Completing a Canadian study program does not automatically make a graduate eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
PGWP eligibility depends on the institution, program, program length, study history, application timing, language results and, for some applicants, field of study.
A spouse or common-law partner also does not automatically qualify for an open work permit simply because the principal applicant holds a Canadian study permit.
Official-information notice: Before choosing a school or paying tuition, verify both the institution and the exact program using the current Government of Canada resources. A school may be a DLI while some of its programs remain ineligible for a PGWP.
This article reflects official information available on September 6, 2026.
General PGWP Eligibility
According to IRCC, an applicant generally must:
- Complete a PGWP-eligible program at a PGWP-eligible DLI
- Complete a program lasting at least eight months, or 900 hours for certain Quebec programs
- Maintain full-time student status during each academic semester
- Apply within 180 days after receiving confirmation of program completion
- Have held a valid study permit at some point during the 180-day period after completing the program
- Meet the applicable language requirement
- Meet a field-of-study requirement when one applies
Studying part-time during the final semester may be permitted if the student met the full-time requirement during previous semesters.
Special rules and exceptions exist. Applicants should use the official IRCC PGWP eligibility page.
A DLI Does Not Automatically Mean PGWP Eligibility
A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved to host international students.
However, graduating from a DLI does not by itself guarantee PGWP eligibility. Applicants must confirm that the particular school and program qualify.
Some programs delivered through curriculum-licensing arrangements between public institutions and private colleges are not PGWP-eligible, subject to limited transitional exceptions.
Students should verify the program before paying tuition through the official DLI list.
PGWP Language Requirements
For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, language requirements depend on the credential.
Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs must demonstrate at least:
- CLB 7 in English, or
- NCLC 7 in French
The required level must be met in all four language abilities:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Graduates of eligible college, polytechnic and other non-university programs generally must meet at least CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four abilities.
Only language tests accepted by IRCC may be used, and results must remain valid when the application is submitted.
Verify before booking a test: Accepted tests, score conversions and document requirements may change. Review the official PGWP language instructions before registering or applying.
Field-of-Study Requirements
Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree are not subject to a PGWP field-of-study requirement under the rules verified for this article.
For certain non-degree programs, a field-of-study requirement may apply, depending on when the study permit application was submitted.
The program must use an eligible Classification of Instructional Programs code when the requirement applies.
IRCC may update eligible fields according to labour-market priorities. Students should not rely solely on a program’s marketing title because eligibility is determined using the program’s official CIP code.
Confirm the code through the official IRCC PGWP field-of-study instructions.
Full-Time Study and Authorized Leave
Students must normally remain full-time during their program, except for permitted situations such as studying part-time in the final semester.
An unauthorized leave may affect PGWP eligibility.
An authorized leave of up to 150 days may be accepted in certain circumstances, but applicants should keep documents showing that the DLI approved the leave.
Students should consult the Government of Canada’s current study permit and PGWP instructions before changing their course load or taking leave.
Distance Learning
For applicants whose relevant lock-in date is on or after September 1, 2024:
- At least 50% of the program must generally be completed in class in Canada.
- Time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from the potential PGWP length.
Distance-learning calculations can depend on the dates of study and the study permit application. Review the current IRCC rules for the applicant’s exact dates.
How Long Can a PGWP Be Valid?
The length of a PGWP depends on the length and level of the completed program and the expiry date of the applicant’s passport.
A program lasting between eight months and less than two years may result in a PGWP valid for approximately the same length as the program.
A program lasting two years or more may lead to a PGWP valid for up to three years.
Eligible graduates of qualifying master’s degree programs may receive a three-year PGWP even when the program lasted less than two years, provided it was at least eight months long and all other requirements were satisfied.
A PGWP cannot normally be extended simply because the holder wants additional time. A shorter permit may sometimes be extended when it was limited by passport expiry.
Spousal Open Work Permits for Students
Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permit eligibility has been limited to spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in specified programs.
The student generally must be enrolled in:
- A master’s degree program lasting at least 16 months
- A doctoral degree program
- Certain eligible professional degree programs
- Another specifically listed eligible program
Not every college, diploma, certificate or undergraduate program makes a spouse eligible.
The spouse must submit evidence of the relationship and proof of the student’s enrolment in a qualifying program.
Check the exact program: Do not assume that “graduate-level” or “professional” wording in a school advertisement establishes eligibility. Use the official IRCC spousal work permit page.
Can the Spouse of a PGWP Holder Get an Open Work Permit?
A spouse or common-law partner of a PGWP holder may be eligible for an open work permit, but eligibility is not automatic. The PGWP holder generally needs to be employed in an eligible occupation and have sufficient time remaining on the work permit when the spouse applies. The applicant should provide proof of the relationship, the PGWP holder’s valid work permit, and evidence of current employment, such as an employment letter and recent pay slips. Because eligibility rules can change, applicants should confirm the latest requirements on the official IRCC website before applying.
A Spousal Permit Is a Separate Application
A spouse’s work authorization is not automatically included in the student’s study permit.
The spouse must submit a separate application and satisfy all applicable requirements. IRCC makes the final decision.
If the principal student changes programs, stops studying or loses status, the circumstances may affect the spouse’s current status or future application.
FAQ
Does every Canadian graduate receive a PGWP?
No. The applicant, institution and program must meet all applicable PGWP requirements.
Is every program at a DLI PGWP-eligible?
No. DLI status does not guarantee that every program at the institution qualifies.
Do degree graduates need an eligible field of study?
Under the rules verified on September 6, 2026, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates do not have a PGWP field-of-study requirement.
Is a language test required for a PGWP?
Applicants subject to the rules introduced on November 1, 2024 must meet the language requirement applicable to their credential.
How soon must a graduate apply for a PGWP?
An eligible graduate generally must apply within 180 days after receiving confirmation that the program was completed.
Can the spouse of any international student obtain an open work permit?
No. Eligibility is limited to spouses or common-law partners of students in specified programs who meet the official requirements.
Does a one-year master’s program qualify a spouse for an open work permit?
Not normally under the general student-spouse rule requiring a master’s program of at least 16 months, unless another official eligibility category applies.
Can a PGWP be issued more than once?
Generally, no. A person who has already received a PGWP is not eligible for another one.
Final Reminder
PGWP and spousal work permit rules can affect a family’s ability to remain and work in Canada after graduation. Applicants should verify eligibility before selecting a school, paying a deposit or changing programs.
Always consult the latest Government of Canada and IRCC pages. If an official rule differs from this article, the current official instruction is the information that should be followed.