Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
An open work permit for eligible graduates of Canadian programs.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian programs. It lets you work for almost any employer in Canada and is often the step to permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class.
Who qualifies
- You graduated from a PGWP-eligible program at an eligible designated learning institution.
- Language: CLB/NCLC 7 for university degrees and programs, CLB/NCLC 5 for college, polytechnic and other programs (all four abilities, for applications from November 1, 2024).
- Field of study: no requirement for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees; other programs must be in an eligible field if the study permit was applied for on or after November 1, 2024.
- You have not had a PGWP before.
Documents usually needed
- Final transcript and a completion letter from your school
- Language test results (IELTS General, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada)
- Passport (the permit cannot be longer than your passport)
What often goes wrong
- Language results below the level for your program, or the wrong test (for example IELTS Academic).
- A program or field of study that is not eligible.
- A passport that expires soon, which shortens the permit.
How RAE helps
- Length of the permit: programs of 8 months to under 2 years can get a PGWP up to the program length; programs of 2 years or more, and master's programs of at least 8 months, can get up to 3 years.
- A consultation with a licensed RCIC to confirm you qualify and the best route.
- A personalised document checklist in your secure client portal.
- Every document reviewed before submission, with explanation letters where needed.
- Weekly updates until IRCC decides, and IRCC letters explained when they arrive.
Official sources (checked 2026-11-10): PGWP eligibility (IRCC), PGWP: about the permit and its length (IRCC), PGWP language test results (IRCC), Which language level do I need? (RAE).
General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different: book a consultation with a licensed RCIC to discuss yours.
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