For many international students in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is the link between studies and permanent residence programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Since November 1, 2024, however, IRCC has applied two additional conditions – a language requirement and a field-of-study requirement – so graduating from a designated learning institution (DLI) no longer guarantees PGWP eligibility.
The PGWP field-of-study list still shows "Last updated: July 4, 2025" and is being held unchanged throughout 2026. This article summarizes the rules currently in effect, based on IRCC's official guidance.
1. Core requirements
According to IRCC, applicants must meet all of the following:
A program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at a PGWP-eligible DLI.
Full-time status in every semester in Canada; part-time study is allowed only in the final semester.
Distance learning no more than 50% of the program.
Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation that the program is complete.
A study permit that was valid at some point during those 180 days.
No previous PGWP. The permit is issued only once.
2. Language requirement
For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, applicants must show results in all four abilities:
CLB 7 / NCLC 7 for bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and other university programs.
CLB 5 / NCLC 5 for college, polytechnic, and other non-university programs.
Results must come from an IRCC-approved test (e.g., IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada) and be less than two years old when you apply. IELTS Academic scores used for admission do not qualify.
3. Field-of-study requirement
Does not apply to bachelor's, master's, or doctoral graduates. Since March 2025, college bachelor's degree graduates are also exempt.
Applies to non-degree college and university programs (diplomas, certificates, post-graduate certificates) if the study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
For these programs, the CIP code must appear on IRCC's eligible list (roughly 1,100 codes in areas such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food). Students should ask their school to confirm the CIP code in writing before enrolling.
4. PGWP length
8 months to under 2 years: up to the length of the program.
2 years or longer: up to 3 years.
Master's degrees (since February 15, 2024): up to 3 years even if the program was shorter than 2 years, provided it lasted at least 8 months.
The permit cannot extend beyond passport expiry, so renew your passport before applying if needed.
5. Practical steps
Before enrolling in a diploma or certificate, check the CIP code against the current list on canada.ca and keep a dated screenshot.
In your final year, take IELTS General Training or CELPIP early, leaving time for a retake.
On completion, keep your completion letter and final transcript and note the start of the 180-day window.
Apply from inside Canada while your study permit is valid; under current rules, eligible applicants may continue working full time while the application is processed.
Plan your PR pathway early, since the PGWP generally cannot be extended. Map out CEC or PNP options (such as Manitoba's graduate streams) against the time needed to gain qualifying work experience.
Conclusion
In 2026, the PGWP framework remains the one introduced in late 2024: language thresholds for all applicants, a field-of-study list for non-degree programs, and a list held constant for the year. Eligibility is often determined at the point of program selection rather than at graduation. Because policies can change, verify requirements on IRCC's website at the time you apply.
To better understand the PGWP, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, and the pathways that fit your specific profile, please contact Nonsuch Immigration directly via Zalo 0946 749 585 or WhatsApp 204 963 9288.
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