If you are an international student planning to work in Canada after graduation, one of the most important questions to understand is: How long can a PGWP last?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible international graduates to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies at an eligible Canadian institution. Depending on your program and circumstances, a PGWP can be valid for 8 months to as long as 3 years.
However, the exact length is not the same for everyone. It can depend on the length and type of your study program, whether you completed a master’s degree, and how long your passport remains valid.
This guide explains how long a PGWP can last, how IRCC determines its duration, whether a one-year program can lead to a longer work permit, and what you can do when your PGWP expires.
Important: Canadian immigration rules can change. This article is for general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify your individual situation with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before making an immigration decision.
What Is a PGWP?
A PGWP, or Post-Graduation Work Permit, is an open work permit available to eligible international students who graduate from qualifying programs at participating Canadian designated learning institutions.
The main purpose of the PGWP is to give graduates an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies.
Unlike some employer-specific work permits, a PGWP generally allows eligible graduates to work for an employer of their choice, subject to the conditions printed on their permit.
A PGWP can be particularly valuable for graduates who want to build Canadian work experience and potentially explore future permanent residence options.
However, graduating from a Canadian school does not automatically guarantee a PGWP. You must meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
How Long Can a PGWP Last?
Under current IRCC rules, a PGWP may be valid for between 8 months and up to 3 years.
For most programs, the length of the PGWP is connected to the length of the eligible study program.
Here is the basic idea:
| Length of eligible study program | Possible PGWP duration |
|---|---|
| At least 8 months but less than 2 years | Up to the same length as the program |
| 2 years or longer | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible master’s program of at least 8 months | Up to 3 years |
These are general rules. The actual permit issued to you can depend on your circumstances, including your passport validity.
For example, if you completed a qualifying 9-month program, you may receive a PGWP valid for up to 9 months.
If you completed a qualifying program lasting two years or longer, you may receive a PGWP valid for up to three years.
IRCC confirms that the length of a PGWP depends on the level and duration of the study program and the expiry date of the applicant’s passport, whichever comes first.
Can a 1-Year Program Get a 3-Year PGWP?
This is one of the most common questions from international students.
For most non-master’s programs, a study program that is at least 8 months but less than 2 years generally leads to a PGWP that can be valid for up to the same length as the study program.
For example:
- A 9-month eligible program may lead to a PGWP of up to 9 months.
- A 12-month eligible program may lead to a PGWP of up to 12 months.
- An 18-month eligible program may lead to a PGWP of up to 18 months.
- A program of 2 years or longer may lead to a PGWP of up to 3 years.
So, completing a regular one-year program does not normally mean you automatically receive a three-year PGWP.
There is an important exception for eligible master’s degree programs.
How Long Is a PGWP After a Master’s Degree?
Eligible master’s graduates can have a different rule.
IRCC states that, for master’s degree programs, graduates can apply for a 3-year PGWP even when the master’s program is less than 2 years, provided the program was at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for qualifying Quebec programs, and the graduate meets the other PGWP requirements.
This master’s-specific rule has been in place since February 15, 2024.
It is important to understand that this special rule applies to qualifying master’s degree programs. It does not mean that every short certificate or diploma program qualifies for a three-year PGWP.
Does Your Passport Expiry Date Affect PGWP Length?
Yes.
Your passport can affect how long your PGWP is issued for.
IRCC explains that the PGWP cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport. This means that even if you are otherwise eligible for a longer PGWP, a passport that expires sooner can result in a shorter work permit.
For example, imagine you qualify for a three-year PGWP but your passport expires in 18 months. Your initial PGWP may be issued only until your passport expires.
This is why international students should check their passport validity before applying.
If your passport expires before the full period for which you are eligible, IRCC provides a process for applying to extend the PGWP after obtaining a new passport. In this situation, the extension is intended to cover the remaining eligible period rather than provide an entirely new PGWP opportunity.
Can You Get a PGWP for More Than One Program?
In some circumstances, completing more than one eligible program can affect the length of your PGWP.
IRCC states that you may be able to combine the length of eligible programs when determining your PGWP duration, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Each program generally needs to meet the applicable PGWP requirements, including the minimum program length.
For example, a student who completes two eligible programs may potentially have the length of those programs considered together.
However, this area can be complicated, especially because PGWP eligibility requirements have changed over time.
Students should therefore verify that each program is PGWP-eligible and that they satisfy the current requirements before assuming that program lengths can be combined.
Can You Get a PGWP More Than Once?
Generally, the PGWP is a one-time opportunity.
IRCC states that you cannot get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
This makes the choice of when and how to use your PGWP particularly important.
If you are considering another Canadian program after already receiving a PGWP, do not assume that completing another degree, diploma or certificate will give you another PGWP.
Instead, consider your longer-term immigration and career plans before enrolling in another program.
What Are the Current PGWP Eligibility Requirements?
The length of your PGWP is important, but you must first qualify for the PGWP program.
Current general eligibility requirements include completing a program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI).
The program generally needs to be at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec credentials.
You also generally need to have maintained full-time student status during each semester of your study program, except where an applicable exception allows part-time study during your final semester.
You must also apply within 180 days after confirmation that you completed your program.
Current PGWP applicants may also have to meet language requirements and, where applicable, field-of-study requirements. The rules depend on factors such as when you submitted your application and the type of program you completed.
This is particularly important for students choosing a program today. A school being listed as a DLI does not necessarily mean that every program offered by that school is eligible for a PGWP.
Always check the specific program rather than relying only on the institution’s name.
What Happens When Your PGWP Expires?
A PGWP has an expiry date. Once it expires, you cannot simply continue working in Canada under the PGWP.
If you want to keep working in Canada after your PGWP expires, you may need to qualify for another immigration or work permit pathway.
Depending on your circumstances, possible options may include an employer-specific work permit, another open work permit category, a provincial or territorial immigration pathway, or a permanent residence program.
Your options depend on factors such as your occupation, work experience, language ability, education, employer, province or territory, and current immigration rules.
For this reason, it is generally wise to begin researching your next step well before your PGWP expires.
Do not wait until the final days of your permit to investigate your options.
Does a PGWP Automatically Lead to Permanent Residence?
No.
A PGWP is a temporary work permit. It does not automatically give you permanent resident status.
However, Canadian work experience gained while you hold a PGWP can be useful when exploring certain permanent residence pathways.
For example, some graduates may consider programs managed through Express Entry or provincial nominee programs, depending on their eligibility.
Whether your work experience qualifies for a particular immigration program depends on the requirements of that program at the time you apply.
This distinction is important: having a PGWP is not the same as having permanent residence eligibility.
Instead, think of the PGWP as an opportunity to gain authorized Canadian work experience while you consider your longer-term options.
Can You Work While Waiting for Your PGWP?
In certain circumstances, yes.
IRCC says graduates may be able to work full-time while their PGWP application is being processed if, when they submitted the application, they met specific conditions.
These include having a valid study permit when applying, having completed the study program, being eligible to work off campus without a work permit, and complying with the applicable off-campus work-hour rules during academic sessions.
If you meet the conditions, you may be authorized to continue working while IRCC processes the application.
If your application is refused, however, you must stop working when IRCC notifies you of the refusal.
Because work authorization is a serious legal matter, graduates should confirm their individual circumstances rather than assuming they can work simply because they have graduated.
How Long Do You Have to Apply for a PGWP?
You generally have 180 days after completing your program to apply for a PGWP.
The exact documents you need and the rules that apply can vary depending on your circumstances.
If your study permit expires before you receive your final marks, additional considerations may apply. IRCC provides specific instructions for graduates whose study permits have expired or are about to expire.
Keeping track of your study permit expiry date is therefore just as important as understanding your PGWP eligibility.
PGWP Duration: Simple Examples
Here are some simplified examples to make the rules easier to understand.
Example 1: 8-Month Program
You complete an eligible program that lasts 8 months.
You may be eligible for a PGWP of up to approximately the same length as the program, assuming you meet all other requirements.
Example 2: One-Year Program
You complete an eligible 12-month non-master’s program.
You may receive a PGWP valid for up to approximately one year.
Example 3: Two-Year Program
You complete an eligible program lasting two years.
You may receive a PGWP valid for up to three years.
Example 4: Three-Year Program
You complete an eligible program lasting three years.
You may receive a PGWP valid for up to three years.
Example 5: Eligible Master’s Program
You complete an eligible master’s degree program that is at least 8 months long but less than two years.
You may qualify for a PGWP of up to three years, provided you meet the applicable requirements.
These examples illustrate the general framework. They should not be treated as a guarantee of the exact permit duration IRCC will issue.
What Is the Maximum PGWP Duration?
For eligible graduates, the maximum PGWP duration is generally 3 years.
A three-year PGWP can give a graduate valuable time to work, develop professional experience and evaluate possible long-term immigration options.
However, the maximum does not mean every graduate receives three years.
Your study program, credential type, passport validity and other applicable rules can affect the length of your permit.
Frequently Asked Questions About PGWP Duration
Is a PGWP valid for 3 years?
It can be. Eligible graduates may receive a PGWP valid for up to three years, but the actual duration depends on the applicable rules.
Can a 9-month course get a 3-year PGWP?
Generally, no for a regular non-master’s program. A program of at least 8 months but less than two years may lead to a PGWP of up to the same length as the study program.
Can a master’s degree get a 3-year PGWP?
An eligible master’s program that is at least 8 months long can qualify for a PGWP of up to three years, provided all other requirements are met.
Can I extend my PGWP?
A PGWP is not normally extendable simply because you want more time to work. However, if your passport expired before you received the full period of PGWP eligibility, you may be able to apply to extend the permit after renewing your passport.
Can I get another PGWP after studying again?
Generally, no. The PGWP is normally a one-time opportunity.
What happens after my PGWP expires?
You must have another valid status that authorizes you to remain and, if applicable, work in Canada. Depending on your circumstances, this could involve another work permit or a permanent residence pathway.