Post-Study Work Visa in Canada | IDP Vietnam

Graduating from some of the top Canadian universities is more than an academic milestone; it is the official launchpad for your professional life in North America. To transition from student to professional, you will need the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This guide breaks down the eligibility rules, application steps, and pathways to staying in Canada long-term.

*Please note that IDP does not provide post-study work visas for students.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unlike a standard work permit that ties you to one boss, an open permit gives you the freedom to work for almost any employer, anywhere in Canada.

This visa is designed specifically for international students who have graduated from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Its primary goal is to help you gain Canadian work experience, which is often the most critical requirement if you eventually plan to settle here permanently.

The duration of your Canada post-study work visa depends largely on the level and length of the program you completed. As of January 2026, the IRCC has maintained a special "Master’s Advantage." Under this rule, graduates of master’s degree programs, including MBA degrees in Canada/, are eligible for a 3-year PGWP, even if the program was less than two years long (as long as it was at least 8 months). For other programs, the duration generally matches the length of your studies.

Special considerations for your visa length:

• Combining programs: If you complete more than one eligible program within two years, you may be able to combine their lengths to get a longer permit (up to 3 years). Each program must be at least 8 months long and PGWP-eligible.

• The "one-time" rule: The PGWP is a one-time only permit. You cannot get another one even if you complete a second degree later.

• Passport expiry: IRCC cannot issue a permit past the expiry date of your passport. If your passport expires in two years but you are eligible for three, your permit will be cut short. While you can apply for an extension on paper once you renew your passport, it is much easier to renew your passport before you apply for your PGWP.

Securing your work visa after graduation in Canada requires careful planning from the day you first arrive. In January 2026, the IRCC froze the list of eligible programs, providing some much-needed stability, but the eligibility criteria remain strict.

Study requirements

You must have completed a program at a PGWP-eligible DLI that lasted at least eight months. For those in college-level or non-degree programs, your field of study must align with one of Canada’s five priority sectors: Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Agriculture, or Transport. If you graduated with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD, you are generally exempt from these field-of-study restrictions.

Visa and enrollment conditions

You must have maintained full-time student status during every semester of your program (with the exception of your final semester, which can be part-time). If you took an unauthorised break or dropped to part-time status midway through, your Canada PGWP eligibility could be at risk.

Language requirements

For 2026, all applicants must submit valid language test results (IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or PTE Core) that are less than two years old:

• University Degree graduates: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in all four skills (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each band).

• College/Diploma graduates: Minimum CLB 5 in all four skills.

Application timing

You have 180 days from the date you receive your final marks or your official completion letter to apply. Don’t wait for your actual graduation ceremony; the clock starts as soon as your school confirms you’ve met the requirements

As a holder of the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada:

• You can work for any employer in Canada (except those listed as ineligible on the government website).

• You aren't forced to work in the field you studied, though doing so is better for your future residency points.

• You can be self-employed or start your own business.

• Your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (if you work in a high-skilled role (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), and your children can continue attending public school for free.

Applying for your visa is a digital process. As of 2024, applying at any port of entry is no longer allowed for PGWP applicants. Everything must be done through the IRCC online portal.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check your school's DLI status and, if you are a college student, verify that your program’s 6-digit CIP code is on the 2026 frozen list of eligible fields.

Step 2: Gather your documents

You will need your official transcript, a formal completion letter from your registrar, your valid passport, and your recent language test results.

Step 3: Submit your application

Create or log in to your IRCC secure account. Upload your documents and pay the required fees. Ensure your file is complete, as the IRCC often refuses incomplete files without asking for more information.

Step 4: Wait for a decision

Processing times vary, but you can typically expect a decision within 8 to 16 weeks.

Step 5: Receive your visa and start working

If you applied while your study permit was still valid, you may be able to start working full-time immediately under "Maintained Status" while you wait for your paper permit to arrive.

As your permit nears its end, you’ll need a plan for what comes next. Since you can’t get a second PGWP, here are the most common routes:

Apply for permanent residency

The "Canadian Experience Class" (CEC) under Express Entry is the primary path for PGWP holders. Your one year of high-skilled Canadian work experience gives you a massive boost in CRS points.

Employer-sponsored route

If you have a great relationship with your employer, they may be willing to sponsor you through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing you to transition to a closed work permit.

Further study in Canada

You can choose to remain in Canada as a student again, but remember: a second PGWP will not be issued. You would need a different type of work permit after those studies are complete.

As your permit nears its end, you’ll need a plan for what comes next. Since you can’t get a second PGWP, here are the most common routes:

Apply for permanent residency

The "Canadian Experience Class" (CEC) under Express Entry is the primary path for PGWP holders. Your one year of high-skilled Canadian work experience gives you a massive boost in CRS points.

Employer-sponsored route

If you have a great relationship with your employer, they may be willing to sponsor you through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing you to transition to a closed work permit.

Further study in Canada

You can choose to remain in Canada as a student again, but remember: a second PGWP will not be issued. You would need a different type of work permit after those studies are complete.

The rules for working in Canada can feel like a moving target, but you don't have to aim alone. Regardless of the changes to the work permit, choosing a career that aligns with your individual aspirations is the best way to ensure long-term success.

At IDP, we offer free counselling to help you find the right course and university that fits your goals and qualifies under the current rules. Our expert advisors are ready to help you apply and navigate the entire process without the stress.

Book a free session with an IDP counsellor today to map out your Canadian journey!