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Which Schools are Eligible for PGWP?

Dreaming of building a career in Canada after your studies? The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is your golden ticket, but not all schools in Canada qualify. Choosing the right school isn’t just a matter of education quality; it directly determines whether you’ll be eligible to stay and work in Canada after graduation. At InfoPlace Canada, we help students like you make informed decisions that shape a secure and successful future.


But how do you know which schools are eligible for PGWP? What if you’ve already applied to a school that doesn't meet the criteria? Can international students still switch institutions and remain eligible? These are just a few of the critical questions students across Canada are asking, and for good reason. The difference between a PGWP-eligible and a non-eligible school can change your entire Canadian immigration journey.


This guide from InfoPlace Canada gives you clear, up-to-date answers. We break down what PGWP is, which schools are eligible for PGWP, and how you can confidently choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that leads to a work permit and possibly permanent residency. Let our expertise help you avoid costly mistakes and unlock opportunities that matter most to your future in Canada.


What Is PGWP?



The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students who have completed an eligible program of study in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience. It's one of the most attractive pathways for international graduates who wish to transition from study to permanent residency.


The PGWP enables graduates to work full-time for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, without the need for a job offer at the time of application. This freedom makes it a powerful tool for building the kind of Canadian work experience that is often required for permanent residence programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.


The validity of a PGWP depends on the length of the study program completed:


  • For programs 8 months to less than 2 years, the PGWP is usually valid for the same length as your study program.

  • For programs 2 years or longer, you may be eligible for a 3-year work permit.

  • If you completed more than one eligible program, you may combine the durations to qualify for a longer PGWP.


Importantly, you must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks or official transcript from a PGWP-eligible institution. You must also have a valid temporary status in Canada or be eligible to restore it.


At InfoPlace Canada, we specialize in guiding students through every phase of their study and immigration journey. From school selection to applying for your PGWP and eventually PR, our goal is to ensure you don’t just study in Canada, you succeed here.


Which Schools Are Eligible for PGWP?


Which Schools are Eligible for PGWP


If you're planning to study in Canada and hope to gain valuable work experience afterward through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), choosing the right school is critical. Not all institutions or programs qualify for a PGWP, and selecting the wrong one could mean missing out on the opportunity to work in Canada legally after graduation.


PGWP-Eligible Institutions


To be eligible for a PGWP, you must graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to offer programs that qualify for a post-graduation work permit. However, not all DLIs automatically make you eligible for PGWP, your program must also meet specific criteria.


Here's what makes a college or university PGWP-eligible:


  1. It must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

  2. It must offer programs that are PGWP-eligible, usually at public or certain private post-secondary institutions.

  3. The program must be at least 8 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.


Types of Institutions That Qualify


Below is a breakdown of which colleges are eligible for PGWP based on the type of institution:


Institution Type

PGWP Eligibility

Public Post-Secondary Institutions (e.g., universities, colleges, CEGEPs in Quebec)

Typically eligible 

Private Degree-Granting Institutions (authorized by provincial law to award degrees)

Eligible only if the program leads to a degree

Private Career Colleges or Vocational Schools

Not Eligible. Some exceptions apply, like some flight centers. 

Language Schools or ESL Programs

Not Eligible

Distance Learning Programs (online only)

Not Eligible unless part of a hybrid program (with in-Canada study components)


Examples of PGWP-Eligible Institutions


Here are a few well-known PGWP-eligible colleges in Canada:


  • Humber College (Ontario) – Public College

  • George Brown College (Ontario) – Public College

  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – Public College

  • Seneca College (Ontario) – Public College

  • Concordia University of Edmonton – Private but authorized to confer degrees

  • University of British Columbia (UBC) – Public University


See all the IRCC DLI list here


Note: Just because a school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) doesn’t mean all of its programs are eligible for PGWP. You must ensure that both the institution and the program qualify.


Why Choosing the Right School Matters


Choosing the right institution in Canada is more than just picking a school, it’s a decision that can shape your entire future. For international students, this choice directly affects your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which in turn can open the door to long-term employment and permanent residency in Canada.


If you study at a school that is not PGWP-eligible, you will not be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit, even if you meet all other criteria. That means no legal right to stay and work in Canada after graduation, putting you at a major disadvantage compared to other international graduates. Many students mistakenly assume that all Canadian institutions qualify, but that’s simply not true. This one misstep could cost you valuable time, money, and future immigration opportunities.


On the other hand, graduating from a PGWP-eligible school and program allows you to apply for an open work permit for up to three years, giving you the flexibility to work for any employer in any industry across Canada. This Canadian work experience is not only financially rewarding, it’s often a key requirement for applying for permanent residency through popular immigration pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).


At InfoPlace Canada, we understand how critical this decision is. That’s why we offer personalized guidance to help you select PGWP-eligible schools that align with your academic goals, career plans, and immigration aspirations. With the right choices today, you can set yourself up for a successful and secure future in Canada.


How to Contact InfoPlace Canada


At InfoPlace Canada, we're committed to helping you make the right decisions for your education, immigration, and career journey in Canada. Whether you have questions about PGWP-eligible schools/programs, need help with a visa application, or want expert guidance on your path to permanent residency, our experienced consultants are ready to assist you.


Here’s how you can get in touch with us:



Office Locations:


  • Canada Office: 380 Wellington St #6th, London, ON N6A 5B5, Canada


You can also book a consultation directly through our website or reach out to us via Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn for quick updates and responses.


Frequently Asked Questions About Which Schools are Eligible for PGWP


What is a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)?


PGWP allows international students who have completed a qualifying program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work for up to 3 years after graduation.


Are all Schools in Canada eligible for PGWP?


No. Only DLIs with PGWP-eligible programs qualify. Not all DLIs automatically make you eligible, you must check if your chosen program at the DLI is approved for PGWP.


How do I know if a school/program is PGWP-eligible?


Visit the IRCC DLI list and confirm if the school offers PGWP-eligible programs. The listing will clearly state whether graduates qualify for PGWP.


What happens if I study at a non-PGWP-eligible school?


You will not be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This means you may have to leave Canada after your studies or apply for a different type of visa, if eligible.

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