Program delivery update: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) [R205(c) – C43] – International Mobility Program
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
December 11, 2025
As of March 11, 2025, language and field-of-study requirements for PGWP applicants who graduated from a non-university degree-granting program are the same as the requirements for university graduates.
As well, in addition to overall updates to improve general clarity and navigation, PGWP program delivery instructions include the following notable updates:
- Clarified that, to be eligible for a PGWP, applicants must have held study authorization at some point during the 180 days following completion of their studies. This includes students who applied to extend their study permit, and were authorized to study while on maintained status, per R189, when they completed their studies.
- Provided further guidance regarding language and field-of-study requirements that came into effect November 1, 2024.
- Clarified that clients who applied for their study permit before November 1, 2024, are exempt from the field-of-study requirement (including those who applied for a study permit extension on or after November 1, 2024, regardless of the field of study on their initial permit).
- Clarified definition of “final academic session” for the purpose of assessing whether a student has maintained full-time status throughout their studies.