As a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, I aim to keep you informed about key immigration programs that impact international students. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) remains one of the most sought-after pathways for graduates to gain Canadian work experience. Below, we cover what the PGWP is, eligibility criteria, recent changes, processing times, and fees.
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What is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who graduate from eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to work for any employer in Canada. Unlike employer-specific work permits, the PGWP provides flexibility in employment and is a crucial step toward gaining Canadian work experience — often leading to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Key Features of the PGWP:
✔ Open work permit (no job offer required).
✔ Valid for 8 months to 3 years, depending on program length.
✔ Master’s graduates (even with programs under 2 years) may qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
✔ Must apply within 180 days of receiving final grades or program completion letter.
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Eligibility Requirements for the PGWP (2025)
To qualify, you must meet general and program-specific criteria:
1. General Eligibility
– Graduated from a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI.
– Completed a program that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs).
– Maintained full-time student status (except in the final semester).
– Applied within 180 days of program completion.
– Held a valid study permit at some point during the 180-day application window .
2. Program-Specific Eligibility (New in 2025)
Recent changes (March 2025) have removed field-of-study restrictions for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates — whether from universities or colleges. However:
– Non-degree programs (diplomas, certificates) must still be in eligible fields (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades).
– Language requirements now apply:
– CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) for college graduates.
– CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) for university graduates (except flight school graduates).
Who is NOT Eligible?
– Graduates of programs under 8 months.
– Students who studied English/French as a second language or took general interest courses.
– Those who completed over 50% of their program online (unless COVID-19 exceptions apply).
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Latest PGWP Updates (2025)
1. Field of Study Requirement Removed for Degree Holders (March 2025)
– Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD graduates (from both universities and colleges) no longer need to study in a specific field to qualify.
2. Stricter Rules for Online Studies
– After August 31, 2024, time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from PGWP length (unless at least 50% was completed in Canada) .
3. Language Proficiency Now Mandatory
– College graduates need CLB 5, while university graduates need CLB 7 (if study permit applied for after November 1, 2024) .
4. Flight School Graduates Exempt
– No language or field-of-study requirements if they obtain a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or a flight instructor job offer.
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PGWP Processing Times & Fees
– Processing Time: ~80–180 days (varies by country).
– Government Fee: CAD $255 (includes open work permit holder fee).
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Key Takeaways for International Students
✔ Apply within 180 days of graduation.
✔ Check if your program is PGWP-eligible before enrolling.
✔ Master’s graduates may get 3 years, even for short programs.
✔ New language requirements apply for post-November 2024 study permit holders.
For official updates, refer to:
– IRCC’s PGWP Eligibility Page
Need help with your PGWP application? Contact Bakouni Consulting for expert guidance!
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Last Updated: April 22, 2025
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this post is accurate as of the publication date (April 22, 2025). Immigration policies, including PGWP eligibility criteria and processing times, are subject to change without prior notice by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
For the most current updates, we strongly recommend:
✔ Consulting the official IRCC website.
✔ Contacting Bakouni Consulting for personalized advice.
We do not assume responsibility for decisions made based on this information. Always verify with official sources or a regulated immigration professional.
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