International students aiming to work in Canada after completing their education must meet specific criteria to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To be eligible, students must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and be enrolled in a program that qualifies for a PGWP. Fulfilling both these requirements is essential for securing a work permit upon graduation. Today, we will discuss how you can pick a Canadian school & program to be eligible for PGWP.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
How To Check Your School’s DLI Status And PGWP Program Eligibility?
When applying for a Canadian study permit, international students must have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a recognized Designated Learning Institution. The school must also be in good standing with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
DLIs are the only institutions in Canada that can legally admit international students. If your chosen school is not a DLI, your application for a study permit will be automatically refused.
PGWPs are a form of Open Work Permit (OWP), allowing graduates to work for nearly any employer in various sectors across Canada. This work experience is vital for many permanent residency programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which requires at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Follow these steps to verify your school’s DLI and PGWP eligibility:
- Visit the IRCC DLI List Page
Navigate to the Canadian government’s ‘Designated Learning Institutions list’ webpage. The information on this page is maintained by IRCC and updated regularly.
- Choose the Province or Territory
Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the section labeled ‘List of designated learning institutions by province/territory.’ Use the drop-down to select where your school is located.
- Search for Your Institution
Once you’ve selected the appropriate region, a searchable list of DLIs will appear. Use the search bar at the top of the table to look up your school by name, DLI number, or city.
All schools listed in this table are authorized DLIs.
Note: Primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically considered DLIs and are not listed in this table.
- Confirm the DLI Number and PGWP Eligibility
When you locate your school, be sure to note two important details: - PGWP eligibility: Verify that the institution offers PGWP-eligible programs.
- DLI number: You’ll need this when filling out the ‘Details of intended study in Canada’ section on your study permit application.
What If Your School Doesn’t Appear?
If your institution isn’t listed in the post-secondary table, first confirm it’s not a primary or secondary school. If it still doesn’t show, contact the admissions office directly to confirm their DLI status before submitting your application.
How To Confirm Your Program Qualifies For PGWP?
In order to pick a Canadian school & program to be eligible for PGWP, you need to confirm if your program qualifies for PGWP.
Once you’ve verified that your school is a DLI offering PGWP-eligible programs, the next step is to ensure that your specific program also meets PGWP requirements.
As of November 1, 2024, new criteria were introduced for certain students. To qualify for a PGWP, students at particular levels must now meet language and field-of-study requirements.
The field of study criteria require graduates of certain programs to have studied in areas tied to Canada’s labor market needs. Additionally, language requirements mandate a certain level of proficiency in either English or French for all applicants.
Below is a table summarizing the new eligibility rules:
| Level of study | Language requirements | Field of study requirements |
| College / University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
| College program or other non-university program | English or French language proficiency equivalent to a level 5 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities. | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study. |
How To Check Your Program’s PGWP Eligibility Using CIP Codes?
Educational programs in Canada are categorized under the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. To verify if your program qualifies:
- Go to Statistics Canada’s CIP webpage.
- Use the search bar to enter keywords from your program’s title and description.
- Identify the 6-digit CIP code that closely matches your program.
It’s essential to read through the program descriptions, examples, and exceptions listed in the CIP database to ensure the chosen code accurately reflects your field of study.
Once you find your CIP code, you can use the comparison table provided on IRCC’s designated page to see if your program is among those eligible for PGWP.
Note: Selecting the wrong CIP code can result in PGWP ineligibility, which may impact your immigration plans. Many international students consult with qualified immigration representatives to ensure accurate selection and better chances of success.
Key Requirements Students Must Meet To Get A PGWP
In order to pick a Canadian school & program to be eligible for PGWP, students must meet certain key requirements as well.
A PGWP is issued only once per applicant. If you’ve already had a PGWP after completing a previous program, you won’t be eligible for another even if you complete a new one.
PGWP duration depends on the length and type of your academic program. Below are the details:
PGWP Validity for Master’s Programs
| Length of Study | PGWP Validity |
| At least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) | Up to 3 years, even if program is less than 2 years (effective Feb 15, 2024) |
PGWP Validity for All Other Programs
| Length of Study | PGWP Validity |
| At least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec), but less than 2 years | Up to the same length as the study program |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
If you completed more than one PGWP-eligible program before applying, both may be considered when determining the permit’s length.
Additional Student Responsibilities For PGWP Eligibility
To ensure you’re eligible for a PGWP, students must meet the following conditions:
- Study Completion: You must complete a program in academic, vocational, or professional training lasting at least 8 months at a DLI. The program should result in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Full-Time Status: You must maintain full-time student status in Canada throughout each academic session of the program(s) for which you are applying.
- Official Proof of Completion: You need to submit both an official transcript and a letter from your DLI confirming you completed your program successfully.
- Type of Institution: You must have graduated from one of the following:
- A public post-secondary institution (e.g., college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec)
- A private post-secondary institution in Quebec that operates under public institution rules
- A private secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900+ hours leading to a DEP or ASP
- A Canadian private institution authorized to award degrees under provincial law (only applicable if your program leads to a recognized degree such as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate)
Admissibility Still Matters—Even if You’re Eligible
In order to pick a Canadian school & program to be eligible for PGWPm it is vital to note that admissibility is still significant. Meeting all academic and institutional criteria doesn’t automatically guarantee a PGWP. Your application can still be denied based on admissibility issues.
You must remain admissible to Canada at the time you apply for the PGWP. Some reasons your admissibility could change include:
- A newly diagnosed medical condition
- A criminal charge or conviction
- Changes in your country of origin that cast doubt on your temporary resident intent
Maintaining a clean record and staying informed about Canadian immigration requirements is essential to successfully receive your PGWP and extend your stay in Canada.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
