Can I get a post-study work permit after a Master's in Canada or the UK?
Yes, both Canada and the UK let you stay and work after a Master's. Canada's PGWP gives you up to 3 years with no employer restrictions. The UK Graduate Route gives 2 years (18 months from January 2027). Canada has a clearer path to PR; UK requires switching to a sponsored visa for a longer stay.
Post-study work permits are one of the most important factors when choosing between Canada and the UK for your Master's, and the differences are significant enough to influence your decision. Both permits let you work for any employer without needing sponsorship, but the duration, the path to permanent residence, and the upcoming policy changes in the UK mean you need to plan your career timeline carefully before you apply.
Canada PGWP vs UK Graduate Route: Full Comparison
Feature | Canada (Post-Graduation Work Permit) | UK (Graduate Route Visa) |
|---|---|---|
Permit Duration | Up to 3 years for Master's graduates | 2 years (dropping to 18 months from January 2027) |
Employer Restrictions | Open work permit - work for any employer anywhere in Canada | Open work permit - no employer sponsorship needed |
Eligibility Requirement | Must graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); apply within 180 days of final marks | Must complete course on a valid Student Visa; university must confirm graduation to UK Home Office |
Language Test Required | Yes - proof of language skills at time of PGWP application | No additional language test for the Graduate Route itself |
Can It Be Extended? | No - but work experience gained counts toward PR applications | No - must switch to a different visa like the Skilled Worker Visa |
Path to Permanent Residence | Very strong - PGWP work experience directly feeds into Express Entry (CRS points) | Requires switching to Skilled Worker Visa with a job offer and employer sponsorship |
Key Eligibility Rules to Know Before You Apply
Rule | Canada (PGWP) | UK (Graduate Route) |
|---|---|---|
Institution Eligibility | Must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) - check Canada.ca DLI list before enrolling | University must be a licensed student sponsor with a track record rating |
Program Eligibility | Not all programs qualify - online-only programs taken outside Canada often do not | Must have studied in the UK in person (not fully online) |
Application Deadline | Within 180 days of receiving final marks | While still on a valid Student Visa |
2027 Policy Change | No announced change as of mid-2026 | Graduate Route for Master's drops from 2 years to 18 months from January 1, 2027 |
My Advice
If building a career and eventually settling abroad is your goal, Canada is the stronger choice right now. The 3-year PGWP gives you enough Canadian work experience to hit the Express Entry points threshold for PR in most skilled categories. For the UK, I would strongly advise you to apply and land a job well within your first year on the Graduate Route - do not wait until the end of the 2-year window to start your Skilled Worker Visa process, because that switch requires a confirmed job offer and takes time.
More expert answers
Yes, you are eligible for a post-study work permit (PGWP) after completing a master's degree in Canada, if you meet the standard criteria.
- Program length: Your master's must be at least 8 months.
- Full-time study: You must have maintained full-time status in each semester (except possibly the final one).
- Application timing: Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.
- Permit validity: As of 15 Feb 2024, master's graduates (even from programs under 2 years) may get a PGWP valid for up to 3 years, if all criteria are met.
- Language proof: Starting 1 Nov 2024, you must provide proof of language proficiency when applying.
Rules and requirements are subject to change. If you need guidance on your specific situation, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
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