PGWP Length After Finishing More Than One Study Program in Canada

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a highly desired opportunity for international students who have completed eligible programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). This open work permit allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be an important stepping stone towards permanent residency. While the duration of a PGWP is typically tied to the length of the study program in Canada, the rules become more nuanced when a student completes more than one program.

This guide will go into the various details of PGWP length eligibility for individuals who have finished multiple study programs in Canada.

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The Basics of PGWP Eligibility and Length For Students With Multiple Study Programs

Before exploring the scenario of multiple programs, it's essential to understand the fundamental rules governing PGWP eligibility and the standard determination of its length. To be eligible for a PGWP, an international student must generally meet the following criteria:

• Completion of an Eligible Program: The program of study must have been at a DLI and be at least eight months in duration, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Full-Time Studies: The student must have maintained full-time status during each academic semester of their program, with some exceptions for the final semester or authorized leaves.
• Application Timeline: The PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion.
• Valid Study Permit: The applicant must have held a valid Canadian study permit at some point during the 180 days before submitting the PGWP application.
• In-Canada Studies: At least 50% of the program must have been completed in Canada.

The duration of the eligible study program in Canada determines the length of the PGWP:

• Programs of eight months to less than 2 years: May be eligible for a PGWP of the same length as the program.
• Programs of 2 years or more: May be eligible for a three-year PGWP.
• Master's Degree Programs (8 months or more): According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as of February 15, 2024, graduates of master's degree programs that are at least eight months long are eligible for a three-year PGWP, regardless of the program length. This excludes certificate or diploma programs, even those at the master's level.

It's important to note that the PGWP can only be issued once in a lifetime. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when deciding when to apply, especially if further studies are planned.

PGWP Eligibility After Completing Multiple Programs

IRCC recognizes that some international students may pursue more than one program of study in Canada. In such cases, the possibility of "program stacking" exists, which can influence the length of the PGWP.

Program Stacking Rules

For the duration of multiple programs to be considered when determining PGWP length, the following conditions must be met:

• Each Program Must Be PGWP-Eligible: Each program completed must meet the standard eligibility criteria for a PGWP (minimum eight months, leads to a degree/diploma/certificate, completed at a DLI, etc.).
• Completion Within Two Years: The second (or subsequent) program must be completed within two years of the first program's completion. The timeframe is measured from the date of completion of each program.

How Program Lengths Are Combined

If both programs meet the eligibility criteria and are completed within two years, their lengths can be combined to determine the PGWP duration, up to three years. Examples of program stacking include the following:

• Two One-Year Programs: If a student completes two separate one-year PGWP-eligible programs within two years of each other, they may be eligible for a PGWP of up to two years (1 year + 1 year).
• One-Year Program and a Two-Year Program: Completing a one-year and a two-year PGWP-eligible program within the stipulated timeframe could result in a three-year PGWP (1 year + 2 years = 3 years).
• Two Two-Year Programs: Even if the combined length exceeds three years, the maximum PGWP duration remains three years.

This table illustrates how completing various programs affects PGWP duration for situations occurring on or after November 1, 2024, the date of significant IRCC PGWP eligibility changes.

Example situation	PGWP Length/Duration
Completing Two PGWP-eligible Programs	The duration of the issued PGWP can be determined by combining the lengths of both programs.
Completing a non-PGWP-eligible Program Followed by a PGWP-eligible Program	Program stacking is not permitted. The PGWP duration will be based solely on the length of the PGWP-eligible program.
Completing a PGWP-eligible Program Followed by a non-PGWP-eligible Program	Program stacking is not permitted. The PGWP duration will be based solely on the length of the PGWP-eligible program.

Here are some important things to note about program stacking.

Breaks Between Programs

Short breaks between eligible programs are generally acceptable as long as the subsequent program starts within two years of completing the previous one.

Part-Time Studies

While full-time enrollment is typically necessary for each semester of study, an exception is often made for the final semester, which can be completed part-time. This flexibility allows students nearing graduation to adjust their course load as needed.

One Program Ineligible

If a student completes multiple programs but only one is PGWP-eligible, the PGWP length will be based solely on the duration of the eligible program. Completing an ineligible program, whether before or after the eligible one, does not contribute to the PGWP length. In such cases, the application must still be made within 180 days of completing the eligible program according to IRCC.

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Recent Changes and Their Impact

It's essential to stay updated on any recent changes to the PGWP rules, as immigration policies can evolve. Some notable recent developments include:

Field of Study Requirements (Effective November 1, 2024)

If you’re an international student in Canada who applied for their Canadian study permit on or after November 1, 2024, new eligibility criteria based on the field of study may apply, particularly for college programs and specific other university programs (excluding bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees). These programs must be linked to identified labor market needs to be PGWP-eligible. However, as of March 2025, this requirement has been removed for college bachelor's degree program graduates, according to the IRCC.

Language Proficiency Requirements (Effective November 1, 2024)

Applicants who submitted their PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024, are generally required to provide proof of English or French language proficiency with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, which varies depending on the level of study.

Online Learning Limitations (Effective September 1, 2024)

As of September 1, 2024, time spent completing studies online from outside Canada will be deducted from the length of the PGWP. For programs commencing on or after this date, less than 50% of the program can be completed online for PGWP eligibility. Exceptions were made for studies completed online due to COVID-19 measures up to August 31, 2024.

Master's Degree Graduates

The specific rule granting a three-year PGWP to graduates of master's degree programs (at least eight months long) regardless of their program duration, implemented on February 15, 2024, is a significant advantage for those pursuing master's level studies.

What Makes a Program of Study Eligible for a PGWP?

The eligibility and length of a PGWP largely depend on the program of study a student completes. Key factors include the type of program, its duration, and whether it meets the specific requirements set by the IRCC. APGWP's validity corresponds to the length of the program that was completed. To qualify for a PGWP, a study program in Canada must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least eight months in length,
• Not be offered through a curriculum licensing agreement,
• Lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate,
• Be an academic, vocational, or professional training program,
  • Be completed at an eligible DLI, such as:
  • A college,
  • A trade or technical school,
  • A university,
  • A CEGEP (in Quebec),
  • A private post-secondary institution in Quebec operating under the same rules as public institutions,
  • A private secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering eligible programs of 900 hours or more, leading to a diplome d etudes professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de specialisation professionnelle (ASP),
  • A Canadian private school authorized by provincial law to confer degrees (e.g., associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees), provided the student is enrolled in a degree-granting program recognized by the Canadian province.

Only DLIs are authorized to admit international students in Canada, and students must ensure their program and institution meet all PGWP eligibility requirements.

Application Process After Multiple Programs

When applying for a PGWP based on the completion of more than one eligible program, applicants will generally need to provide the following:

• Proof of Graduation: Official transcripts and graduation letters from each DLI where an eligible program was completed. These documents should indicate the program duration and the date of completion.
• Study Permits: Copies of all valid and expired Canadian study permits held during the period of study.
• Application Form: The standard application form for a PGWP,
• Passport Copies: Clear copies of the passport's bio page and any other relevant pages.
• Proof of Language Proficiency: If the study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024, valid language test results meet the required CLB/NCLC level.
• Other Supporting Documents: Any other documents requested by IRCC based on the specific circumstances of the application.

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FAQs

What if I Completed One Program, Obtained a PGWP, and Then Returned to Study Another Program? Can I get Another PGWP After the Second Program?

No. The PGWP can only be issued once in a lifetime. If you have already been issued a PGWP, you are not eligible for another one, even after completing further studies.

Should I Apply for a PGWP After my First Eligible Program if I Plan to Study Again?

This is an important decision, as you can only get one PGWP in your lifetime. Applying after the first program will give you work experience. Still, it will prevent you from applying for another PGWP after completing subsequent studies, even if they would qualify you for a more extended permit. Carefully consider your long-term goals before applying for the PGWP.

If I Completed a Shorter Master's Degree (e.g.,10 months) After Another Eligible Program, am I Still Eligible for a 3-year PGWP?

Yes, as of February 15, 2024, graduates of master's degree programs for at least eight months are eligible for a three-year PGWP, regardless of the program's specific length. This applies even if you completed another eligible program before the master's.