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Does a program with fewer credits or a scheduled break still count as a 2-year program for PGWP length?

Canada • Post-Graduation Work Permit • study 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Step-by-Step

PGWP length is generally tied to your program's official duration, not the raw credit count, and a scheduled academic break doesn't necessarily shrink it.

Example shared by a member (Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Operations and Supply Chain, KPU, British Columbia):
  1. Their program's academic content took about 16 months to complete, but because it included an official scheduled break in between terms, the overall program is classified as a 2-year (24-month) program for PGWP purposes.

  2. Because it's officially a 2-year program, it qualifies for a 3-year PGWP, even though the actual in-class time is shorter than 24 months.


Takeaway: what matters for PGWP length is your Letter of Acceptance / official program length classification from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), including any officially scheduled breaks — not simply adding up your course credit hours. Confirm your program's official classification with your DLI's international office if you're unsure.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: PGWP length depends on your program's official duration classification (including scheduled breaks), not just your credit count.
  • Do: Confirm your program's official length classification with your DLI's international office before assuming your PGWP eligibility.

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