Post-Graduation Work Permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit: Overview

International students who have successfully graduated from a Canadian educational institution approved for enrolling foreign students may obtain a work permit valid for up to three years. This permit gives them the opportunity to work for any Canadian firm and gain valuable experience. For many, this experience is helpful in their future immigration to Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit: Eligibility Requirements

• ‍Study Program: An international student must have completed a study program of at least 8 months at a Canadian public post-secondary institution approved to host international students, also known as a Designated Learning Institution. For eligible institutions in Quebec, a program must be at least 900 hours or longer.‍
• Full-time Studies: International students must have maintained full-time status during each academic semester. Some exceptions are permitted during the last term, which can be part-time. Additionally, students may take an authorized leave of up to 150 days for permitted reasons such as medical issues, pregnancy, family emergencies, the death or serious illness of a family member, or other types of leave authorized by the school, including school closures, changing schools, or deferring the program start date.‍
• 180 Days Deadline: There is a very strict timeline to apply for a PGWP, which is within 180 days following the completion of the study program. The completion date can be verified with a degree, diploma, transcript, or an official letter from the school.

Post-Graduation Work Permit: Documents, Application Process, and Timeline

The Post-Graduation Work Permit application will require the following main documents:

• Immigration application forms.
• Passport.
• Documents proving completion of an eligible study program (e.g., a degree, diploma, transcript, or an official letter from your school).
• Immigration status documents (if applicable, such as a study permit or visitor record).
• Medical examination, if applicable.
• Digital photo.
• Receipt for application processing fee payment.

This list represents the basic set of supporting documents required. Depending on the unique circumstances of each case, a specific set of additional documents may be advised.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit must be submitted online, whether the graduate is in Canada or abroad. As long as the application is made within the 180-day deadline, a graduate can apply either inland or outland. However, for an inland PGWP application, the study permit must remain valid within the permitted 180-day application period.

PGWP processing times vary depending on the workload at the Canadian case processing center or the visa office abroad.

The PGWP is typically valid for the duration of the completed study program, up to a maximum of 3 years. However, students who graduated from a master’s degree program that lasted less than 2 years (but at least 8 months) may still be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

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