Master’s students are now eligible for a three-year work permit. Before this, PGWP’s length was correlated with the study program’s length. 

However, in recognition of the fact that master’s students perform well in Canada’s labor market, IRCC has chosen to expand the eligibility for these students to obtain longer work permits. 

The length of the issued PGWPs for students in a program of study other than at the master’s level will continue to correspond with the length of the study program to a maximum of three years. `

Students in programs at PGWP-eligible DLIs – the only schools in Canada authorized to accept international students – that are at least two years in length are also eligible for a longer, three-year PGWP. 

In the weeks ahead, IRCC will also amend rules for spousal work permits for international students at an undergraduate level. This implies that only spouses of students at the master’s & doctoral level will be eligible to obtain a spousal work permit. This change will not have any impact on spousal work permits for spouses or conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 

What Are PGWP Eligibility Criteria? 

Master’s students are now eligible for a three-year work permit. Therefore, in order to be eligible, international students must have: 

  • Completed/ finished studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program, which is at least eight months long at an eligible DLI.
  • Studied in a program that led to a degree, certificate, or diploma. 
  • Held a full-time student status during the academic session of the study program completed, which should be indicated on the PGWP application. 
  • Obtained a transcript & an official letter from an eligible DLI confirming that the candidate has met the requirements to complete their study program. 
  • Have graduated from a public post-secondary institution, like: 
  • College
  • Trade or technical school
  • University
  • CEGEP
  • Private secondary/ post-secondary school that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer & results in the issuance of a DEP or ASP
  • Under provincial law, Canadian private schools can award degrees, but only if the province authorizes the student’s study program to lead to a degree.

Any of these educational institutions must be a DLI. 

Note: As of September 2024, students attending a program that utilizes a curriculum licensing framework will no longer be eligible to apply for a PGWP.