๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Post-Graduation Work Permit

PGWP language requirements (2026)

Since November 1, 2024, all Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants must submit language test results. Missing this document is one of the most common reasons for PGWP refusal. Here's what you need.

Required CLB levels by study level

Graduated fromMin CLBCELPIPIELTS GT
University bachelor's, master's, doctoralCLB 7 all 4 skills7 per skill6.0 per skill
College program / other non-universityCLB 5 all 4 skills5 per skill5.0 L,R / 4.0 W,S

Accepted tests for PGWP

IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, and PTE Core for English PGWP applications. Test results must be less than two years old at the time you submit your PGWP application.

Critical warning: The PGWP language upload field sits under "Optional documents" in the IRCC portal, but it is NOT optional. As of May 2026, IRCC added the field but labeled it misleadingly. Submitting without your language test results will likely result in refusal.

Timeline considerations

You have 180 days from program completion to apply for a PGWP, and it is normally a once-in-a-lifetime permit. A PGWP refusal for a missing language test is not just an inconvenience, it can end your Canadian work pathway entirely. Take the test before you graduate.

Don't risk your PGWP

Take a mock test now to know if you're at CLB 5 or CLB 7 before booking the real exam.