Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Rules
Complete reference to IRCC's 2026 PGWP language requirements, field of study caps, and eligibility exceptions.
For students whose initial study permits were submitted on or after **November 1, 2024**, PGWP approval is contingent on meeting new language standards and, for college graduates, completing a program in an eligible field of study.
The Field of Study Freeze (2026)
If you graduate from a **college program** (diploma or certificate), your field of study must align with a long-term shortage occupation:
- College Graduates: Your program's 6-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code must be on the official IRCC list at the time of application. The eligible fields are categorized into 5 high-demand areas: Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Trades, and Transport.
- The 2026 Freeze: IRCC has frozen the list of eligible CIP codes for all of 2026. No new programs will be added or removed from the current list of 1,107 eligible codes.
- University Degree Exception: Graduates of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs are completely exempt from the field of study restrictions.
Mandatory Language Benchmarks (CLB)
All applicants must provide a language test (less than 2 years old) demonstrating compliance in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking):
| Graduation Level | Minimum Benchmark Required | Accepted English Tests | Accepted French Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Degree Grads (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) | CLB 7 (all bands) | - IELTS General Training - CELPIP-General - PTE Core (IELTS Academic is NOT accepted) | - TEF Canada - TCF Canada |
| College Graduates (Diplomas, Certificates) | CLB 5 (all bands) |
PGWP Core Submission Checklist
To secure your PGWP, ensure you meet the baseline requirements:
- DLI Status: You must have graduated from a Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- 180-Day Window: You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks or official confirmation of program completion.
- Filing Portal Pro-Tip: Upload your language test results in the **"Client Information"** folder if a dedicated language slot is not available in your portal.
This guide compiles official study visa work permit parameters and language thresholds sourced directly from:
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) PGWP Guide: canada.ca/pgwp-eligibility
• IRCC Language Requirements for PGWP Applicants: canada.ca/pgwp-language