Canada PGWP: 8-Month Program and 3-Year Permit for Eligible Master’s Graduates

Official-source verification date: July 15, 2026. This date applies to every rule, threshold and permit duration below.

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available to students who graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI), but graduation alone does not establish eligibility, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s PGWP overview. Under IRCC’s rule for master’s degree programs as of February 15, 2024, a qualifying graduate may apply for a three-year PGWP when the program is at least eight months—or 900 hours for a Quebec program—and all other eligibility requirements are met.

Does graduating from a DLI automatically make me eligible for a PGWP?

No. IRCC expressly states that graduating from a DLI does not automatically make a student eligible for a PGWP.

Applicants should therefore confirm that the school has an eligible program on the official DLI list and check the program’s level, length and individual eligibility conditions. As of November 1, 2024, PGWP eligibility requirements changed, and most applicants must provide proof of language results when they apply.

Does an eight-month master’s program qualify for a three-year PGWP?

Potentially, yes. The master’s degree provision applies even when the program is shorter than two years, provided that:

• The master’s program is at least eight months—or 900 hours for a Quebec program.
• The applicant meets every other PGWP eligibility requirement.
• The program is not a certificate or diploma program.

The special three-year master’s allowance does not extend to certificate or diploma programs. Meeting the eight-month or 900-hour threshold alone therefore does not establish eligibility.

How does program length affect the PGWP duration?

For PGWP-eligible programs, IRCC states the following program-based limits, all subject to the passport-expiry rule:

Program category	Potential PGWP duration	Key conditions
Master’s degree program lasting at least eight months—or 900 hours for a Quebec program—even if shorter than two years	May apply for three years	All other eligibility requirements must be met; the provision does not apply to certificate or diploma programs
Other program lasting at least eight months—or 900 hours for a Quebec credential—but less than two years	Up to the same length as the study program	The program must be PGWP-eligible
Program lasting at least two years	May receive three years	Standard PGWP eligibility and the passport-expiry limit still apply

For example, IRCC states that a person who completed a nine-month program may receive a permit valid for up to nine months.

Can PGWP time from multiple programs be combined?

Potentially. IRCC says a PGWP may combine the lengths of multiple completed programs, but each program must independently satisfy the relevant conditions:

• Every program must be PGWP-eligible.
• Every program must be at least eight months—or 900 hours for a Quebec credential.
• The applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for each program.
• If one program has a higher language requirement, the applicant must meet that higher requirement to combine the program lengths.
• Someone who already held a PGWP after completing an earlier program cannot obtain another PGWP for the later program.

The passport-expiry rule may still limit the permit issued after the program lengths are combined.

How does passport expiry limit a PGWP?

IRCC states that PGWP duration depends on the student’s program level and length, as well as the passport expiry date, whichever comes first.

Before applying, the passport must remain valid for the full period for which the applicant is eligible for a PGWP. The work permit can be issued only for the period covered by the passport’s validity.

If the passport expires before the full eligibility period ends, the applicant may seek an extension. Under IRCC’s procedure, the applicant must first obtain a new passport valid for the entire period for which they are eligible for the work permit and then submit the extension application on paper. Renewing a passport does not automatically extend an existing PGWP.

This is general information about Canada’s PGWP. Readers should verify their current circumstances and the latest requirements with IRCC or the relevant Canadian immigration authority or consulate before applying.

Sources

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Post-graduation work permit: About the post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

Frequently asked questions

Does every eight-month master’s program automatically receive a three-year PGWP?

No. It may support a three-year application under the master’s rule if the program is at least eight months—or 900 hours for a Quebec program—even if shorter than two years, and the applicant meets every other requirement. The provision does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.

How long might a nine-month non-master’s program receive?

A PGWP-eligible program lasting at least eight months but less than two years may receive a permit valid for up to the same length as the program. IRCC’s example is that a completed nine-month program may receive up to nine months.

Can a master’s program and another program be combined for PGWP purposes?

Potentially, yes. Each program must be PGWP-eligible and meet the eight-month—or 900-hour Quebec—minimum, and the applicant must satisfy every program’s requirements. Any higher language requirement must also be met. A person who already held a PGWP after an earlier program cannot obtain another for the later program.

What happens if my passport expires before my PGWP eligibility period ends?

The permit can be issued only while the passport is valid. If the passport expires before the full eligibility period, IRCC says to obtain a new passport covering the entire eligible period and then apply on paper to extend the PGWP.