How to Choose the Right School and Program in Canada to Be Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you're an international student planning to study in Canada and stay after graduation, it's essential to choose the right school and program to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows you to work in Canada after your studies and gain valuable experience that can help you apply for permanent residency.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to make the right choices from the beginning—so you don’t miss out on your opportunity to stay and work in Canada.

Step 1: Make Sure the School Is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Only DLIs are approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

If you apply to a school that’s not on the DLI list, your study permit application will be refused.

How to Check if a School is a DLI:

1. Visit the official IRCC DLI list.
2. Scroll to your province or territory.
3. Use the search bar to find your institution.
4. Make a note of:
• The DLI number (you’ll need this for your study permit application).
• Whether the school offers PGWP-eligible programs.

Note: All primary and secondary schools are automatically DLIs and not listed in the table.

Step 2: Choose a PGWP-Eligible Program

Not all programs at DLIs are eligible for a PGWP. You must confirm that your specific program qualifies.

As of November 1, 2024, new PGWP rules include:

• Language proficiency: Must meet minimum levels in English or French.
• Field of study: For some levels of study, the program must be in a field linked to in-demand jobs in Canada.
  
  

How to Check if Your Program is PGWP-Eligible:

1. Use Statistics Canada’s CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) list to find your program’s 6-digit CIP code.
2. Match the code with PGWP-eligible programs listed by IRCC.
3. Double-check with your school’s admissions office if you're unsure.

Tip: The wrong CIP code or an ineligible program could result in your PGWP being refused. Consider working with a licensed immigration professional to avoid costly mistakes.

Step 3: Understand How Long Your PGWP Will Be Valid

The length of your PGWP depends on your program:

For Master’s Programs:

• 8 months or more = Up to 3 years, even if the program is shorter than 2 years
  (effective Feb 15, 2024)

For All Other Programs:

• 8 months to under 2 years = PGWP matches the program length
• 2 years or more = Up to 3 years
• Multiple PGWP-eligible programs completed = durations may be combined

Step 4: Meet These PGWP Conditions as a Student

To qualify for the PGWP, you must:

• Complete a program of at least 8 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
• Maintain full-time student status throughout your studies
• Submit both a transcript and an official completion letter from your school
• Graduate from one of these types of institutions:
• A public college, university, or technical school
• A private school in Quebec (if it meets public standards)
• A private degree-granting institution (if the program leads to a provincially authorized degree)

Step 5: Admissibility Still Matters

Even if you meet all the school and program-related criteria, you must still be admissible to Canada at the time of applying for your PGWP.

Your application may be refused if there are:

• Criminal or medical issues
• Changes in your temporary resident status
• Political or security-related developments in your home country

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right school and program in Canada is about more than just academics. It directly affects your immigration pathway, especially if you plan to stay and work in Canada after graduation.

Take the time to verify your institution’s DLI status and ensure your program qualifies for a PGWP. The right choices now can set you on the path toward Canadian permanent residency in the future.