Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

A PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian schools. Employers can hire holders without an LMIA, until the permit ends.

Also called: PGWP, post-grad work permit, graduate work permit

What post-graduation work permit (PGWP) means

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gives to some international students after they finish an eligible program at a Canadian school. It lets the graduate get Canadian work experience.

Because the PGWP is open, the holder does not need a job offer, and you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an employer compliance fee to hire them. It has very few limits on the type of work, the location or the employer.

For employers, the main things to know are that it has a fixed end date, it generally cannot be extended, and a person can only get one PGWP in their lifetime. If you want to keep a PGWP holder long term, plan early.

How it works

How long it lasts depends on the program. For a program of at least 8 months but less than 2 years, the permit may be valid for up to the length of the program; a 9-month program gives up to 9 months. For a program of 2 years or more, it may be valid for 3 years. Since 15 February 2024, graduates of a master's program shorter than 2 years (at least 8 months) can also qualify for 3 years.

Eligibility rules tightened on 1 November 2024. Applicants must show a language level: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities for university bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates, and CLB 5 for other programs such as college programs. Graduates of programs other than bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees must also have studied in an eligible field of study. IRCC has said it will not add or remove eligible fields of study in 2026.

Graduates must apply within 180 days after their school issues final marks. Programs must be at least 8 months long, and the student must generally have studied full time.

When you hire a PGWP holder, check the permit's expiry date. Their Social Insurance Number will start with 9 and expire with the permit. Put the date in your calendar. If the person wants to stay, they will need another type of permit or permanent residence before the PGWP ends, and some routes take months, so talk with them well before the end date.

Is it the same in every province?

The PGWP is issued by IRCC under the same federal rules everywhere in Canada. Programs in Quebec are measured in hours as well as months (900 hours counts as the 8-month minimum).

Example: A design studio hires a recent graduate

Hannah runs an 8-person design studio in Halifax. Her best candidate for a junior designer job graduated from a 2-year college program in Halifax and has a PGWP valid for 3 years.

Hannah checks the permit and its expiry date, hires the graduate as she would any employee, and does not need an LMIA. She notes the expiry date and plans a conversation 18 months before it, so they have time to look at options if the job is going well.

Hollis tracks the dates

Hollis, part of the Staffkin HR Suite, tracks dates such as certification expiries and probation ends. You can use it to keep a PGWP holder's permit expiry in view.

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Questions about post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

Can I hire a PGWP holder without an LMIA?

Yes. A PGWP is an open work permit, so you do not need an LMIA or an employer compliance fee.

Can a PGWP be extended?

A PGWP is generally not extendable, and a person can only get one in their lifetime. The holder needs another permit or status to keep working after it ends.

How long is a PGWP valid?

Up to the length of the study program for programs of 8 months to under 2 years, and 3 years for programs of 2 years or more. Master's graduates of programs under 2 years can qualify for 3 years.

What changed for PGWPs in November 2024?

From 1 November 2024, applicants need a minimum language level (CLB 7 for university degrees, CLB 5 for other programs), and graduates of non-degree programs must have studied in an eligible field.

Official sources

General information for Canadian employers, not legal advice. Rules differ by province and territory and change over time, so check with your provincial employment standards office (or the federal Labour Program if you are federally regulated) before you rely on it. See employment standards by province.

Checked against official sources on 4 November 2026.