Well, it depends on the length of your program and when you graduated.
If you completed a master’s program that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), you can apply for a work permit called a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Starting from February 15, 2024, if your master’s program was less than 2 years, you may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Master’s Programs Less Than 2 Years (Updated from February 15, 2024):
- If your program was less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), you can’t get a PGWP.
- If your program was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), you can apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if the master’s degree was less than 2 years.
Example: If your 9-month master’s program meets the criteria, you can get a 3-year work permit.
- All Other Programs:
- If your program was less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), you can’t get a PGWP.
- If your program was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years, you might get a work permit for the same length as your study program.
- If your program was 2 years or more, you may qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
Example: If you finished a 9-month program, your work permit might be valid for up to 9 months. If your program was 2 years or more, you could get a 3-year work permit.
- Completing Multiple Programs:
- If you completed more than one program, and each program was PGWP eligible and at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), you might be eligible for a PGWP that combines the length of each program.
Example: If you completed a 10-month program and an 8-month program, you might be eligible for a combined 18-month PGWP.