A student had a study permit valid from September to July (about 10 months) for a program described as one academic year but only 2 semesters / 8 months of actual study, with an optional (and competitive) co-op term. They asked whether this would still qualify for a 1-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What the thread clarified:- As long as the program consists of 2 semesters at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), it is treated as a 1-year program for PGWP purposes — the same logic applies to 4-semester programs being treated as 2-year programs.
- This means the student should be eligible for a 1-year PGWP based on completing the 2-semester program, regardless of whether the optional co-op term is secured.
The practical takeaway: PGWP eligibility length is generally tied to the number of semesters in your DLI program (2 semesters = 1 year, 4 semesters = 2 years) rather than the exact number of calendar months your study permit covers — so an 8-month, 2-semester program can still support a 1-year PGWP.