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 designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This work experience can be a stepping stone to permanent residence in Canada.

What is a PGWP?

Key Features

Open work permit - Work for any employer in Canada
No LMIA required - Employer does not need LMIA to hire you
Flexible - Can change employers and locations freely
Pathway to PR - Canadian work experience counts for permanent residence

PGWP Duration

The length of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program:

Program Length	PGWP Duration
Less than 8 months	Not eligible
8 months to less than 2 years	Same length as program
2 years or more	3 years
Multiple programs	May combine for up to 3 years

Important: The PGWP is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can only receive one PGWP.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:

1. Complete an Eligible Program:

Study program must be at least 8 months long
Must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
Program must be at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

2. Maintain Full-Time Student Status:

Must have been a full-time student during each academic session
Exception: Final academic session can be part-time
Exception: Authorized leave from studies (medical, etc.)

3. Receive Confirmation of Program Completion:

Transcript and official letter from DLI

4. Apply Within 180 Days:

Must apply within 180 days of receiving final marks

5. Hold a Valid Study Permit:

Had a valid study permit during studies

Programs NOT Eligible:

English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) programs
General interest or self-improvement courses
Distance learning taken outside Canada
Programs at non-DLI institutions

The Application Process

Step 1: Gather Documents

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Official transcript from DLI
Letter confirming program completion
Study permit or proof of valid status
Digital photo
Application fee ($255 CAD)

Step 2: Submit Application

Online Application:

Apply through IRCC portal
Complete forms and upload documents
Pay fees

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Processing Times:

Online applications: typically 3-4 months
Varies by country and application volume

Working After Applying

If you apply for PGWP while your study permit is still valid:

You can work full-time while waiting for decision
This is called “implied status”
Only applies if you applied before study permit expiry

PGWP to Permanent Residence

The PGWP is a pathway to Canadian permanent residence:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

1 year of skilled work experience in Canada
Work experience gained on PGWP counts
Popular Express Entry program

Provincial Nominee Programs

Many provinces have streams for international graduates
Manitoba, Ontario, BC, Alberta all have graduate streams

Express Entry Points

Canadian work experience: up to 80 CRS points
Canadian education: up to 30 CRS points
Age factor: younger workers score higher

Common Issues and Solutions

Gap Between Study and PGWP

Apply within 180 days of completion
Can apply from inside or outside Canada
Maintain legal status during gap

Part-Time Study Issues

Medical reasons: provide documentation
Academic probation: explain circumstances
Other reasons: may affect eligibility

Passport Expiry

PGWP cannot be longer than passport validity
Renew passport before applying if needed

How We Can Help

Our PGWP services include:

✓ Eligibility Assessment - Confirm you meet all requirements ✓ Document Preparation - Gather and organize required documents ✓ Application Submission - Complete and submit your PGWP application ✓ Status Maintenance - Ensure legal status during processing ✓ Work Authorization - Understand your rights while waiting ✓ PR Pathway Planning - Plan your transition to permanent residence ✓ Extension Issues - Address passport expiry or other concerns

Document Checklist

Valid passport (valid for full PGWP duration desired)
Official transcript from DLI
Completion letter from DLI
Digital photos (meeting specifications)
Study permit copy
Proof of full-time study (if needed)
Medical exam results (if applicable)
Fee payment ($255 CAD)