If part of your reason for choosing Canada is the work-after-study pathway, read this carefully, the PGWP rules changed in 2024-2025 and a lot of students get caught out.
Verify current rules. PGWP eligibility lists and language thresholds change frequently. Confirm your specific program on IRCC's PGWP page BEFORE you enrol.
Working while you study
- Up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic terms (the old limit was 20).
- Full-time during scheduled breaks.
- On-campus work has no fixed hour cap.
Going over 24 hours/week breaches your permit conditions and can cost you your student status, don't risk it.
The PGWP, after graduation
The PGWP is an open work permit valid 8 months up to 3 years, tied to program length, with one big exception:
Master's grads get a full 3-year PGWP even from programs as short as 8 months.
The changes that trip people up
| Change | Who it affects |
|---|---|
| Field-of-study requirement (since Nov 2024) | College diploma/certificate grads, program must tie to a labour-shortage field |
| No field restriction | Bachelor's, master's, PhD grads |
| Language test now required | Most PGWP applicants, CLB 7 (university), CLB 5 (college) |
Why does the field-of-study rule matter so much?
A college diploma in a field dropped from the eligible list means no PGWP, even if you complete the program. This is the single biggest risk for diploma applicants right now.
Want to check your program qualifies for a PGWP before you commit? Ask an Aurora mentor who's navigated it.