PGWP Canada 2026: Complete Guide for Graduates & Families

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Work in Canada After You Graduate

Before November 1, 2024, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) was considered one of the most straightforward applications in Canadian immigration. You studied, you graduated, and in most cases, you received your work permit.

That is no longer the case. Since late 2024, eligibility requirements have tightened, refusal rates have increased, and overall PGWP issuances have declined significantly. Refusal rates doubled from approximately 2% in 2024 to 4% in 2025. At the same time, with reduced international student intake and narrower eligibility pathways, total PGWP approvals in 2025 dropped by roughly 30% compared to 2024.

Despite these changes, the PGWP remains one of the most important pathways to gaining Canadian work experience and building eligibility for permanent residence.

In this updated 2026 guide, we clearly explain who qualifies, what documents are required, common risk factors to watch for, and how to structure your application properly, whether you are applying alone or including your spouse and dependent children.

What is a PGWP? (LMIA Exemption Code C43)

Eligibility Requirements for Post Graduation Work Permit

To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, you must have:

1. Graduated from a PGWP-approved program from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that was at least 8 months in duration, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. Maintained full-time student status during each academic session of the program(s) completed (except the final academic session)
3. Made an application for a Post Graduation Work Permit within 180 days of completing your program of study
4. Held a valid study permit or had authorization to study in Canada without a study permit during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application
5. Meets language requirements, if applicable based on program type
6. Meets field of study requirements, if applicable based on program type
7. Completed at least 50% of your courses inside Canada and in person
8. Currently hold valid temporary status or are eligible to restore status
9. Never received a PGWP before

Below, we explain each requirement in detail:

1. Graduated from a PGWP-approved program from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that was at least 8 months in duration, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

You must have completed and graduated from a PGWP-approved academic, vocational or professional training program from a designated learning institute (DLI) in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

What is a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)?

A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. To be eligible for the post-graduation work permit program, you must have graduated from one of the following eligible DLIs:

• a public post-secondary institution, such as
  • a college
  • a trade or technical school
  • a university
  • CEGEP (in Quebec)
• a Canadian, private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees, and the applicant was enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree, such as
  • an associate degree
  • a bachelor’s degree
  • a master’s degree
  • a doctoral degree
• a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions in Quebec
• a private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer leading to
  • a diploma of vocational studies (DVS)
  • an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)

2. Maintained full-time student status during each academic session of the program(s) completed

There are 3 exceptions to this PGWP eligibility requirement:

1) You studied part-time during the final academic session of your program

You are still eligible for the PGWP if you only had part-time status only during the final academic session of your program.

2) You received authorized leave from studies

You are still eligible for the PGWP if you took a period of leave from your studies that were authorized by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

3) Your Designated Learning Institution went on strike

You are still eligible for the PGWP and considered to have studied full-time in Canada if you have been impacted by a strike affecting a DLI in Canada.

3. Made an application for PGWP within 180 days of completing your program of study

You have 180 days to apply for a PGWP after obtaining written confirmation, such as an official letter or transcript, from your DLI indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your program of study.

4. Held a valid study permit or had authorization to study in Canada without a study permit during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the PGWP, you must have met one of the following criteria:

• You hold a valid study permit.
• You held a study permit.
• You were authorized to study in Canada without a study permit. You can receive authorization to study in Canada without a study permit if:
  • You are a family member or a member of the private staff of a foreign representative who is properly accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and is in Canada to carry out official duties as a diplomatic agent, consular officer, representative or official of a country other than Canada, of the United Nations or any of its agencies or of any international organization of which Canada is a member. OR
  • If you are an Indian registered as an Indian under the Indian Act

5. Language Requirements Based on Program of Study

Since November 1, 2024, IRCC has introduced language requirements for PGWPs. Language requirements vary based on the program of your studies:

1. Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree:
   • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all 4 language areas
   • Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) 7 in all 4 language areas
2. Other University Programs:
   • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all 4 language areas
   • Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) 7 in all 4 language areas
3. College Programs or Non-University Programs:
   • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all 4 language areas
   • Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) 5 in all 4 language areas

6. Field of Study Requirements Based on Program of Study

Since November 1, 2024, IRCC has introduced Field of Study requirements for PGWPs. Requirements vary based on the program of your studies:

1. Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree:
   • No field of study requirements
2. Other University Programs:
   • If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, there are no field of study requirements.
   • If you submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you must have graduated in an eligible field of study.
3. College Programs or Non-University Programs:
   • If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, there are no field of study requirements.
   • If you submitted your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, you must have graduated in an eligible field of study.

Eligible fields of studies are determined by prioritizing occupations in a long-term shortage in Canada. These are broadly divided into 5 categories:

• Agriculture and Agri-food
• Health care
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport

7. Completed at least 50% of your courses inside Canada and in person

To be eligible for the PGWP, you must complete a minimum of 50% of your courses inside Canada and in person. Additionally, under normal circumstances, all courses completed outside Canada are excluded from the time that counts toward the length of the PGWP.

If you began your studies outside of Canada or remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary public policy changes have been implemented to help certain groups of students meet the eligibility requirements for the PGWP:

Remote Studies From Outside of Canada

1. Full Facilitation Measures – Started Studies Between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022
   • Up to 100% of your program can be completed online from outside Canada
   • All studies up to August 31, 2023, can be counted toward the validity of your PGWP
2. Reduced Facilitation Measures – Started Studies Between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023
   • At least 50% of your program (or programs) must have been completed in Canada to be eligible for the PGWP
   • All studies up to August 31, 2023, can be counted toward the validity of your PGWP as long as you meet the requirement above

Remote Studies From Within Canada

1. All studies up to August 31, 2023, that has been taken remotely inside of Canada can be counted toward the validity of your PGWP

8. Currently hold valid temporary status or are eligible to restore status

You must hold valid temporary status in Canada or be eligible to restore status to be eligible to submit a PGWP application inside Canada. It is recommended that you apply while holding your valid study permit so you can receive maintained status and start working full-time in Canada as soon as you submit your PGWP application.

If you no longer have valid status in Canada and restoration of status is not an option, you can still leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from abroad as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements for PGWP.

9. Never received a PGWP before

You can only receive one post-graduation work permit in your lifetime. If you’ve previously received a PGWP, your next application will be refused.

When Should You Apply For The Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

Many graduates wonder whether they should wait to find a job before applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). In most cases, the safest option is to apply as soon as you become eligible after completing your studies. Applying early helps protect your legal status and preserves future options.

1. To Receive Maintained Status and Work Authorization During PGWP Processing:
   
   Your study permit expires on the date printed on the permit or 90 days after you complete your program, whichever comes first. To benefit from maintained status and continue working in Canada while your PGWP application is being processed, you must submit your application before your study permit expires.
   
   When done correctly, you can remain and work full-time in Canada while waiting for your PGWP to be processed. Maintained status is different from work authorization after submitting a PGWP application. Read more here.
   
2. To Have A Reapplication Option:
   
   The PGWP can only be issued once, but if your first application is refused, you may still be able to reapply as long as you remain within the 180-day application window after completing your studies. Because PGWP processing times can be lengthy, delaying your initial application increases the risk of receiving a refusal after the 180-day deadline has passed, at which point reapplication would no longer be possible.

PGWP Validity: How Many Years Will You Get?

Post Graduation Work Permits are issued for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 3 years. The length of your PGWP will depend on the length of your program(s) of studies:

1. If your program of study was at least 8 months and less than 2 years, you will receive a PGWP validity equal to the length of your program.
2. If your program of study was 2 years or longer, you will receive a PGWP validity of 3 years.
   • If you completed a 16 to 23 months long Master’s or Doctoral degree that does not have regularly scheduled breaks, you may still be eligible for a 3 year PGWP with supporting documents.
3. If you completed more than one program from an eligible DLI within 2 years (1+1 program), you will receive a PGWP equal to the combination of the length of each program.

Regularly scheduled breaks as part of your program are included in the length of your studies and will not be subtracted from your PGWP validity.

Please Note: IRCC never issues PGWPs that are valid for longer than your passport or biometrics validity. If you can, make sure you renew your passport well in advance so you can obtain the full validity of the PGWP you are eligible for.

Document Checklist for Post Graduate Work Permit Application

If you are applying alone, the mandatory documents for a PGWP application are as follows:

1. IMM5710 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker
2. Letter of Completion from your DLI
3. Official or copy of final transcripts
4. Passport
5. Digital Photo

This is not an exhaustive list but common optional supporting documents for a PGWP application are:

1. IMM5257 – Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside Canada
2. IMM5476 – Use of Representative
3. Your degree, diploma, or certificate
4. Your current status document
5. Proof of upfront medical exam
6. Letter of Explanation

Post Graduation Work Permit Fees

The fees associated with applying for a PGWP are:

1. Work Permit Processing Fee: $155
2. Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100
3. Restoration of Status (as a student) Fee: $396.25
4. Upfront Medical Exam (if applicable): varies by provider
5. Biometrics (if applicable): $85

How To Apply For a Post-Graduation Work Permit

The process of applying for a post graduation work permit can be different based on your personal circumstances, such as:

• If you are applying from within or outside Canada
• If you need to restore your status
• If you are applying with a spouse or common-law partner
• If you are applying with dependent children

While we can’t provide instructions for each scenario, you can find the general application process below.

1) Login to your IRCC Secure Account

2) Click “Apply to come to Canada”

3) Click “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit”

4) Answer all the eligibility questions

In order to apply for a PGWP, you’ll need to answer the following questions with these answers:

5) Upload all your supporting documents, pay your fees, and submit

Once you’ve filled out all the application forms and prepared all your supporting documents, upload them into the system. Once all the required documents are uploaded, you’ll be able to pay the application fee of $255 CAD and submit your PGWP application.

Can I Work Full-time After Submitting my PGWP Application?

You are eligible to work full-time after submitting your PGWP application if you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You are or were a holder of a valid study permit at the time of the PGWP application (your study permit must not have expired)
2. You have completed your program of study
3. You were authorized to work off campus without a work permit
4. You did not work off campus more than 24 hours a week during academic sessions.

Normally, if you are eligible to work after submitting your PGWP application, you will receive a temporary work authorization letter called IMM 0127 E – WP-EXT for PGWP. However, this letter is sent automatically by the system based on a set of rules and conditions. You may still be eligible to work full-time even if you do not receive this letter, but it is highly recommended that you ensure you meet all the requirements before beginning work.

Can I leave Canada and return? Can I continue working?

You may travel outside Canada while your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application is being processed. However, you must have a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to return to Canada. Your study permit or work permit is not a travel document and does not allow re-entry on its own.

If you leave Canada after applying for your PGWP and later re-enter, you can still work full-time while waiting for a decision on your application. Leaving and re-entering Canada does not, by itself, stop you from working full-time during PGWP processing, provided you remain eligible.

What Happens When You Re-Enter Canada?

When you return to Canada, you will be assessed by a border services officer. Your status on entry depends on your situation at that time:

• You may enter as a student if your study permit is still valid.
• You may enter as a worker if your PGWP is approved while you are outside Canada.
• If your study permit was valid when you applied and your PGWP is still being processed, you may enter Canada as a visitor and continue working without a work permit until a decision is made.

Entry Requirements at the Border

When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer must be satisfied that you meet basic entry requirements. This includes demonstrating that you:

• Have a valid travel document (such as a passport)
• Are in good health
• Have no criminal or immigration-related inadmissibility
• Have sufficient funds for your stay
• Can convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
• Have valid immigration medical exam results, if required
  • Medical exams are valid for 12 months
  • The results must still be valid on the day you enter Canada
  • If they expire before entry, a new medical exam is required, even if a previous approval or letter of introduction remains valid

Admission to Canada is always assessed at the port of entry by a border officer from CBSA, and entry is never guaranteed.

How To Apply For a PGWP Together with a Spouse/Common-law Partner

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, you can apply to extend their status’ at the same time as your Canada Post Graduate Work Permit application if you meet the requirements. Because complications in large applications can disrupt your entire family, if you are unsure of the process, it is recommended that you seek the help of a licensed immigration consultant to prepare your application.

How to Apply For a Spousal Open Work Permit + Post Graduation Work Permit

In addition to the PGWP requirements above, here are the eligibility requirements for a SOWP:

1. You must be in a genuine relationship with the principal foreign national (PFN is the PGWP applicant)
2. The PFN must be eligible for a PGWP
3. The PFN must be employed part-time or full-time in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 position
   • If the PFN is employed in a TEER 2 or 3 position, it must be listed in IRCC’s “Select high-skilled occupations list” which can be accessed here.
4. The PFN must be physically residing or plan to physically reside in Canada while employed

What Are The Documents Requirements For a SOWP?

When creating your application checklist on your IRCC secure account, you will first need to select the option to include dependents in your application. When you do so, the system will create a separate checklist of documents you will need to upload for your spouse or common-law partner’s application.

Here is a list of documents you may need to include as part of your application:

1. IMM5710 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker
2. IMM5409 – Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
3. IMM5257 – Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside Canada
4. IMM5476 – Use of Representative
5. IMM5713 – Use of a Family Member Representative for Online Applications
6. Marriage license/certificate
7. Other proof of relationship documents
8. Passport
9. Your current status document
10. PGWP applicant’s employment offer/reference letter
11. PGWP Applicant’s paystubs
12. Proof of upfront medical exam
13. Letter of Explanation

How to Extend PGWP After Renewing Your Passport

Normally, post-graduation work permits cannot be extended. This is because you are only eligible to receive one PGWP in your life. However, if your original PGWP had a short validity date due to an early expiring passport, you can request an extension for the remaining period you were eligible for. Find out how to extend your PGWP due to an expiring passport here.

https://mygration.ca/pgwp-extension-2025

PGWP Processing Times 2026

How can I legally expedite my PGWP processing time?

Did you know you can apply for a PGWP to be processed outside Canada while physically remaining in Canada? Depending on what country you’re from, that can expedite the processing time by up to 80%.

Here’s what IRCC says:

• An applicant may electronically submit an application under section R197 (outside Canada) while they physically remain in Canada.
• You may stay in Canada as long as you continue to maintain valid temporary resident status until you get your work permit.
• You cannot work while waiting for your PGWP decision (per R186(w)).
• Apply within 180 days of finishing your studies and meet eligibility.
• After provisional approval, you must leave and re-enter Canada to get your work permit.
• As of Dec 24, 2024, letter of introduction holders can’t get permits at ports of entry from the U.S. or St. Pierre & Miquelon unless exempt.

What should I do if my application is delayed beyond regular processing times?

If your application is not processed within the average processing timeline, you should webform IRCC to request faster processing. In addition, you can apply for GCMS notes to see what stage your application is at and if any specific reasons may be causing this delay.

GCMS stands for the Global Case Management System. It is the software IRCC uses to manage your applications. By requesting GCMS notes, you can see all the details of your file and even notes left on file by your immigration officer. These notes can be extremely helpful in understanding what stage your application is in, if your officer has any concerns about your application, and why your application was refused.

Top 7 PGWP Refusal or Rejection Reasons

Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can lead to refusals.

1. You continued working after receiving your completion letter

Working after completing studies can also lead to problems. Once you receive your letter of completion, you are no longer allowed to work. Continuing to work after receiving the letter is a violation of your study permit conditions and can result in a refusal. To avoid this, it’s important to stop working on the day you receive your letter of completion.

2. You worked more than the authorized amount during your studies

During your studies, there are specific regulations around how much you are allowed to work. The amount of time per week depends on many factors such as on/off campus, during academic sessions/scheduled breaks, temporary public policies, and more. It is important for you to understand what the conditions of your study permit are and ensure you meet the requirements during your stay in Canada. Exceeding the authorized work hours can lead to refusals.

3. You studied part-time in one or more academic sessions (excluding the final semester)

Studying part-time can make you ineligible for a PGWP. While part-time study is allowed in the last semester with only a few courses remaining, it is not permitted in the middle of academic sessions. To ensure eligibility, avoid studying part-time in multiple sessions.

4. You didn’t include a letter or explanation and supporting documents to explain gaps in your studies

Having an unauthorized gap in your studies, such as taking time off without authorization, can lead to a refusal. It’s crucial to obtain authorization from your designated learning institute for any breaks or time off. If you have authorized leave, include supporting evidence in your application to avoid a refusal.

5. You applied for a PGWP after your study permit expired and without restoring your status

One of the top reasons for PGWP refusals is that the study permit becomes invalid ninety days after completing studies. Many students mistakenly believe that as long as their study permit is still valid, they are eligible to apply for a PGWP. However, this is not the case. It’s crucial to submit the application before the study permit expires to avoid a refusal.

6. You did not provide all the required documents for a PGWP application

To ensure a successful PGWP application, it’s important to understand the document requirements and provide all necessary evidence. This includes a proper letter of completion, official/unofficial transcripts, and any degrees or certificates you have obtained.

7. IRCC officers made a mistake

Even with comprehensive applications, mistakes by IRCC officers can still occur. There have been cases where applications were refused for reasons that made no sense. In such situations, reconsideration requests, reapplying, or judicial review may be options for students. Each case should be evaluated individually.

What should you do if you receive a PGWP refusal or rejection?

According to IRCC, work permit refusal rates between 2019-2021 were 15%. That’s almost 58,000 work permit rejections in 2019 alone. If you receive a refusal from IRCC, you may have a few options to fix your situation.

1. Understanding the reasons for refusal

It is important to carefully review the refusal letter and understand the specific reasons why your post graduation work permit application was rejected.

2. Requesting GCMS notes

If the refusal letter does not provide you with enough information, requesting the Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes can provide additional information about your application that may not be included in the refusal letter. GCMS is the software IRCC uses to manage your applications and GCMS notes will contain all notes left by your immigration officer. These notes can help you better understand the reasons for refusal and gather more details for a new application or reconsideration request. You can order GCMS Notes with us here.

3. Reviewing the application package for mistakes

You should have kept copies of all the supporting documents and forms you submitted with your application. Check your application package for any mistakes or missing information that may have led to the refusal.

4. Requesting reconsideration from IRCC

You can submit a reconsideration request to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer who refused your application. Although it is not a formal process on the IRCC website, the officer has the discretion to reopen your case and make a new decision based on the arguments and evidence you provide.

5. Reapply for your PGWP

As long as you still meet the requirements for the PGWP, you may be able to reapply for one. It’s important to note that if you no longer have valid status in Canada, you may need to leave Canada or apply for restoration. In a new PGWP application, you should submit additional supporting documentation to address the reasons why your application was refused in the first place. This is why it is extremely important to understand the reasons for refusal and to address the officer’s concerns.

6. Seeking judicial review with an immigration lawyer

If you believe that the officer’s decision was erroneous, you have the option to seek judicial review with the help of an immigration lawyer. This involves presenting supporting evidence and arguing that the officer’s judgment was incorrect or made unfairly. A judge will reassess the decision and determine if it should be sent back for a decision by a new officer.

In all refusal cases, we recommend retaining the help Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC). RCICs will assess your application for completeness and red flags to create a strategy around a compelling reconsideration request or reapplication.

Because you are only eligible for a post graduation work permit if you apply within 180 days of completing your studies, you must act quickly to ensure your reapplication for PGWP is received on time. Additionally, if your study permit has expired at this point, you must also restore your status within 90 days of losing your status.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Specialists | Mygration Immigration