How We Help You Qualify for Your PGWP in 2025: A Step-by-Step Eligibility Guide

If you're planning to work in Canada after graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an essential tool for gaining valuable work experience and paving your way to permanent residency. In 2025, the eligibility requirements for the PGWP remain crucial, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way to ensure your application is a success. Here’s the step-by-step guide to meet the eligibility requirements for your PGWP.

1. Graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

To qualify for a PGWP, you must have completed your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Only institutions recognized by the Canadian government offer programs eligible for the PGWP. We’ll help confirm that your school is a DLI, so you can be sure you meet this requirement.

2. Full-Time Enrollment Throughout Your Program

You must have been enrolled as a full-time student for the duration of your program. Full-time status ensures that your program qualifies for the PGWP, and we’ll guide you in verifying your enrollment status if needed.

3. Program Length: Minimum of 8 Months

Your program must be at least 8 months long. Shorter programs are not eligible for the PGWP. We’ll make sure your program duration aligns with the PGWP requirements, ensuring you meet the length criteria.

4. No Language Program Eligibility

If you graduated from a language program (English or French as a second language), you won’t be eligible for a PGWP. Only programs leading to a valid degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized Canadian institution count. We’ll ensure your program qualifies before moving forward with the application.

5. Language Proficiency Requirements (Effective November 2024)

Starting November 1, 2024, language proficiency will become more important. If you’re applying after this date, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• University graduates must achieve CLB 7 in French.

  
  

• College graduates must achieve CLB 5 in French.

We’ll ensure you’re aware of these new language requirements and help you navigate the process.

6. Field of Study (Effective March 2025)

For international student graduates of colleges who applied for their initial study permits after November 1, 2024, new field of study requirements came into effect last year. Under these field of study requirements, college graduates must have graduated from a program linked to a labour market shortage in order to be eligible for a PGWP.

As of March, 2025, graduates from college bachelor's programs no longer need to meet this field of study requirement.

Graduates of any other college, polytechnic, or non-university program are still subject to field of study requirements, as are graduates from university programs that are not bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs.

7. Apply for Your PGWP Within 180 Days

Once you’ve completed your program, it’s crucial to apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks. We’ll guide you through the application process and make sure your application is submitted on time.

8. Job Search Before Graduation

To get a head start on your career, start applying for jobs before you graduate. This allows you to quickly secure employment after your PGWP is granted. We’ll help you create a strong job search strategy that increases your chances of finding a position right away.

9. Skilled Employment for PR Pathways

If your goal is permanent residency, focus on skilled employment while on your PGWP. Work in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 positions (classified under the National Occupational Classification - NOC) will help you qualify for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class. We’ll assist you in identifying skilled jobs that will strengthen your PR application.

10. Avoid Self-Employment

Self-employment won’t count toward your Canadian Experience Class eligibility for permanent residency. We’ll help you focus on gaining experience with established employers, ensuring you maximize your PGWP period.

11. Accumulate Required Work Experience for Permanent Residency

To apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class, you’ll need 1 year of full-time paid work experience in Canada (1,560 hours). We’ll guide you in finding the right job and ensuring that you meet the work experience requirement for PR eligibility.

Securing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience and potentially pave your way to permanent residency in Canada. With this step-by-step guide, we’ll make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements and help you apply with confidence.

Need help with your PGWP application?

 At OPEN CANADA, we specialize in helping international students navigate the PGWP process.

📌 Book a Consultation Now to get personalized support and increase your chances of successfully obtaining your PGWP in 2025! Let us help you achieve your Canadian dream.

How We Help You Qualify for Your PGWP in 2025: A Step-by-Step Eligibility Guide