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GuidesCanadaPost-Graduation Work Permit

PGWP Eligibility for Programs Around 16-19 Months of Study

Canada • Post-Graduation Work Permit • work 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • Study permit and enrollment confirmation

    Proof of full-time study for the program's duration.

  • Final transcript / graduation confirmation

    Needed when applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completion.

Step-by-Step

Per the thread, the length of your PGWP is generally tied to the length of your program of study, not simply whether your total enrollment period is under or over 24 months.

  1. A program with roughly 16 months of actual study (even if spread across a longer, up-to-2-year enrolment period) was described by group members as qualifying for the maximum 3-year PGWP.

  2. This is a program-length rule, not a strict calendar cutoff — a 19-month enrolment isn't automatically disqualified just because it's "less than 24 months" in total length, if the actual instructional/study duration meets the threshold.

  3. Always verify with your school and IRCC directly, since PGWP eligibility rules have changed over time and specific program structures (co-op terms, breaks, etc.) can affect the calculation. Treat any forum consensus as a starting point, not a final answer.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: PGWP length is generally tied to your program's length of study, with 2+ years of study typically qualifying for the maximum 3-year permit.
  • Do: Confirm your specific program's PGWP classification with your school's international office and IRCC's current PGWP eligibility tool.
  • Don't: Don't rely solely on peer forum answers — PGWP policy details have been updated periodically.

Have a question about this? Join the discussion.

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