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Canada PGWP for Indian students: length, language rules and how to apply

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible international graduates work in Canada after their studies. Master's graduates can receive up to 3 years if their programme ran at least 8 months. Most applicants must prove language ability, CLB 7 for a degree, and you must apply within 180 days of completing your programme.

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Last verified October 2026 · Written for Indian applicants · AbroBot takes no university commissions

At a glance

Master's PGWP length
Up to 3 years
Minimum programme
8 months
Language for degrees
CLB 7 in all four skills
Apply within
180 days of completion
Field-of-study rule
None for degree programmes

What the PGWP is and who it is for

The PGWP is an open work permit: it lets you work for almost any employer in Canada, without a job offer. It is the bridge between a Canadian degree and Canadian work experience, which feeds into Express Entry and other PR pathways.

Graduating from a designated learning institution (DLI) does not automatically qualify you. You must check that your programme is PGWP-eligible and that you meet every rule below. You can receive only one PGWP in your lifetime.

How long will your PGWP be?

Your programmePGWP length
Master's degree of at least 8 monthsUp to 3 years, even if the programme was under 2 years (for certificate or diploma programmes this does not apply)
Programme of 8 months to under 2 yearsUp to the length of the programme
Programme of 2 years or moreUp to 3 years

Your permit can be issued only for as long as your passport is valid, so renew a passport that expires soon before you apply. You may be able to combine the lengths of multiple eligible programmes if each was at least 8 months.

Eligibility rules in 2026

  • Programme length: at least 8 months.
  • Full-time study in Canada in every semester. You may study part-time in your final semester.
  • Language: proof of ability in all four skills, at least CLB 7 for a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree and for other university programmes, and CLB 5 for college and polytechnic programmes. Applications made before 1 November 2024 were exempt.
  • Field of study: degrees have no field-of-study requirement. Other programmes may need to be in an eligible field if your study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024.
  • Deadline: apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your programme, and your study permit must have been valid at some point in those 180 days.

Rules change often. Confirm every item on the IRCC website before you apply, and plan your language test early. Our IELTS guide for Canada shows how scores map to CLB.

Step-by-step: applying for your PGWP

  1. Take a language test before graduation so your results are ready.
  2. Get confirmation of completion from your institution: the final transcript or official letter.
  3. Apply online with IRCC within 180 days, while your documents are valid. Include your language results, passport and proof of completion.
  4. Keep working only as allowed. Check the conditions on your study permit while you wait.
  5. Plan your next step early: Canadian work experience, then Express Entry.

Choosing a Canadian programme that leads to a PGWP?

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the PGWP for a master's degree?

Up to 3 years for master's programmes of at least 8 months, provided you meet all other requirements.

What language score do I need for the PGWP?

CLB 7 in all four skills for a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, and CLB 5 for college or polytechnic programmes.

How long do I have to apply for a PGWP?

Within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your programme.

Can I get a PGWP more than once?

No. You can receive only one PGWP, even if you complete a second eligible programme later.

Does my field of study matter for the PGWP?

Not for bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. Other programmes may need to be in an eligible field of study.

Can I work while my PGWP application is processing?

You may be allowed to keep working under the conditions of your study permit. Check the current IRCC rules for your situation before you rely on it.

Sources and how we verify

Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.