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PGWP eligibility 2026: program length, language, field of study, the 180-day deadline and the fee

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is for graduates of eligible designated learning institutions. IRCC's page, read on 10 October 2026, says you must meet all requirements: a program of at least 8 months, full-time study, language results (CLB or NCLC 7 or 5 depending on the program), an eligible field of study for some programs, and an application within 180 days. The fee is $255. This guide explains the rules. It cannot tell you whether you qualify.

For many international students, the post-graduation work permit is the main reason they chose Canada. It lets a graduate work for almost any employer for a period linked to their studies, and the work experience may help later with permanent residence. IRCC introduces it in one sentence: "Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)."

The word "certain" is doing a lot of work. The eligibility rules have changed repeatedly in the last two years. Language tests became compulsory for applications on or after 1 November 2024. A field-of-study requirement arrived for many college and non-degree graduates. Distance-learning and curriculum-licensing rules narrowed what counts. Each change has a date, and the date is often tied to when a student applied for the study permit, not when they graduated.

This guide goes through IRCC's pages as they stood on 10 October 2026: the eligibility page (page date 24 June 2026), the application page (28 August 2026), the "About the PGWP" page (9 March 2026), the "After you apply" page (24 April 2026), and the language and field-of-study pages. It explains what each requirement says, where the dates matter, what the fee is, and what happens while you wait. Rules and lists like these change often, so check the IRCC page before you apply. This is general information. It does not say whether any reader is eligible, and it cannot review your own transcripts, program or dates.

The core rule: meet all the requirements

IRCC's eligibility page opens with the rule that frames everything else: to be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet all eligibility requirements. Missing one is enough to be refused.

The main requirements on the page:

  • A PGWP-eligible institution. You completed a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is eligible for the PGWP. Not every DLI is.
  • Program length. The program was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs).
  • Full-time study. You maintained full-time student status in Canada during each semester of your program. Part-time study is allowed in the final semester.
  • A valid study permit at the right time. Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after you completed your program.
  • Language results. Proof of language ability at the required level (see below).
  • Field of study, for some programs (see below).
  • The deadline. In the page's words, you must make sure "you apply for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program of study".

The page also lists who is not eligible, including people who already received a PGWP, who studied English or French as a second language, who took general interest or self-improvement courses, who completed a non-credit program (except flight school), who received Global Affairs Canada funding or a scholarship that requires returning to the home country, who completed more than 50 percent of their program through distance learning (with a COVID-19 exception), who completed a program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, or who completed a program at a DLI that is not PGWP-eligible, including certain curriculum-licensing (P3) programs.

None of these is a prediction. They are the rules on the page, and each has exceptions and dates attached. If your situation touches any of them, read the full wording on IRCC's page, because a summary like this one loses detail.

Language: what IRCC asks for and when

For applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024, you must provide proof of English or French language skills. IRCC's language results page (page date 27 May 2026) says applicants who submitted before that date do not need to provide proof, regardless of level of study, and that graduates of a PGWP-eligible flight school are also exempt.

The minimum depends on the type of program, in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening and speaking):

  • Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
  • Other university programs: CLB 7 or NCLC 7.
  • College, polytechnic or non-university programs: CLB 5 or NCLC 5.

The approved tests listed on IRCC's page are the CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. IRCC provides a conversion table for each test that maps scores in each ability to a CLB or NCLC level. TEF Canada has separate tables depending on the test date, which matters if you are using an older result.

Two practical details come from the application page. Proof of language results is required if your study program requires it, and it appears as an optional item on the document checklist, but you must include it anyway. The language results page does not say how long a result stays valid and does not say whether a result taken before your study permit is acceptable. Rather than guess, check the pages and your test provider. The language tests guide explains the tests and the CLB scale in general.

Field of study: who it applies to

The field-of-study requirement is the most confusing part of the PGWP, because it depends on the level of your program and on a date.

IRCC's eligibility page says:

  • There are no field of study requirements for graduates with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree.
  • For other university programs and for college, polytechnic and non-university programs, if you submitted your study permit application on or after 1 November 2024, your program must be in an eligible field of study. Earlier applications are exempt.

The eligible fields are in a separate list. IRCC's field-of-study page presents it as a searchable table of six-digit CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) codes, with the category, code, title and whether the code is eligible for study permit and PGWP applications. The page says eligible fields of study are linked to certain jobs in long-term shortage in Canada and can change based on the needs of the Canadian labour market. It also states that for 2026 IRCC will not add or remove any eligible fields of study. A code that is not on the current list may still be eligible depending on when the study permit application was submitted, because the table carries date conditions for particular programs.

Two cautions follow. First, the CIP code of your program, not its name, is what matters. If you are unsure of the code, the school or the program's records are the place to find it. Second, the list is not one document that applies to everyone the same way. The date of your study permit application changes the answer, and so does your level of study.

When you apply, IRCC's application page says proof of graduation from an eligible field of study must be uploaded in the "Client information" section of your account. IRCC has a separate page of special instructions for uploading that proof.

The 180-day deadline and your status

The 180-day rule is the most common reason a PGWP fails, so it deserves its own section.

IRCC says you must apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program. The application page repeats it: you have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply. Two things can complicate this.

Your study permit may expire first. The application page says that if your study permit expires before you apply, you have up to 90 days after it expires to apply and restore your student status. That route has an additional fee. The page says to pay the correct PGWP fee ($255) when restoring, and refers to the fee list for the restoration fee. IRCC's fee list (date modified 21 September 2026) shows "Restore your status" at $246.25, and a student restoration together with a new study permit at $396.25. Which entry applies to you is a question for the application page and the fee list on the day you apply.

Waiting for final marks. IRCC's eligibility page warns applicants not to let status expire while waiting for marks, and describes visitor-record and restoration options for people in that position. See the guides on maintained status and restoration of status for how those general ideas work.

IRCC words the start of the 180 days as the confirmation that you completed your program of study, so check what confirmation your school issues and when. The IMM 5709 guide covers extending the study permit itself, which is a separate application.

Fees: $255, biometrics and where the number comes from

IRCC's application page says the PGWP fee is $255 and tells applicants to make sure they pay both the open work permit holder fee and the work permit fee. IRCC's fee list, date modified 21 September 2026, shows the two components:

  • Work permit (including extensions), per person: $155.
  • Open work permit holder: $100.

Together they make the $255. Biometrics may also apply. The fee list shows $85 per individual and $170 for a family of two or more eligible people applying at the same time. Whether you need to give biometrics again depends on your situation, and IRCC has a tool to check.

Costs outside IRCC's fee list are the applicant's: language tests, the school's documents, and anything needed to prove the field of study. If a restriction is placed on your PGWP, the application page says you will need a medical exam with a chest X-ray and blood test within 90 days of arrival. See the Canada immigration fees guide for the wider picture of what IRCC charges.

How long the permit lasts

IRCC's "About the PGWP" page (page date 9 March 2026) explains validity. It says that the length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, and sets out several rules.

  • Programs of two years or more: a permit of up to three years is possible.
  • Programs under two years (other than master's): IRCC may give a PGWP valid for up to the same length as the study program.
  • Master's degree programs: a three-year permit is possible even if the program was under two years, provided it was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs). This does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.
  • More than one program: the lengths can be combined if each program is PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials). The higher language requirement applies if the programs differ.

Passport validity matters too. The application page says that if your passport expires before the end of your eligibility period, IRCC will only issue a PGWP valid until the passport expires. You can extend a PGWP if your passport expired earlier than the full period of eligibility, but extensions and condition changes must be filed on paper after you get a new passport.

You can only have one. The "About" page says you cannot get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study. A graduate who plans to study again should read this before enrolling in another program.

Working while your application is processed

IRCC's "After you apply" page (page date 24 April 2026) sets out when you can work while waiting. You can work full-time until IRCC makes a decision on your work permit application if you:

  • had a valid study permit when you submitted your application (a permit that had not expired);
  • completed your study program; and
  • were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying, and did not work more hours than allowed.

If you do not meet those conditions, you must wait for your work permit to arrive before starting a new job, and the page says that working without authorization is illegal. If IRCC refuses the work permit, you must stop working the day it notifies you. Leaving and re-entering Canada does not stop you from working full-time while you wait, but you need a valid visitor visa or an eTA to return.

The application page adds a line that is easy to miss: you cannot work until your work permit has been approved, subject to the "After you apply" rules. The two pages should be read together.

The pages do not give a processing time for the PGWP and refer you to IRCC's processing-times tool, so use the tool on the day.

Special cases to read about directly

IRCC's eligibility page covers several situations where a short summary is likely to mislead, so read the page itself if one applies.

  • Accelerated programs. A PGWP may be valid for the full program length even if completed early. IRCC's example is a one-year program finished in 8 months.
  • Distance learning. Rules depend on the "lock-in date". For dates on or after 1 September 2024, at least 50 percent of study must be in class within Canada, and time studying online from outside Canada after 31 August 2024 cannot be counted.
  • Curriculum licensing (P3). Programs begun on or before 15 May 2024 in the same province, or on or before 31 January 2023 between provinces, may qualify.
  • Authorized leave. Up to 150 days may be allowed in some cases, with proof that the DLI authorized the leave.
  • Transfers between schools. At least 8 months must be completed at the relevant DLI.
  • Overseas component. Eligible if the student earns a credit from a Canadian school. The PGWP covers only time studied in Canada.
  • Quebec graduates. Must include an official school letter confirming program length and code, plus a completion certificate or official transcript.
  • Flight schools. There are separate rules: a Canadian commercial pilot's licence, or an instructor's rating plus a job offer as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training centre.
  • Applying from outside Canada. Allowed under distance-learning rules or by leaving Canada after studying there and applying from abroad.

Each of these has conditions, dates and exceptions that are better read on IRCC's page than summarized. The same goes for what happens if you do not qualify: IRCC's overview notes that graduates who do not qualify for a PGWP may still be able to work in Canada, and that work experience may help them qualify for permanent residence. See the Canadian Experience Class guide and the work permit refusal guide.

Common mistakes and when to use a regulated adviser

  • Missing the 180 days. The clock starts at confirmation of completion, and the study permit can expire first.
  • Assuming all DLIs qualify. Only PGWP-eligible institutions do. The same applies to programs.
  • Using a program name instead of a CIP code. The field-of-study list is by code, with date conditions.
  • Forgetting language proof. For applications on or after 1 November 2024 it is required, and the checklist shows it as optional.
  • Going part-time before the final semester. Full-time status is required in each semester except the last.
  • Working before you are allowed to. Read the "After you apply" conditions. Working without authorization is illegal.
  • Planning a second program without checking. You cannot get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program.

Only a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant (an RCIC), or a regulated international student immigration advisor (RISIA) for study-related matters, may advise a person on their own case for a fee in Canada, under section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the College's rules. A regulated adviser can compare your transcripts, dates and study permit history to the current rules, which an article cannot do. You can check an RCIC licence on the College's public register. If your study permit or work permit was refused, see the study permit refusal guide.

Find a regulated adviser

If you want a licensed immigration consultant or a lawyer to look at your own situation, use the Migratio directory to find a regulated adviser, and check their licence on the official register before you sign anything. Migratio is a directory and booking platform. It does not give immigration advice, does not decide whether you are eligible for a permit and has no connection to IRCC or to any school.

Questions people ask

What are the PGWP eligibility requirements in 2026?

IRCC's page (dated 24 June 2026) says you must meet all requirements, including a program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible institution (900 hours for Quebec), full-time study in each semester, language proof for applications on or after 1 November 2024, an eligible field of study for some programs, and an application within 180 days of confirmation of completion.

What are the PGWP language requirements?

For applications on or after 1 November 2024: CLB or NCLC 7 for university programs, and CLB or NCLC 5 for college, polytechnic and non-university programs, in all four abilities, from an approved test such as CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

Does a bachelor's degree need an eligible field of study for the PGWP?

IRCC's page says there are no field of study requirements for graduates with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Other university programs and college, polytechnic and non-university programs need an eligible field if the study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024.

How much does a PGWP application cost?

IRCC's application page says $255, made up of the work permit fee ($155) and the open work permit holder fee ($100) on IRCC's fee list dated 21 September 2026. Biometrics ($85, or $170 for a family) may apply. Restoring status costs more.

Can I work while my PGWP application is processed?

IRCC says you can work full-time until a decision if you had a valid study permit when you applied, completed your program, and were eligible to work off campus without a work permit without exceeding the allowed hours. If the permit is refused you must stop working the day you are notified.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-10.

Related guides

  • Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL): what it is, who needs one and how it is issued — A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) is a letter from the province or territory where you plan to study. IRCC says it is usually required with a study permit application, must be valid on the day you apply, and cannot be sent in afterwards. Some groups are exempt, and Quebec uses a different document. Each province runs its own process through its schools.
  • Language tests for Canada PR: the approved tests and how scores become CLB levels — For Express Entry, IRCC accepts five tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada in French. Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply. Scores are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (English) or NCLC (French) levels, and the minimum level depends on the program.
  • Canadian Experience Class requirements: what the rules say — The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for people with skilled work experience gained in Canada. IRCC's page says at least 1 year of work or 1,560 hours in the 3 years before applying, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, with temporary resident status and paid employment, plus approved language tests. There is no education requirement. The CEC is managed through Express Entry.
  • Maintained Status in Canada: Working and Studying While You Wait — If you apply to extend your stay before it expires and IRCC hasn't decided by the expiry date, IRPR s.183(5) extends your authorized stay until the day of the decision and you keep your status and conditions. You can keep working or studying only under the same conditions, you must stay in Canada, and the right ends on the day a refusal is made.
  • Restoration of Status in Canada: The 90-Day Window — If you lose temporary resident status, IRPR s.182 lets an officer restore it if you apply within 90 days and meet the conditions. IRCC's fees are $246.25 for a visitor, $396.25 for a student and $401.25 for a worker (restoration plus permit), and you may not work or study until the restoration and any permit are approved.
  • IMM 5709: extending a study permit from inside Canada, what the form asks and common mistakes — IMM 5709 is the form for extending a study permit, changing its conditions or restoring student status from inside Canada. The IRCC fee list shows $150 per person for a study permit including an extension, and IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before the permit expires. An application missing a required letter or answer is typically returned.
  • Canadian Immigration Fees 2026: The IRCC List, Explained — The IRCC fee list (date modified 21 September 2026) sets the government fees for most applications: for example $100 for a visitor visa, $150 for a study permit, $155 for a work permit, $1,590 for an economic permanent residence application including the $600 right of permanent residence fee, and $653 for an adult citizenship application. Medical exams, language tests, police certificates and representative fees are not on it.
  • Work Permit Refused in Canada: What Happens Next — There is no appeal from a work permit refusal. IRCC's two stated options are to apply again with new information or to seek judicial review in the Federal Court, which has a 15-day deadline for decisions made in Canada and 60 days for decisions made outside it. If you were in Canada, your right to keep working usually ends on the day of the decision.
  • Study Permit Refused: Reapply, Seek Review or Rethink — There's no appeal from a study permit refusal. The options are a new application (which needs a new provincial or territorial attestation letter in most cases) or judicial review in the Federal Court within 60 days from outside Canada or 15 days from inside. Students in Canada also need to check their status.
  • How to check an RCIC licence on the College's Public Register — Search the consultant on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Public Register (register.college-ic.ca). Only people with an "Active" status and "Yes" in the "Entitled to Practise" column may legally give you immigration advice for a fee. Then contact them using the details on the register, not the ones in an ad or a message.