Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): the rules for BC graduates

What the PGWP is

A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit for people who graduate from an eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI). “Open” means you can work for almost any employer in Canada. Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP can also help if you later apply for permanent residence.

Who qualifies

The core requirements are:

• you completed a program of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI
• you studied full-time in every term (part-time is allowed only in your final term)
• you apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your program
• you meet the language requirement for your type of program
• for some programs, your field of study is on IRCC’s eligible list

Language requirements

You must take an approved English or French test and meet the minimum level in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking):

Test results must be valid when you apply. Plan your test in your final term so the results don’t expire.

Field of study (mostly college programs)

If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and you’re in a non-degree college program or an “other” university program (not a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD), your field of study must be linked to an occupation in long-term shortage. IRCC publishes the list of eligible fields.

This matters most when choosing a college program. Before you enrol, check that the specific program qualifies — ask the school’s international office and compare it with IRCC’s current list.

How long the permit lasts

Generally, the PGWP matches the length of your program, up to three years. Graduates of degree programs and longer college programs typically receive the longest permits. You only get one PGWP in your lifetime, so plan which program you use it for.

Next steps

Read about working while you study, or compare schools such as BCIT and Douglas College that offer career-focused programs.