Post Graduation Work Permit
Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
#Important Notice:
Students must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 90 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion. If they let their study permit expire or fall out of status before applying, they will become ineligible for the PGWP.
The PGWP is typically an open work permit, allowing graduates to work for any employer in Canada. Its validity is based on the length of the academic program completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). For example:
If your program lasted more than 8 months but less than 2 years (e.g., 16 months), you may receive a PGWP valid for the same duration.
If your program was 2 years or longer, you may qualify for a 3-year open work permit.
This is a one-time opportunity for graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions. The PGWP provides international students with valuable Canadian work experience, which can significantly boost their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under Express Entry, and may also enhance eligibility for various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit
Must graduate from a designated institute:
- A public post-secondary educational institution (university, college, or CEGEP-Quebec)
- A private post-secondary educational institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and receives at least 50 per cent of its financing for operations from government grants
- A Canadian private educational institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees
- Apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation from their academic institution that they have met the requirements of their program.
- Have completed and passed the program of study and received written notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma, or certificate
To be eligible the international students must:
- have a valid study permit when applying for the work permit
- Complete a study program of not less than eight months
Few more clarification:
- If you’re enrolled full-time in a study program that is officially eight months long but you complete it in a shorter period—such as six months under an accelerated format—you may still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Transferring between schools is permitted; however, if you move from a non-Designated Learning Institution (non-DLI) to a DLI, only the time spent studying at the DLI will count toward your PGWP eligibility.
- Additionally, if you complete a one-year degree or diploma from a DLI within two years of completing another one-year program at a DLI, you may qualify for a three-year PGWP, as the two credentials can be combined for eligibility.
- Lastly, if you studied part-time in your final academic session because you needed fewer courses to complete your program—but met all other eligibility requirements—you may still be considered as having studied full-time during that period.
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