PGWP Length Calculator

Your PGWP length depends on your program: under 8 months is not eligible, 8 months to under 2 years gives up to the program length, and 2 years or more – or a master’s degree of at least 8 months – gives up to 3 years. Your passport expiry can shorten it. This is an estimate, not legal or immigration advice.

This is an estimate, not legal or immigration advice. Only IRCC / CRA / Service Canada decide your case – check the official source before you act. This is an independent tool; it is not from, endorsed by or connected to IRCC or the Government of Canada. Data checked: 2026-10-27.

How to use the PGWP length calculator

1. Choose your credential type: master’s degree, bachelor’s or other degree, college diploma or certificate, or a Quebec vocational program (DVS/AVS) measured in hours. Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master’s degrees for this rule.
2. Enter the normal length of your program in months, or in hours for Quebec vocational programs. If you finished early through accelerated study, still use the normal length.
3. If you completed a second PGWP-eligible program within 2 years of the first, add it and its length.
4. Tell the tool whether you have already had a PGWP.
5. Check the expected issue date (it defaults to today), then add your passport expiry and the date of your completion letter if you have them.
6. Select Calculate PGWP length to see the maximum length, the date it would end, any passport cap and your apply-by date.

How PGWP length is worked out

The calculator follows the length rules on IRCC’s “About the PGWP” page and the PGWP program delivery instructions that officers use. A PGWP can range from a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 3 years.

• Under 8 months (or under 900 hours for Quebec vocational programs): not eligible.
• Master’s degree of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution: up to 3 years, even if the program was shorter than 2 years (applications on or after February 15, 2024).
• Other programs from 8 months to under 2 years: up to the length of the program – a 9-month program gives up to 9 months.
• Programs of 2 years or more: up to 3 years.
• Two programs: if both are PGWP-eligible, each is at least 8 months and the second was completed within 2 years of the first, the length is based on both. A combined total of 2 years or more gives up to 3 years. If only one is eligible, only that one counts.
• Quebec DVS/AVS: 900 hours minimum and 1,800 hours or more gives 3 years. In between, officers may prorate: each additional 112 hours above 900 adds 1 month, rounded up. The tool shows this as an estimate only.

The passport cap

IRCC states that your work permit will only be issued for the period your passport is valid. For example, a 24-month diploma with an issue date of 2026-11-01 could give 36 months (to 2029-11-01), but a passport expiring on 2028-03-31 would cap the permit at that date. You can only extend your PGWP if your passport expired earlier than the full period of eligibility; you apply on paper after renewing your passport.

PGWP duration: how long it is valid and what affects it

How long is a PGWP? Between 8 months and 3 years, depending on your credential and program length. The PGWP duration is not a choice you make – it follows the rules above, and the officer decides the final length.

How long is a PGWP valid for? From the issue date until the end of the length you qualify for, unless your passport expires first. You can only get one PGWP in your lifetime: if you already had one, you can’t get another.

How long does a PGWP take to process? Processing times change, so this tool does not estimate them; check the current processing times IRCC publishes. What you control is the deadline: you must apply within 180 days of getting written confirmation that you completed your program. Enter your completion letter date and the calculator adds 180 days to show your apply-by date.

Length is only one part of eligibility. For applications on or after November 1, 2024, you need language test results of at least CLB/NCLC 7 for university bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs, or CLB/NCLC 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university programs. Field-of-study rules may also apply, and your school must be a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.

Methodology & sources

Every rule and number in this calculator comes from the official IRCC pages below. The tool runs in your browser and does not send your information anywhere. Data checked: 2026-10-27.

• About the PGWP – How long is a PGWP valid? (canada.ca)
• PGWP program delivery instructions (canada.ca)
• Who can apply for a PGWP – language and 180-day deadline (canada.ca)
• How to apply – extension when your passport limited the permit (canada.ca)
• Field of study requirement (canada.ca)
• Designated learning institutions list (canada.ca)

Last updated: October 2026

FAQ

How long is a PGWP valid for?

A PGWP can be valid for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 3 years. Programs from 8 months to under 2 years usually give a permit up to the length of the program, and programs of 2 years or more can give up to 3 years.

Does a one-year master’s degree get a 3-year PGWP?

For applications on or after February 15, 2024, a master’s degree of at least 8 months from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution can lead to a PGWP of up to 3 years. Graduate certificates and diplomas do not qualify for this rule.

Can I combine two programs for a longer PGWP?

Yes, if both programs are PGWP-eligible, each is at least 8 months, and you completed the second within 2 years of the first. The length is based on both programs, and a combined total of 2 years or more can give up to 3 years.

What happens if my passport expires before my PGWP would end?

Your work permit will only be issued for the period your passport is valid. If your passport limited the permit, you can apply on paper to extend it after you renew your passport.

How long does a PGWP take to process?

Processing times change often, so this calculator does not estimate them. Check the current processing times published by IRCC before you apply, and remember you must apply within 180 days of getting written confirmation that you completed your program.

Related guides

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Complete Application Guide
• From Study to PR: All Pathways for International Students
• Work Permit for International Students: Rules and Restrictions
• Bridging Open Work Permit: Eligibility and Application Process
• Work Permit Extension Guide: Process, Requirements, and Timeline
• Study Permit Extension: How to Renew Your Student Status