For many international students, studying in Canada is just the beginning. The real goal often lies in gaining valuable Canadian work experience and eventually securing permanent residence. One of the most common pathways toward that goal is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

But here’s the catch: not all schools and programs in Canada qualify you for a PGWP. That’s why it’s critical to choose your educational institution and program carefully from the start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the right choices to keep your PGWP options open.

✅ What Is a PGWP and Why Does It Matter?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit that allows international graduates to work for any employer in any field across Canada. Depending on the length of your study program, the permit can be valid for up to three years.

This is especially important for those hoping to apply for Canadian permanent residence through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which requires at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

🏫 Step 1: Make Sure Your School Is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

The very first thing you need to check is whether the school you’re applying to is listed as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are the only schools approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to host international students.

To verify:

1. Go to the official DLI list.
   
2. Select the province where your school is located.
   
3. Search for the name of your school.
   
4. Check if it lists a valid DLI number and whether it offers PGWP-eligible programs.
   

If your school isn’t listed or doesn’t offer PGWP-eligible programs, your study permit may be refused, or you may not be eligible for a work permit after graduation.

📘 Step 2: Check If the Program Itself Is PGWP-Eligible

Even if your school is a DLI, not all programs offered are eligible for the PGWP. As of November 1, 2024, the Canadian government introduced stricter eligibility criteria, including:

🔤 Language Requirements:

• University-level programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD): Must demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB/NCLC Level 7 in all four skills.
  
• College and non-university programs: Must meet CLB/NCLC Level 5.
  

🧑‍🔬 Field of Study Requirements:

• Programs must align with in-demand occupations in Canada.
  
• Some non-university programs must be tied to eligible fields of study, identified using CIP codes (Classification of Instructional Programs).
  

You can look up your program’s CIP code via Statistics Canada and check if it matches an approved field of study on IRCC’s PGWP-eligible list.

⏳ Step 3: Know the PGWP Validity Period

Depending on your study program, your PGWP will be valid for:

Length of Study	PGWP Duration
At least 8 months but less than 2 years	Same length as the program
2 years or more	Up to 3 years
Master’s programs (min. 8 months)	Up to 3 years (even if shorter than 2 years)

If you complete two PGWP-eligible programs back-to-back, the length may be combined, giving you a longer permit.

📋 Step 4: Make Sure You Meet the Other PGWP Conditions

To qualify, you must also:

• Maintain full-time student status throughout your studies.
  
• Graduate from a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  
• Submit both your official transcript and graduation letter when applying.
  
• Graduate from a:
  • Public college, university, or CEGEP (Quebec),
    
  • Private institution in Quebec under public rules,
    
  • Private degree-granting institution authorized by a province.
    

Also, PGWPs are granted only once—you can’t apply again after already having one.

⚠️ Bonus Tip: Stay Admissible

Even if you meet every school and program requirement, your application can still be refused if your admissibility changes during your studies. This could include:

• Medical issues
  
• Criminal charges
  
• Issues tied to your home country
  

Make sure you stay in good legal standing throughout your time in Canada.

💬 Final Thoughts

Canada offers incredible opportunities for international students—but only if you plan carefully. By choosing a DLI with PGWP-eligible programs, ensuring your program meets language and field-of-study requirements, and maintaining good standing throughout your education, you set yourself up for long-term success.

If you’re unsure about your options, it may be wise to speak with a licensed immigration advisor to avoid costly mistakes.