This post will answer all the questions that you may have in your mind about getting a post-graduate work permit in Canada. You might be confused by all the information that is available on different websites, but do not worry; we will make it simple for you by answering all of the questions that you have about PGWP Canada:
1- Firstly, when should you apply for the Canada PGWP?
There are two timelines set for this, which decide the timeframe during which you should apply for a postgraduate permit in Canada to avoid any unnecessary confusion and stress.
(i) Post graduate work permit application after graduation:
Once you have received official proof of study completion, you will have 180 days to apply for the permit.
There are two proofs of study completion: an official transcript and a study completion letter.
The proof of study completion differs for each university. However, whichever comes first will be considered an official proof of study completion, and the 180-day countdown will start.
Let’s say that you are studying at the University of Toronto and you took your last semester exams on 15 May and received your official transcript on 31 May, then you will have time till 26 November (180 days) to apply for a work permit.
2- What to do if you are inside Canada and 180 days have passed?
If you delayed your post-graduate work permit visa application for some reason and 180 days have passed, then it is recommended to change your legal status to visitor first. Then, you should apply for a temporary resident visa through the official website.
3- What to do if your study permit expires before your study completes?
A better approach is that you need to apply for renewal of your study permit first. Once you receive your new study permit, then provide proof of study completion. Afterwards, you must apply for a PGWP after receiving proof of study completion.
If you have not changed your status to visitor, then in this case, you have 90 days during which you should apply for a Canadian PG work permit to ensure your legal status as a student in the country.
4- What IELTS score do you need for a PGWP in Canada?
There are two different requirements set by the immigration department. It depends on the type of degree and institute you are studying at.
(i) If you have a university degree:
If you have obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree from a university, in this case, to be eligible for a PGWP, you will need CLB 7 overall.
You need to get 6 bands in all modules of the IELTS exam.
(ii) If you graduated from a college:
In this case, the immigration department requires us to secure CLB 5 in the IELTS exam, and we need to get:
5.0 Bands in listening, speaking, writing, and 4.0 bands in reading.
This rule applies if you secured a vocational diploma and a college program.
(iii) If you obtained a post-graduate certificate from a university
This falls under the graduation from college category, and you will need CLB 5 with 5 bands in all modules except in reading (4 bands).
5- What type of IELTS test do you need for a post-graduate work permit?
For the PG work permit application to be processed successfully, you must attach the IELTS General Training test scores with your application. Only the IELTS exam is accepted.
6- Where to attach IELTS test scores in the PGWP application?
Many students fail to attach their IELTS report card or TRF with their PGWP application, which leads to rejection and a waste of time and money.
When you open your application in the IRGC portal, you should attach IELTS test results in the optional document section in your application.
7- What to do if you failed to attach IELTS scores with your PG application?
If you did not attach the IELTS report card with your PGWP application, there is a higher chance that your application will be rejected. Therefore, you must use a valid IELTS certificate and apply for the PGWP. Otherwise, you will be wasting your time and money.
8- What should you do if you get a refusal?
You could get a refusal from the IRCC for several reasons. However, if you got a refusal due to an invalid reason, like attaching the IELTS scores but still getting a refusal due to missing language proficiency documents. Then follow these instructions immediately:
(i) Apply for reconsideration immediately after refusal via Webform
(ii) Contact your local MP to expedite your process
But remember, you must provide them with all the valid missing documents to support your application and avoid refusal again.
9- How much time does it take for post graduate work permit application processing?
The processing time depends on the number of applicants applying at the same time. As of May 26, 2026, the normal processing time for a PGWP application is 201 days.
The current processing time of 201 days could increase in the future. For updated processing time, visit this website.
10- Can you apply for an extension if your previous PGWP has expired?
When the PGWP expires, you cannot apply for an extension. It is a one-time opportunity for international students. During this time, they should search for Top-Tier jobs and move towards getting permanent residency either through Express Entry or provincial nomination.
The only exception to this rule is that if your passport expires during the validity of the PGWP permit, then you can apply again for renewal after getting a new passport.
11- I finished my degree and travelled to my home country, can I still make post graduate work permit application?
After completing your degree, you can go to your home country and then apply for PGWP from there. However, there is a question that you might have in your mind: Can I apply from outside Canada after 180 days?
The simple answer is NO. Once 180 days have passed, you cannot apply for a PGWP.
12- How to know if my program is eligible for post-graduate work permit?
IRCC has published a list of institutions from which you should get a degree, either a certificate, vocational, or a full-time university degree; they call it Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You can check the list on the IRCC website.
If you get a degree from any non-DLI, you will be ineligible to apply for a graduate work permit.
13- I did 2 years program but still got a 1-year valid PGWP, what to do now?
There could be different reasons for it. Most commonly, it’s a mistake by the IRCC officer. In this case, you need to apply for a reconsideration request by raising a webform. There is a higher chance that your work permit (post-graduate) validity period will be extended.
14- What’s the validity of a post-graduate work permit of Canada?
The validity falls between 8 months and 3 years. What will be the validity of your PG work permit depends on several factors.
The general rule is that:
(i) You will get a 3-year PGWP if
You passed a degree from a DLI that was equal to 2 years or more than 2 years, as in the case of Master’s, Bachelor’s and Doctoral degrees.
(ii) You will get a 1-year PGWP if
You passed a certificate program of 1 year from a DLI.
(iii) You will get a 2-year PGWP if
You secured two separate certificates, each of 1 year (1+1) from a DLI.
(iv) You will get a 1-year PGWP if
You passed a certificate program, college program, and vocation training program that was 1 year.
(v) You will get a variable-time PGWP if the program was less than 2 years and minimum 8 months
For example, if you got a certificate of 9 months, the PGWP will also be of 9 months.
(vi) Finally, you can get 3 years PGWP if you have a master’s degree of less than 2 years.
This is a special exemption made by IRCC, which shows that the Canadian government supports students who secure professional degrees from the DLI and can contribute positively towards the economic progress of the country.
15. Which exam do I need to take for a PGWP Master’s in Canada?
If you have done a Master’s degree from a Canadian university that is a DLI as well, then you will take the IELTS General Training exam. You need to score a minimum of 6 bands in all four modules to have a successful PGWP application.
16. What’s the minimum IELTS score to apply for a PGWP in Canada?
As explained above, for a college graduate, you would need a minimum CLB 5 (5.0 Bands in listening, speaking, writing, and 4.0 bands in reading), and for a university degree graduate, securing CLB 7 overall or 6 bands in all IELTS modules is a must.
17. Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for a PGWP?
Yes, you can travel and return to Canada, considering the fact that your Visa is still valid (not a study or work permit). On coming back to Canada, you need to show your PGWP application fee payment receipt. If your visa expires, then you will not be allowed to enter.
Conclusion
The PGWP application process is straightforward if you follow the guidelines correctly and put forward your application on time. If you are not getting a good response from the IRCC, you should contact your local MP’s office; they will contact IRCC on your behalf and expedite the process. Just apply on time using the correct credentials, and you will never face any issues.
Update 17 June, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
No, only IELTS General Training is accepted for a PGWP application. Academic scores will not fulfill the language requirement.
Yes, but only within 90 days of expiry. You must apply for restoration of status and submit your PGWP application together.
No, a job offer is not required. The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada.
No, the PGWP is only for the graduate. However, your spouse may apply for an open work permit separately if you have skilled employment.
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Only DLIs make you eligible for a PGWP.
Visit the IRCC website and search their list of Designated Learning Institutions using your school’s name or province.
A refusal itself does not ban you, but it becomes part of your immigration record. Ensure you address the refusal reason in any future application.
Yes, but studying full-time on a PGWP is not recommended as it may affect your eligibility for permanent residency programs like Express Entry.
Written By: Hamza Ahmad
I’m an English language trainer with 3+ years of experience in IELTS, helping students achieve scores as high as an 8.0 overall band. A published contributor to Modern English Teacher (MET), I founded IELTS Prep and Practice to help students hit their target scores through proven strategies and personalized coaching.
Contact Now
