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Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

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Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRBefore you applyStep 1 of 13

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1. Pick a PGWP-eligible school

You may only study at a designated learning institution, and only some of those are PGWP-eligible.

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The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

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Pick a PGWP-eligible school

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The authority on this stepPost-graduation work permit: who can applycanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

You may only study at a designated learning institution, and only some of those are PGWP-eligible. If a work permit after graduation is part of your plan, check that the specific school and the specific program qualify before you pay anything.

Why it's required: This is the most expensive decision on the pathway to get wrong. A program that isn't PGWP-eligible closes the route to work experience, and with it the usual route to permanent residence.

Minimum length8 monthsOr 900 hours for Quebec programs, to keep PGWP eligibility.

School and programBoth must qualifyA PGWP-eligible school can still offer programs that aren't.

Field of studyCan matterField-of-study requirements apply to some PGWP applicants.

Documents you'll need

The designated learning institution list, checked for your school
Written confirmation from the school that the program is PGWP-eligible
The program's length in months, or hours if it's in Quebec

Finishing this unlocks: Get your letter of acceptance