If you have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and would like to work temporarily in Canada, you may qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

You are not automatically eligible for a PGWP after graduating from a DLI. To find out whether colleges offer programs that qualify, check out the DLI list. 

How long is a post-graduation work permit valid?

Starting February 15, 2024, students who graduate from master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (8 months minimum) may be eligible for a 3 year PGWP.

The length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

For the latest updates about PGWP in 2025, please check here. 

If your passport expires before your PGWP

Ensure that your passport is valid for the whole period for which you should be qualified. If your passport expire sooner

IRCC will only grant you a PGWP that is valid until the expiration of your passport; if you need to extend it to obtain the full validity, they will let you know.

In most cases, you can only apply to extend a PGWP if IRCC specifically advise you to. If this happens, you must submit an application on paper to extend your PGWP in order for it to be valid for the entire duration that it should.

Keep in mind that:

You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside Canada or from another country, as long as you’re eligible.

You have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP.

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For the latest updates and detailed information about new rules for international students in Canada 2024, make sure to consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or speak to an authorized immigration consultant.