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Whether you can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada depends on the type of programme you finish. University degrees have no field-of-study rule. College and other non-degree programmes must be on a government list. That list changed in 2025 and is frozen for 2026.
Who needs a programme on the list
| Your qualification | Field-of-study rule | Language level |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | None | CLB 7 |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university programme | Must be on the eligible list | CLB 5 |
The list covers areas such as agriculture and agri-food, education, health care, STEM, trades and transport. Programmes are linked to occupations in long-term shortage. Language results from approved tests, including IELTS and CELPIP for English and TEF and TCF for French, must be valid when you apply.
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What changed in 2025
- June 2025: IRCC added 119 fields of study and announced the removal of 178.
- July 2025: IRCC paused the removals until the next update, so the 178 programmes stayed eligible through 2025.
- The list now stands at 1,107 eligible programmes.
The 2026 freeze
On 15 January 2026, IRCC confirmed it will not update the list during 2026. No fields will be added or removed this year, and the programmes that were due for removal stay eligible until the end of the year. No list for 2027 had been published at the time of writing, so check the list again if you plan to start a college programme in 2027.
Other PGWP rules to know
- Language: university graduates need CLB 7 in English (or NCLC 7 in French), and college graduates need CLB 5.
- Length: the permit length depends on your programme length and passport expiry date, whichever comes first.
- Programme length: the programme must be at least 8 months long.
- Institutions: graduates of programmes delivered under public-private curriculum licensing arrangements are not eligible.
- Distance study: study done from outside Canada may not count towards PGWP length, so check the current rules for your programme.
How to check your programme
- Confirm the school is a designated learning institution on the IRCC list and that it is eligible for the PGWP.
- Ask the school for the programme’s CIP code.
- Search for the code in IRCC’s list of eligible fields of study.
- Get the school’s written confirmation, and keep it with your study permit file.
- Do not rely on agent claims or social media posts for eligibility.
For the money you must show for a Canadian study permit, see our guide to student visa proof of funds.
How Long the PGWP Lasts
| Length of your eligible programme | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Up to the length of the programme |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
Some master’s programmes shorter than two years can qualify for a longer permit, so confirm the current provision when you apply. A permit can never be longer than your passport’s validity, so renew an expiring passport before you apply.
Applying for the PGWP
- Finish your programme and get written confirmation of completion from your school, such as a transcript or an official letter.
- Apply within 180 days of getting that confirmation, and while you hold valid status in Canada.
- Include your language test results, proof of completion, passport and photo, as the application guide lists.
- Apply from inside Canada where you can, and keep your receipt.
Deadlines and conditions are set by IRCC and can change, so confirm them on the official page on the day you apply.
How the PGWP Compares With the UK and US
| Question | Canada PGWP | UK Graduate Route | US OPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Up to 3 years | 2 years for applications by 31 December 2026, then 18 months for non-doctoral graduates | 12 months, plus 24 months for eligible STEM degrees |
| Job offer needed? | No | No | No for the first 12 months. The STEM extension needs a qualifying employer |
| Field rule | Colleges only | None | Work must relate to your degree |
See our full comparison of post-study work visas by country.
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Worked Examples
These are hypothetical cases to show how the rules combine.
| Student | Programme | Field-of-study check | Language | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student 1 | Three-year college diploma in a health-care field on the list | On the list | CLB 5 needed | Eligible, up to 3 years |
| Student 2 | One-year college certificate in a field not on the list | Not on the list | CLB 5 needed | Not eligible unless the list changes |
| Student 3 | Two-year master’s degree | No rule for degrees | CLB 7 needed | Eligible if other conditions are met, up to 3 years |
| Student 4 | Six-month course at a private college | Under 8 months | Not applicable | Not eligible |
Passport example (hypothetical): Student 3 finishes a two-year master’s and would qualify for a three-year permit, but her passport expires in 14 months. The permit would end when the passport does. She renews the passport before applying so the permit can run its full length.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Relying on an agent’s word that a course is eligible | Eligibility is set by IRCC, not the agent | Check the CIP code on the official list |
| Choosing by programme name | Similar names can have different codes | Match the code, not the title |
| Waiting to renew a passport | The permit cannot outlast the passport | Renew before you apply |
| Missing the 180-day window | The application can be refused | Apply as soon as you have your completion letter |
| Studying part of the programme from outside Canada | Some distance study does not count towards PGWP length | Check the current distance-learning rules |
Planning Around the Freeze
- If you are starting a college programme in 2026, a programme on the list today is safe through 2026. What happens after the freeze is not announced.
- If you plan to graduate in 2027 or later, ask whether the programme is likely to remain eligible and consider a degree programme as a more stable choice.
- Keep your own file: the school’s letter, the programme’s code and a dated copy of the eligible list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do degree programmes need to be on the list?
No. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from the field-of-study rule. They still need to meet the other PGWP conditions, including the language level.
My college programme was one of the 178 removed. Will it still qualify?
IRCC has said those programmes stay eligible until the end of 2026 because of the freeze. Confirm with your school and on the IRCC page, and plan for what happens after that.
Does a PGWP lead to permanent residence?
It gives you Canadian work experience, which counts towards Express Entry and some provincial programmes. It does not guarantee residence.
How long do I have to apply after finishing?
You have 180 days from the date of your written confirmation of completion, and you need valid status in Canada when you apply.
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