Canada PR After Study: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Many students ask about Canada PR after study post-study work permit because they want to settle in Canada after graduation. First, you complete your studies. Then, you receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After gaining work experience, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR). However, you must gain skilled Canadian work experience and apply through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program to qualify successfully.

In 2026, CRS scores are high. So you need smart planning. This blog explains everything step by step on the “Canada PR after study post-study work permit”. You will learn who qualifies, how long it takes, how much it costs, and how to increase your chances. So, if you feel confused about your next step after graduation, this blog will help you plan your PR journey confidently.

Canada PR After Study – Post Study Work Permit: Latest Updates

Canada adjusted its PR after study post-study work permit pathways to control temporary resident growth and meet labour market needs. The government reduced overall PR targets but protected transition routes for skilled workers already inside Canada. 

At the same time, PGWP rules became stricter with enforced language thresholds and fixed program eligibility. All updates below follow official releases from IRCC. Here are the latest changes in one table.

Policy Area	What Changed	Key Facts & Data Points
PGWP Eligible Programs	Eligible field list locked for the full year	– 1,100+ approved CIP-coded programs remain valid – No new removals during 2026 – Only programs at designated institutions qualify
Language Requirement for PGWP	Mandatory proof before approval	– CLB 7 for university graduates – CLB 5 for college graduates – IELTS General, CELPIP General, TEF Canada accepted – Test must be valid at the time of submission
Spouse Open Work Permit	Continued restrictions in 2026	– Allowed for Master’s (16+ months), PhD, professional degrees – Not available for most diploma programs – Not available for most undergraduate programs
In-Canada PR Allocation	Stronger focus on temporary residents	– Around 33,000 PR spots for in-Canada pathways (2026-2028 plan) – Higher weight on Canadian work experience – Reduced intake for some overseas streams
French Language Priority	Increased Francophone immigration target	– 9% of total PR admissions reserved for French-speaking applicants – Separate French category draws continue – Minimum NCLC 7 required
Category-Based Express Entry Draws	Expanded occupation targeting	– Priority sectors: Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, Agriculture – Lower CRS cut-offs in targeted rounds – Selection based on occupation, not only CRS rank

PGWP Eligibility Requirements After November 1, 2024

If you want a Canada PR after study post-study work permit, you must follow the rules that started on November 1, 2024. Canada changed the system. Now you must meet language rules and field rules. If you do not meet them, you do not qualify. So first, you must check these 5 strict conditions. Here are the non-negotiable rules.

1. You Must Meet the Language Score

First, you must take an approved language test. Then, you must submit valid results when you apply. You cannot apply without scores. Here are the minimum scores:

• If you graduate from university, you need CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French)
• If you graduate from college, you need CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French)
• You must take IELTS General, CELPIP General, TEF, or TCF
• Your result must stay valid on the day you apply

2. You Must Match an Approved Field (College Graduates Only)

Next, if you complete a college diploma or certificate, you must check your program category. You only qualify if your program fits the approved sectors. Here are the 5 approved sectors:

• Agriculture and Agri-food
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
• Healthcare
• Transport
• Skilled Trades

3. You May Skip the Field Rule (Exemption Check)

However, you may qualify under older rules. This depends on your study permit date. Here is when you qualify for exemption:

• You applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024
• You can graduate from any field
• Business or Hospitality remains allowed for you

4. You Must Follow the 90-Day and 180-Day Limits

After you receive your completion letter, your countdown starts. So you must act fast. Here are the deadlines:

• Your study permit becomes invalid 90 days after completion
• You must submit your PGWP application within 180 days
• You must keep a valid status during this full period

5. You Must Align With PR Score Trends

Finally, you must plan early for PR. Score gaps remain large across categories. Here are the latest CRS facts:

• Canadian Experience Class draws: 508-511 CRS
• French category draw (Feb 6, 2026): 400 CRS
• Healthcare and STEM draws: 460-480 CRS
• 33,000 PR spots target temporary residents inside Canada (2026-2028 plan)

Grandfathered Clause (Ended): Who Was Exempt from New PGWP Rules?

Initially, Canada protected some students from the new field-of-study limits that started on November 1, 2024. Eligible students who applied for a study permit before 1 Nov 2024 were exempt from the new field of study rules for Canada PGWP, and were considered to be ‘grandfathered’, qualifying them for PGWP. However, later in November IRCC ended this clause.

This rule used to protect only your program category. It did not protect you from other active requirements. We are including the exemption criteria for your reference.

Your Situation	Are You Exempt From Field Rule?	What You Must Confirm
You applied for your first study permit before November 1, 2024	Yes	Check your original online submission date
You graduate with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree	Yes	Degree level protects you, not the subject
You applied between Nov 1, 2024, and June 25, 2025, and your program was eligible then	Yes	The program must have been on the approved list at the time of application
You switched to a new program after Nov 1, 2024	No	New program must meet current in-demand sectors
You applied for a new study permit for a different course	No	New permit removes old protection
You extended your permit only to finish the same program	Usually Yes	The program must remain unchanged

Also Read: Study Abroad on Education Loans: Country-Wise EMI vs Salary Breakdown

CIP Code Rule for PGWP in 2026 

If you study a college diploma or certificate in Canada, your Post Graduation Work Permit depends on your 6-digit CIP code. A CIP code is a number that the government uses to classify your program. It is more important than your course name. Even if the program sounds technical, it may not be eligible for PGWP if the exact code is not on the approved list.

IRCC froze the list of 1,107 approved college programs for the whole year of 2026. This means the list will not change during 2026. No new programs will be added. No programs will be removed. Overall, this is what you should do: 

Step 1: First, Find Your Exact CIP Code

Do not trust the program title on the website. Colleges often use attractive names for marketing. You must check all 6 digits. If even one number is wrong, PGWP can be refused. You should:

• Check your Letter of Acceptance
• Check your final transcript
• Ask your college registrar for the full 6-digit CIP code

Step 2: Understand Why Some Programs Qualify

Canada wants to give work permits mainly to students in high-demand sectors. So only certain types of programs are approved. If the CIP code does not fall under these areas, then it may not qualify under the college rules. These include:

• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• STEM fields
• Skilled trades like construction
• Transport

Step 3: Be Careful with Business or Hybrid Courses

Some programs mix business with tech, like Business and Data Analytics. In these cases, the main department decides your CIP code. Even if you study technical subjects, it may not be eligible for PGWP if your college classifies the program under a general Business code. The primary code is what matters, not the subjects you study. Always confirm the official CIP code before you take admission.

Eligible Programs for PGWP

If you want a Canada PR after study, you must choose a program that fits the approved priority sectors. Canada now links PGWP eligibility and PR advantage to labour shortage categories. So you must study in a sector that gives you both a PGWP and a better PR pathway. Here are the eligible program groups that matter right now.

Priority Sector	What Programs Qualify	Why This Sector Matters for PR
Healthcare and Social Services	Practical Nursing, Medical Laboratory Tech, Personal Support Worker, Public Health	Healthcare draws issued ITAs in the 460-485 CRS range in early 2026
STEM Programs	Software Development, Cybersecurity, Engineering Technology, Data Analytics	The STEM category draws target-specific NOC codes with lower CRS than general draws
Skilled Trades	Welding, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Industrial Mechanics	Trade workers qualify under category-based draws and many provincial streams
Transport and Logistics	Aircraft Maintenance, Truck and Transport Mechanic, Supply Chain Tech	Transport occupations remain on targeted occupation lists
Agriculture and Agri-Food	Farm Management, Agri-Business Operations	The federal agriculture category retired, so you must rely on the in-Canada quota or PNP

Language Score Requirements for PGWP 

You must submit a valid language test result when you apply for PGWP. You cannot submit your application without it. You must meet the minimum score in all four skills. So first, you must check your credential type. Then, you must match the correct CLB level. Here are the exact requirements for Canada PR after a post-study work permit.

University Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)

You must meet the higher benchmark.

• You must score CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French)
• You must meet the score in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
• If you completed both a degree and a diploma, you must meet CLB 7

College Diploma or Certificate

You must meet the lower benchmark for PGWP approval.

• You must score CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French)
• You must meet the score in all four skills

Accepted Test Versions Only

You must take the correct test format. You cannot use academic versions. So you must choose only from the approved general tests listed below.

Language	Accepted Test Version	Important Note
English	IELTS General Training	You cannot use IELTS Academic
English	CELPIP-General	You cannot use CELPIP-LS
English	PTE Core	You cannot use PTE Academic
French	TEF Canada	You must take the Canadian version
French	TCF Canada	You must take the Canadian version

PGWP Validity: How Long Can You Stay?

If you plan to apply for a Canada PR after study pathway, you must understand how long your PGWP will last. Your permit length depends on your program duration and credential type. However, immigration will never issue more than 3 years. Also, you can receive a PGWP only once in your lifetime. So you must plan carefully before you apply.

If you complete a program that lasts at least 8 months but less than 2 years, you usually receive a PGWP equal to your study length. Because of this rule, many students complete two eligible 1-year programs back-to-back. When you combine two 1-year programs, immigration can grant a 3-year PGWP.

If you complete a program that lasts 2 years or more, you qualify for a full 3-year PGWP. This applies to most 2-year college diplomas and bachelor’s degrees. In addition, if you graduate from a Master’s or PhD program that lasts at least 8 months, you qualify for a 3-year PGWP even if the program itself lasted only 12 or 16 months.

However, you must check your passport expiry. Immigration will not issue a PGWP beyond your passport’s validity. Here is a quick summary:

Program Type	Study Duration	PGWP Length
Certificate / Diploma	8-23 months	Matches study length
College Diploma	2 years or more	3 years
Bachelor’s Degree	3-4 years	3 years
Master’s / PhD	8 months or more	3 years

90-Day Rule After Graduation

Your study permit does not end on the date printed on your visa sticker. Instead, it becomes invalid on the earlier of two dates: the expiry date printed on the permit or 90 days after your school first gives you written confirmation of program completion, such as your final transcript or completion letter.

The 90-day countdown starts the day your school notifies you by email or student portal, not on your convocation day. Therefore, you must act fast. If you apply for your PGWP while your study permit is still valid, you can start working full-time immediately under maintained status while immigration processes your file.

Maintained Status: How to Work While Waiting for PGWP

If you apply for your PGWP correctly, you can work full-time while immigration processes your file. This step plays a big role in your Canada PR after study journey because you can gain skilled work experience without waiting months. However, you must meet clear conditions before you start working.

When You Can Start Working Full-Time

You can start working immediately after you submit your PGWP application online if you meet all these rules:

• You held a valid study permit at the time you applied.
• You completed your program of study.
• You were eligible to work off-campus during your studies.
• You followed the allowed student work limit (24 hours per week while studying).

How You Prove Your Right to Work

Since processing can take 120-180 days, you must show your employer proof. You should give a full status package:

Document	Why You Need It
WP-EXT for PGWP Letter (IMM 0127)	Shows you can legally work
PGWP Fee Receipt (CAD 255)	Proves you submitted your application
Completion Letter or Final Transcript	Confirms you finished your studies
Copy of Study Permit	Shows it was valid when you applied

Travel While on Maintained Status

You can leave and re-enter Canada while waiting, but you must stay careful.

• You must hold a valid TRV or eTA to re-enter.
• Your expired study permit does not allow travel.
• If an officer admits you as a visitor instead of a worker, your employer may need to pause your job until you receive your PGWP.

If Immigration Refuses Your Application

If immigration refuses your PGWP, your maintained status ends immediately.

• You must stop working the same day.
• You lose your legal status.
• You have 90 days to apply for restoration.
• You cannot work during restoration.

180-Day Deadline to Apply for PGWP

You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days after your final grades are posted or after you receive your official completion letter, whichever comes first. Immigration starts counting from that exact date. You must not wait for your convocation ceremony because that date does not matter.

However, your study permit expires 90 days after graduation. So if you apply between Day 1 and Day 90, you stay safe. But if you apply between Day 91 and Day 180, you must either leave Canada and apply from outside or apply for restoration of status and pay CAD 229. If you miss the full 180-day deadline, you lose your eligibility completely.

Step-by-Step Timeline: From Graduation to Canada PR

You must follow clear steps if you want success in your Canada PR after study post-study work permit journey. You must act fast. You must plan smart. You must not delay.

Month 0-1: Secure Your Work Status

Your goal is simple. You must protect your legal right to work full-time.

• Day 1: You collect your completion letter and final transcripts.
• Day 2: You stop working immediately.
• Day 3: You apply online for your PGWP with your language test results and passport scan.
• After submission: You move to maintained status. Then you can work full-time while you wait.

Month 1-12: Build Skilled Experience

Your next goal is clear. You must complete 1,560 hours in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. You now need a full 12 months of skilled work. Six months is not enough. Therefore, you must choose your job carefully. You increase your chances if you work in:

• Healthcare
• STEM
• Trade jobs
• Transport
• Education
• Research or senior management roles

Month 13: Enter Express Entry

The moment you complete 365 days of skilled work, you create your Express Entry profile.

You must count exactly 1,560 hours. You must not count vacation time. You must not count self-employment.

If you score NCLC 7 in French, you gain 50 extra points. As a result, you can qualify for French draws, which usually have the lowest cut-offs.

Month 14+: Secure Your PR Invitation

Now you focus on your CRS score.

• If your CRS is above 510, you can receive a general or CEC invitation.
• If your CRS stays between 450 and 490, you must target category-based draws.
• If your CRS falls below 450, you should apply for a Provincial Nominee Program because it adds 600 points.

Also Read: Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad with Post-Study Work Options

PR Pathway After Post-Study Work Permit in Canada

You can move to PR after you gain 12 months of skilled work on your post-study work permit. The government set aside 33,000 PR spots for temporary residents already inside Canada. So you must build Canadian work experience first. 

Then you must enter Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class. Recent CEC draws stay around 508-515 CRS. However, category-based draws allow lower scores if you work in priority jobs like Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Education, Transport, Researchers, Senior Managers, or Medical Doctors. 

Also, French draws remain the easiest option. A French score of NCLC 7 can qualify you for draws around 400 CRS. Therefore, you must plan your job, language score, and category carefully for your Canada PR after study post-study work permit pathway.

PR Pathway	Score Trend
French Proficiency	400
Category-Based (STEM/Trade/Healthcare/Transport/Education)	460-485
General CEC	508-515
PNP (Provincial Nominee)	700+ (after 600 bonus)

Canada PR Points System After Graduation Work Experience

You earn CRS points after you complete skilled work in Canada. One year of Canadian experience gives you entry into Express Entry, but it does not guarantee PR. General and CEC draws stay around 508 CRS. So you must combine work, language, and education to compete. With one year of Canadian experience, you gain 40 points if you apply without a spouse and 35 points if you apply with a spouse. More years give you more points. 

However, you win more points through combinations like CLB 9 language scores and Canadian education. For example, if you hold a 3+ year Canadian degree, one year of work, and CLB 9 English, you usually reach 480-495 CRS. That score sits in the competitive zone but may still fall short of 508. Therefore, you must increase your profile smartly.

Years of Experience	Without Spouse	With Spouse
1 Year	40 points	35 points
2 Years	53 points	46 points
3 Years	64 points	56 points
5+ Years	80 points (max)	70 points (max)

Tip: If your CRS stays around 480, you must gain a second year of experience or target category-based draws like Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, or French. Also, you must ensure your job falls under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 because immigration checks duties strictly. If your job does not match your NOC code, you can lose your work experience points during PR review.

Canada PR Processing Time After PGWP

You move through two clear stages. First, you secure your work permit. Then, you secure permanent residence. Each stage follows a different processing clock. So you must understand both timelines clearly for Canada PR after study post-study work permit.

PGWP Processing Stage (Temporary Residence)

Here is everything you need to know about PGWP: 

Current PGWP Processing Time

When you apply from inside Canada, immigration currently processes PGWP applications in 140 to 180 days. This equals about 5 to 6 months. Processing time depends on application volume and document accuracy. However, you do not need to wait idly during this period.

Working During the Wait

The moment you submit your PGWP application, you move to maintained status if your study permit was valid. Then you can work full-time for any employer. So, although approval takes months, your career does not pause.

Travel and Visa Stamping

After PGWP approval, your study visa does not automatically convert into a worker visa. If you plan to travel outside Canada, you must apply separately for a new TRV or eTA. That process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after PGWP approval. Therefore, you must factor this extra time into your travel plans.

PR Application Stage (Permanent Residence)

Here is everything you need to know about PR: 

Express Entry Processing Times

After you receive an Invitation to Apply and submit your complete PR file, immigration begins final processing. Most Express Entry streams average about 7 months. French applications move slightly faster because immigration prioritizes them.

PR Program	Processing Time	Status Trend
Express Entry (CEC)	7 months	Slightly slower than early 2026
Express Entry (PNP-Enhanced)	7 months	Stable
French-Proficiency Stream	6 months	Priority processing

Non-Express Entry Programs

If you apply under a base Provincial Nominee Program, processing takes longer. Base PNP remains slower because officers process it outside Express Entry.

PR Program	Processing Time
Non-Express Entry PNP (Base)	13 months
Quebec Skilled Worker	11 months

Confirmation of Permanent Residence

Once immigration approves your PR, you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence through the PR Portal. You must confirm your address and upload a photo.

PR Card Timeline

After confirmation, immigration mails your PR card. So even after approval, you should expect about 2 more months before receiving the physical card.

• Initial PR Card: around 61 days
• PR Card Renewal: around 30 days

Common Factors That Cause Delays

You must prepare carefully to avoid extra waiting time.

Biometrics

If your fingerprints are older than 10 years, immigration will request new biometrics. This step usually adds about 2 weeks.

Medical Exam Validity

Medical exams remain valid for 12 months. If your medical expires during processing, immigration may request a new exam. This can delay your file by several weeks.

Background and Security Checks

If you lived in multiple countries for more than 6 months each, immigration must verify records with foreign authorities. This step can push your file beyond the 7-month average.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

If your PGWP expires while your PR application remains under processing, you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This permit allows you to continue working legally in Canada until immigration finalizes your PR. Therefore, you avoid any gap in employment or legal status.

Also Read: ROI of Studying Abroad: Country-Wise & Course-Wise Comparison for PG Programs

Canada PR Cost Breakdown After Study

You must plan your budget before you apply for PR. Fees include government charges and preparation expenses. Exchange rates change daily. Also, the government may revise PR fees in April 2026. So applying earlier can save money. Here is a complete cost breakdown for Canada PR after study post-study work permit.

Mandatory Government Fees (IRCC)

You must pay these fees directly to the Canadian government. You should pay the RPRF upfront. This step prevents a later payment request that can delay your file by 2-4 weeks.

Fee Item	Cost (CAD)	Cost (INR)
Application Processing Fee	CAD 950	INR 63,127
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	CAD 575	INR 38,209
Biometrics (per person)	CAD 85	INR 5,648
Subtotal (Single Applicant)	CAD 1,610	INR 1,06,984

Third-Party & Preparation Costs

You must also pay for tests and documents before entering the Express Entry pool. These costs may vary by city and testing center.

Expense Item	Est. Cost (CAD)	Est. Cost (INR)
Language Test (IELTS / CELPIP / PTE)	CAD 300	INR 19,935
ECA (if you hold a foreign degree)	CAD 250	INR 16,612
Medical Exam	CAD 250	INR 16,612
Police Clearance Certificate	CAD 50	INR 3,322
Subtotal (Preparation Costs)	CAD 850	INR 56,481

Total Estimated PR Investment 

You must combine government and preparation costs to see the real expense. This estimate does not include travel, relocation, or settlement expenses.

• Single Applicant: CAD 2,460 (approx. INR 1,63,465)
• Couple (No children): CAD 4,920 (approx. INR 3,26,930)
• Dependent Child: CAD 260 per child (approx. INR 17,277)

Proof of Funds Requirement

If you apply under the Canadian Experience Class, you usually do not need to show proof of funds. However, if you apply under the Federal Skilled Worker or some Provincial Nominee streams, you must show settlement funds.

Family Size	Required Funds (CAD)	Approx. INR
1 Person	CAD 15,263	INR 10,14,215
2 People	CAD 19,001	INR 12,62,646

Disclaimer: The Indian Rupee (INR) amounts provided are estimates based on current exchange rates and are subject to market fluctuations. Final costs may vary depending on the daily rate at the time of payment and bank processing fees.

Tips to Increase Chances for Canada PR After Study Post Study Work Permit

Getting a Canada PR after study post-study work permit is more competitive because Express Entry scores stay high. You must use smart strategies like targeting priority categories, improving language scores, and applying through PNP.

• Choose a job in the priority occupation category.
• Complete at least 12 months of correct full-time work experience.
• Make sure your job duties match your NOC exactly.
• Aim for CLB 9 in IELTS to gain extra CRS points.
• Learn French and target NCLC 7 for lower CRS draws.
• Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program to get 600 extra points.
• Get your ECA done early if you have a foreign degree.
• Claim sibling points if eligible.
• Apply for PGWP before your study permit expires.
• Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit if your PGWP is expiring.

Securing Canada PR after study through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is achievable — but it requires careful timing, smart career choices, and strategic planning. In 2026, with higher CRS cut-offs and stricter PGWP eligibility rules, international graduates must be proactive from the very first day after graduation. Your success depends on three key factors: choosing an eligible program, gaining skilled Canadian work experience in a priority sector, and maximizing your CRS score through language improvement, category-based draws, or Provincial Nominee Programs.

The PGWP is not permanent residency by itself, but it is one of the strongest bridges to PR. By completing at least 12 months of eligible work, maintaining a valid status, and applying through Express Entry or PNP at the right time, you significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

FAQs

Relatable Reads: 

Canada Fees 2025-2026: Full Tuition Guide for International Students	Study in Canada Without IELTS for International Students
Best Countries to Study Abroad for PR in the Fastest Time in 2026	Post-Study Work Visa for the UK for Indian Students (2026-27)
Planning to Study in Canada? Explore Top In-Demand Courses and Universities Accepting the Duolingo English Test	Average Salary in Canada & Top Job Opportunities in 2026

In the end, a Canada PR after post-study work permit is possible if you plan properly. However, you should not wait until your PGWP is about to expire. Instead, track your 12 months of experience carefully. Also, check your CRS score and improve it where possible. Small improvements can make a big difference. Most importantly, stay informed and take action on time.

Keep learning and stay connected withthe Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu for more helpful and student-friendly blogs. And if this helped you, don’t forget to share, rate, and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff.