How does the post-study work visa extension process work in Canada after completing a two-year master's degree?
Your two-year master's easily clears Canada's 8-month minimum program length, qualifying you for a 3-year open Post-Graduation Work Permit with no field restriction. You have 180 days from your graduation notification to apply, needing CLB 7 in English or French across all four skills.
Your two-year master's puts you in a strong position for Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit, since it comfortably exceeds the minimum program length and carries no field-of-study restriction. Your permit is issued once rather than renewed, so getting your application right the first time matters.
PGWP Requirements for Master's Graduates
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program length | 2-year master's easily meets the 8-month minimum, with no field restriction |
| Work permit length | Up to 3 years of open work authorization |
| Language proficiency | Minimum CLB 7 in IELTS General Training or CELPIP across reading, writing, listening and speaking |
| Application window | 180 days from your official graduation notification; your study permit typically expires 90 days after that notification |
| Passport validity | Must cover the full 3-year permit period, since IRCC will not issue a PGWP past your passport's expiry |
Steps to Apply for Your PGWP
- Wait for your university's official written graduation notification before applying; do not apply the moment classes end.
- Gather your transcripts, graduation letter, and language test results meeting CLB 7.
- Submit your application online through your IRCC account, since applying at a land border is no longer permitted.
- You can work full time while your application is processing, as long as you applied before your study permit expired.
My Advice
Book your IELTS General Training or CELPIP test before your final semester ends, since scoring below CLB 7 forces a retake that eats into your 180-day window, and apply for your PGWP within days of receiving your graduation letter rather than waiting for the physical transcript to arrive.
How long can you stay and work after a Canadian master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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