Canada Extends Grace Period for Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility 2026

Great news for international students in Canada! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the grace period for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Now, students have until early 2026 to qualify, providing them with more time to plan their careers after graduation.

This announcement comes as a relief to many. Originally, several non-degree college programs were set to lose PGWP eligibility on June 25, 2025. However, an update from IRCC on July 4, 2025, confirmed that these programs will remain eligible until early 2026.

What This Means for Students

If you applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, you’re still eligible. You can qualify for a PGWP, even if your program was initially cut from the list. This extension increases the number of PGWP-eligible programs from 920 to 1,107, significantly boosting opportunities for students seeking work in Canada post-graduation.

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

Let’s clarify who is impacted:

• Primarily affected: Graduates of non-degree college programs (such as diplomas and certificates).
• Not affected: Students graduating from:
  • College bachelor’s degrees
  • University bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs
  • These students remain exempt from the restrictions related to PGWP eligibility.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

The PGWP is an open work permit available to international graduates from designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It allows graduates to work for any employer in any industry. Depending on the length of the program, the PGWP can be valid for up to three years. This permit is often essential for those seeking Canadian permanent residency through pathways like Express Entry.

June 2025 Changes to PGWP Program

IRCC made key changes to the PGWP program on June 25, 2025, before announcing the grace period:

• Added: 119 new Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, including additional fields in Education.
• Removed: 178 CIP codes, particularly from Transport-related programs.

These changes mainly affect non-degree international students who submitted study permit applications after November 1, 2024.

Grandfathering Clause Still Applies

Students who applied before June 25, 2025, are protected under a grandfathering clause. They remain eligible for a PGWP, as long as their program was listed as eligible when they applied for their study permit or PGWP, even if it has since been removed.

PGWP: General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a PGWP, international students must:

• Complete a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that lasts at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec).
• Maintain full-time status during their studies (part-time status is allowed only in the final semester).
• Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.
• Hold a valid study permit during those 180 days.
• Meet language requirements appropriate to their level of study.

Why This Matters

This grace period is crucial for international students. It gives them additional time to adapt to the new policies and ensures that those affected by the changes won’t face penalties. This extension allows both colleges and students to plan effectively before the early 2026 enforcement date.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to study in Canada or are currently enrolled in a non-degree program, this update is excellent news. It offers more time, opens up work options, and keeps your post-graduation plans on track. However, don’t delay too long. These changes are temporary, and the early 2026 deadline will arrive quickly.