How to choose a school and program in Canada for PGWP eligibility
For international students in Canada, to be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you need to satisfy some important conditions. This article will guide you on how to choose schools and study programs suitable, so that after graduation, you can work legally in Canada and even move towards permanent residency.
I. Basic requirements: The school must be a DLI and the program must be PGWP eligible.
1. What is DLI?
DLI (Designated Learning Institution) are educational institutions recognized by the Canadian Government and permitted to enroll international students.
Note: If the school you choose is not a DLI, your study permit application will be bị từ chối.
2. What is PGWP?
PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) Inc. Open Work Permit for international students after graduation, allowing to work for any employer in Canada, in many professions.
Having a PGWP helps you accumulate Canadian work experience, thereby increasing the chances of settlement, for example under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – requires at least 1 year of work experience in Canada.
II. How to check if the school you choose is a DLI and if the program is eligible for PGWP?
1. Check if the school is a DLI:
Step 1: Visit IRCC's DLI list page
Find the official site “Designated learning institutions list” of the Government of Canada (IRCC).
Step 2: Select province
Use the menu to select the province or territory your school is located in.
Step 3: Search for the school name
A list of DLIs in that province will appear. You can type in the school name, DLI code, or city to quickly search.
Step 4: Check 2 important information:
- DLI code: This code needs to be entered in the study permit application.
- PGWP eligibility: Does that school have a program that qualifies for a PGWP?
Note: All elementary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs, so not listed in the search list.
If you can't find your school: contact the school's admissions office to verify DLI status before applying for study abroad.
III. Check if the study program is eligible for PGWP?
Từ ngày 1/11/2024, for your study program to qualify for PGWP, you need to meet:
1. Field of study and language proficiency requirements
| Academic level | Language requirements (CLB/NCLC) | Field of study requirements |
| Bachelor / Master / PhD | CLB/NCLC 7 (4 skills) | Not required |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 (4 skills) | Must be in a field with labor shortages |
| College / Non-College Program | CLB/NCLC 5 (4 skills) | Must be in a field with labor shortages |
CLB/NCLC is Canada's official language proficiency assessment system.
2. How to check if the study program is eligible?
Canada uses the system CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) to classify disciplines.
How to look up CIP code:
- Visit our page Statistics Canada.
- Enter the keyword name of the course in the search box.
- Read the description and illustrations carefully to select the most appropriate 6-digit CIP code.
Then you need to compare this CIP code with PGWP Eligible Occupations List on government site.
Important Note: Choosing the wrong CIP code can cause you lost the chance to apply for PGWP. So many of you choose to ask for help. Experienced Immigration Specialist support this part.
IV. Conditions from the student side to be granted PGWP
In addition to choosing the right school (DLI) and program of study (PGWP eligibility), students need to:
- Full-time study in Canada for the duration of the program.
- Complete a study program of at least 8 months duration, providing a degree, certificate or diploma from an eligible school.
- Submit transcripts and graduation confirmation letter from the school when applying for PGWP.
- Graduated from one of the following types of schools:
- Public post-secondary schools: colleges, universities, CEGEP (Quebec), vocational schools…
- Private schools in Quebec have the same regulations as public schools.
- Private schools (secondary or post-secondary) in Quebec offer programs of 900 hours or more leading to a DEP or ASP certificate.
- Private schools licensed to offer formal degrees (bachelor's, master's, doctorate), only if you study that degree program.
V. How long is the PGWP valid for?
| Type of study program | Study time | PGWP term |
| Master | 8 months or more (or 900 hours in Quebec) | Up to 3 years (effective from 15/02/2024) |
| Other programs | From 8 months to under 2 years | Maximum by study time |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
If you complete more than one qualifying program of study, the PGWP period may be combined. more than one curriculum If eligible, the PGWP period may be cumulative.
VI. Final Note: Eligibility ≠ Licensing Guaranteed
Even if you qualify for the program, PGWP can still be denied If you are no more eligible to enter Canada at the time of application. For example:
- Serious medical problem
- Have a criminal record or commit a crime
- Political upheaval in your home country casts doubt on your record regarding your intention to leave Canada
Therefore, maintain legality, transparency and stability maintain legality, transparency and stability throughout the study period to avoid unnecessary risks when applying for PGWP.
