10/11/2026
Are you considering studying in Canada 🇨🇦 ?
Then, you need to understand what pGWP means.
You may have heard people say:
“Choose a PGWP-eligible programme.”
But what exactly is a PGWP?
PGWP = Post-Graduation Work Permit.
It is a work permit that allows eligible international students who graduate from qualifying Canadian institutions and programmes to gain Canadian work experience after their studies.
But did you know that not every international student in Canada automatically gets a PGWP?
Simply studying in Canada does not guarantee a PGWP.
Even studying at a DLI does not automatically mean you qualify.
Your school, programme, level of study, when you applied for your study permit, language results can all matter.
For example, under the current rules:
Graduates of bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees don't have a PGWP field-of-study requirement, although other eligibility requirements still apply.
For many non-degree programmes, students who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024 may need to graduate from an eligible field of study.
Most applicants also need to provide proof of English or French language ability when applying for a PGWP.
And the length of the PGWP is not simply “however long you studied.”
The length depends on factors including your programme and its duration, as well as your passport expiry date.
So before you choose a programme, ask:
- Is the institution a DLI?
- Is my specific programme PGWP-eligible?
- What is the programme's CIP code?
- Does the current field-of-study requirement apply to me?
- What language requirement will I need to meet?
- How long could my PGWP potentially be?
This is why choosing a Canadian programme should be more than finding the cheapest tuition or the easiest admission.
Your study plan should make sense before you pay your tuition.
Save this post if studying in Canada is part of your plan.
Share with someone currently searching for a Canadian programme.
Follow Jersan Global Education Inc. for practical information on studying in Canada and making informed education decisions.
Rules can change, so always verify your individual eligibility with the Government of Canada before making a decision.