Canada visas
Canada post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after your studies
An open work permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions. It lets you work for any employer.
- Type
- Open work permit
- Length
- Up to 3 years
- One only
- Once per person
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You are finishing a program at a designated Canadian institution
- You want Canadian work experience
- You plan to apply for PR later
The basics
What the authorities look for
- You graduated from an eligible designated learning institution and program
- Language test results are needed for most applicants
- Length depends on your program, up to 3 years
- Your passport must be valid for the whole permit period
- You cannot get a second PGWP after an earlier program
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. IRCC: about the PGWP
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **Program eligibility.** A designated school does not guarantee an eligible program.
- **Language results.** Most applicants must now provide them with the application.
- **Passport validity.** The permit is capped by your passport expiry.
- **Rules keep changing.** Check the current rules before you choose a program.
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Post-graduation work permit questions
How long will my PGWP be?
It depends on your program length, up to three years. Some master's programs under two years can get up to three years.
Can I get another PGWP later?
No. You can only receive one.
Keep reading
Other Canada visa pages
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