Work In Canada After studies

Post-Graduate Work Permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows certain international students who have graduated from one of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) to work in Canada after their studies. With Post-Grad Work Permit international students do not need an LMIA and can work for any employer in Canada.

Who can apply for a PGWP?

To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit you must prove that you have completed and graduated from the PGWP-eligible program at one of the following eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI):

  • a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, a trade or technical school, a university, or CEGEP (in Quebec);

  • a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions in Quebec;

  • a private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer leading to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS), or an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS);

  • a Canadian, private institution authorized by provincial statute to award an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree to students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree.

Important!

Not all Designated Learning Institutions offer PGWP-eligible programs. Check if your school offers PGWP-eligible programs here:

What will be the lenght of your PGWP?

 

8 months to 2 years programs

The length of the work permit will coincide with the length of your program. You can also get a 3-year PGWP, even if the length of your master’s degree was less than 2 years.

2+ years programs

If your PGWP-eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution was at least 2 years, you will be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

Combination of programs

You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program. Each of the programs you completed must be PGWP eligible and at least 8 months.

How to apply for PGWP in Canada?

You can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days from the date of your completion and graduation from the PGWP-eligible program at the eligible DLI.

If your Study Permit is valid when you apply for PGWP:

Apply with your degree or diploma, transcript, or an official letter of completion from your school. You may be allowed to work while your PGWP application is being processed.

If your Study Permit expires before you can apply:

If your study permit expires before you receive your marks, you have two options. You can either apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada or leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from outside the country.

If your Study Permit is already expired when you apply for PGWP:

You must apply within 90 days after your Study Permit expires and pay the Restoration fee, marking it off in your application. If you applied after your Study Permit expired, you cannot work until your PGWP is approved.

International full-time students in Canada can work part-time during their studies and full-time during regularly scheduled breaks between academic sessions. However, students should stop working as soon as they receive written notice that they have completed their program. Immigration policy states that a full-time student can continue to work part-time only until they receive the earliest of the following: transcripts, an official letter, or an email from their school confirming completion of the program. Students can resume work only after they have submitted their PGWP application, provided their Study Permit was still valid at the time of submission.

What documents do you need to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada?

 

To apply for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to Canada you must fill out the application forms and collect supporting documents. The list of documents you’ll need to prepare greatly depends on your individual circumstances and your country-specific requirements. Below is a typical and non-exhaustive list of the documents you will need to submit when you apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to Canada:

  1. Valid Passport

  2. Completed Application Forms (Signed and validated)

  3. Copy of your valid immigration document (a copy of your valid Study Permit)

  4. Proof of Completion of Studies (final transcript, a letter from the institution, or the formal notice of graduation)

  5. Proof of Payment of the Processing Fees

Frequently asked questions

You probably still have many questions about Post-Grad Work Permits.

We’ve got some answers for you here:

  • You can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of receiving confirmation from your educational institution that you have completed your program. This confirmation can be in the form of a transcript, an official letter or email from your school, or a degree or diploma. If your Study Permit expires before you apply, you must submit your PGWP application within 90 days of the expiry of your Study Permit, apply for Restoration of status, and pay the Restoration fee.

  • No, typically PGWP can not be extended. You can only extend your PGWP if you did not get the full duration of your Work Permit due to passport expiry. In such cases, you can apply to renew your PGWP to recapture the full duration of the Work Permit you're eligible for.

  • Yes, work experience gained through a PGWP can be valuable when applying for permanent residency through programs such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

  • If you’re in Canada and plan to travel abroad, ensure you have a valid visitor visa or eTA for re-entry. Without it, you may not be allowed back into Canada, even with a valid post-graduation work permit. If you leave and re-enter Canada after applying for your PGWP, you can still work full-time while waiting for a decision

  • You must stop working immediately. Reach out for help to an immigration lawyer to discuss your situation in detail.