Canada after your master's: PGWP length and PR pathways explained

PGWP basics

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets you work in Canada after graduating. Length now matches your actual program duration (max 3 years).

Master's students

• 16-month program → typically 16-month PGWP
• 2-year program → up to 3-year PGWP

PR pathways

1. Express Entry — CRS score based on age, education, language, work experience
2. PNP (Provincial Nominee) — Ontario, BC, Alberta have student-friendly streams
3. Atlantic Immigration Program — for Atlantic province graduates

What to do now

• Choose a DLI program that matches your PR timeline goals
• Start IELTS/CELPIP early — language scores matter for CRS
• Track NOC codes for jobs that qualify for Express Entry