Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit, also known as PGWP, allows international students who have graduated from one of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) to work in Canada and obtain valuable Canadian work experience. With Post-Grad Work Permit international students do not need an LMIA and can work for any employer in Canada without any limitations.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain work experience in Canada. This permit provides graduates the flexibility to work for any employer, in any industry, and in any location across Canada. Unlike employer-specific work permits, a PGWP does not tie you to a single employer, meaning you can switch jobs and explore various career opportunities.

The PGWP is a crucial step for many international graduates who wish to build their careers in Canada. It not only allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience but can also be instrumental in helping you transition to permanent residence through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.

A PGWP provides an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valued in Canada's immigration system. For many, this work experience contributes towards eligibility for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Work experience gained under a PGWP can earn points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), increasing your chances of being selected for PR.

Additionally, since the PGWP is an open work permit, you do not have to work in the same field as your studies. This means that if you studied engineering, for example, but find a job in a different sector, you can still qualify for PR as long as you meet the necessary eligibility criteria.

New PGWP Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Post-Grad Work Permit, you must:

  • Have completed a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI)

  • Have completed a full-time study program that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for certain Quebec programs).

  • Have maintained full-time student status throughout your study program (with some exceptions for final semesters or other valid reasons).

  • Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving official confirmation (such as a transcript or letter) that you have completed your program.

  • Be in valid immigration status (have a valid Study Permit or switch to a Visitor Record before your Study Permit expires).

  • Have had a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days before applying for the PGWP.

Importantly, IRCC has introduced new eligibility requirements for PGWP applicants starting November 1, 2024:

    • Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs must demonstrate CLB 7 (or NCLC 7 in French)proficiency.

    • Graduates of college, polytechnic, or non-university programs must meet a CLB 5 (or NCLC 5 in French)requirement.

    • Graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, and those who began their programs before November 1, 2024, are not required to meet the field of study requirement.

    • If you started your program (not a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree) on or after November 1, 2024, your field of study must be in a high-demand occupation, such as:

      • Healthcare

      • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

      • Agriculture & Agri-Food

      • Trades

      • Transport

      • Education

How Long is a PGWP Valid for?

The length of your PGWP depends on your study program and its duration:

  • If your study program is shorter than 8 months: Not eligible for a PGWP.

  • If your study program is not a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program, and is not on the list of PGWP-eligible fields of studies: Not eligible for a PGWP.

  • If your Program is 8 months to less than 2 years in duration: PGWP will be valid for the same duration as your program.

  • If you completed a master’s program that is 8 months or longer: PGWP will be valid for 3 years.

  • If you completed a program that is 2 years or longer in duration: PGWP may be valid for up to 3 years.

  • Completed multiple programs: If you completed multiple eligible programs that were at least 8 months each, you may be eligible for a PGWP that corresponds to a combined length of your PGWP-eligible programs.

Need help with preparing your PGWP application or not sure if you’re eligible?

The PGWP application process can seem straightforward and simple… until you run into problems and realize that perhaps you’re not eligible, or your leave of absence was longer than allowed, or you studied part-time when you should not have to. Reaching out for help before things start falling apart is key to ensuring that you can avoid complications and receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Documents you need from your DLI for a PGWP Application…

Before you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you’ll need to collect specific documents from your school to prove that you have successfully completed your program. These documents confirm to IRCC that you meet the requirements for a PGWP and must be submitted with your application.

The IRCC official document checklist requires that you provide a final transcription or a completion letter from a DLI or a formal notice of graduation.

A completion letter issued by your school, officially states that you have met all the academic requirements for your program and that your institution recognizes you as a graduate. Some schools may refer to it as a “graduation confirmation letter” or “program completion letter.” No matter what it’s called, it must include your full name, student number, the date you completed your program, and confirmation that all requirements have been met.

An official final transcript from your school shows your final grades and verifies that you successfully completed your courses. While some institutions allow students to download an unofficial version, it’s best to obtain an official transcript, either in hard copy or as a certified digital file. If your school takes time to issue transcripts, request them as soon as your final grades are available.

If your school has already issued your diploma, degree, or certificate, you should include that as well. However, since some institutions take longer to provide these official credentials, you don’t need to wait for them to apply for your PGWP. As long as you have your completion letter or official final transcript, you can proceed with your application.

Can You Work While Waiting for Your PGWP?

For many students, securing a job immediately after graduation is a priority. The good news is that you can work full-time while waiting for your PGWP to be processed - but only under specific conditions.

If you apply for your PGWP before your Study Permit expires, you are automatically authorized to work full-time while waiting for a decision on your application. This is based on Section 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which allows students to continue working under implied status as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

However, if your Study Permit expires before you submit your PGWP application, you are not allowed to work until you restore your status and receive approval. Additionally, if you have completed your program but have not yet applied for a PGWP before your Study Permit expires, you are not legally authorized to work while you’re waiting for restoration of status and for your PGWP. This means that if you plan to work right after graduation, you should submit your PGWP application as soon as you receive your transcripts or an official confirmation letter from your school, or an email confirming that you have now completed your program.

Immigration officers interpret a complete PGWP application submission as an automatic authorization to work full-time while waiting for a decision, provided all eligibility requirements are met. If your application is incomplete or missing required documents, you could lose this work authorization, so it’s essential to ensure everything is in order before submitting.

Timing is key. If you know you’ll be working after graduation, plan ahead. Get your documents as soon as possible and apply for your PGWP without delay. This will help you transition smoothly from student life to the workforce without unnecessary gaps or legal complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You probably still have many questions about Canada PGWP application. We’ve got some answers for you here:

  • If you still have a valid study permit and meet the eligibility requirements for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must submit your application within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from your designated learning institution (DLI) that you have successfully completed your program.

    This confirmation can come in the form of:

    • A final transcript,

    • An official completion letter from your school, or

    • An email from your institution confirming that you have met all graduation requirements.

    Once you receive any one of these documents, the 180-day countdown begins

    Until you submit your PGWP application, you are not authorized to work after completing your studies. If you intend to start working as soon as possible, it is crucial to apply for your PGWP immediately after receiving your transcripts, official letter, or email confirmation from your school.

    As soon as you submit a complete PGWP application, Immigration Canada considers you to be legally authorized to work full-time under Regulation 186(w) until a decision is made, provided that you applied while your study permit was still valid.

  • In general, you must have maintained full-time student status throughout your program to qualify for a PGWP. However, there are exceptions:

    If you studied part-time only in your final semester, but were full-time for the rest of your program, you may still qualify.

    If you had a valid reason for a break in studies or a temporary reduction in course load, you may be eligible but will need to provide documentation explaining the situation.

    If you were part-time for multiple semesters, you may not qualify for a PGWP.

  • Yes, if you apply for your PGWP before your study permit expires, you are authorized to work full-time while waiting for a decision on your application. This is allowed under Section 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

    However, if your study permit expires before you submit your PGWP application, or if you haven’t applied yet, you are not authorized to work until you receive your PGWP. If you continue working without authorization, it could affect your ability to stay in Canada or apply for permanent residence.

  • Yes. The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer, in any location, and in any industry. Unlike employer-specific work permits, a PGWP does not restrict you to a particular job or company. This allows graduates the flexibility to explore different career paths, even in fields unrelated to their studies.