The post-graduation work permit, or PGWP, lets you work in Canada after your studies, but the rules now include a language test and, for some programs, an eligible field of study. This guide sets out the rules from the IRCC pages, read on 21 October 2026.
- IRCC requires CLB 7 in all four language areas for bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates, and CLB 5 for college and other non-university graduates, for applications on or after 1 November 2024
- Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates need no eligible field of study
- A master's program of at least 8 months can get a 3-year PGWP.
Who Can Get a PGWP in 2026?
You can apply if you finished a program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution, studied full time in each semester, and apply within 180 days of your school confirming you completed the program. Your study permit must also have been valid at some point in those 180 days.
You may study part-time in your final semester. IRCC lists special cases, such as accelerated programs, transfers between schools and programs with an overseas part, so check them if your situation is unusual.
What Language Level Do You Need for a PGWP?
For applications on or after 1 November 2024 you must show a Canadian Language Benchmark level in all four areas: CLB 7 for bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates and other university programs, and CLB 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university graduates. French uses the NCLC scale at the same levels.
| PGWP program 2026 | Language level | Field of study needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree | CLB 7 in all 4 areas | No |
| Other university program | CLB 7 in all 4 areas | Yes, if study permit applied for on or after 1 Nov 2024 |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university program | CLB 5 in all 4 areas | Yes, if study permit applied for on or after 1 Nov 2024 |
IRCC has a page to help you find your language level from your test results. Applications submitted before 1 November 2024 did not need to meet the language requirement.
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Not if you graduate with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, since IRCC says there is no field of study requirement for them. For other university programs and for college programs, you must graduate in an eligible field if you applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024.
If you applied for your study permit before 1 November 2024, you do not need to meet the field of study requirement. Check the current eligible list on the IRCC site before you choose a college program.
How Long Is a PGWP?
It depends on the level and length of your program and your passport expiry. A master's program of at least 8 months can get a 3-year PGWP. For other programs of 8 months to under 2 years the PGWP can match the program length, and for 2 years or more it can be 3 years.
If you completed more than one program, the lengths can be combined if each is PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months. Your PGWP is issued only for the time your passport is valid, so check your passport before you apply.
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IRCC says you are not eligible if you already had a PGWP, studied English or French as a second language, took general-interest courses or a non-credit program, or completed over half your program by distance learning. Programs at non-eligible institutions, including many public-private partnership programs, also do not qualify.
Taking an unauthorised leave from your studies can also cost you eligibility. An authorised leave of up to 150 days is possible, but your school must authorise it and you need proof when you apply.
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