JH Cliick Immigration

Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Turn your education into Canadian work experience

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:

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.

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From eligibility assessment through application submission and follow-up.

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Free PGWP Assessment in just minutes—no obligation.