Immigration?

Regulated Expertise

RCIC-licensed consultants with up-to-date IRCC insights.

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We treat you like family—respecting your time, emotions, and investment.

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No hidden costs; clear, affordable pricing.

End-to-End Guidance

From eligibility assessment through application submission and follow-up.

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