An eight-month-to-three-year PGWP is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada. A work experience in Canada opens up a lot of possibilities for an applicant to become a permanent resident in Canada.

International students in Canada can gain permanent resident status in the country through Canada’s Post Graduation Work Program. In order to qualify under the Canadian Express Entry immigration system, candidates need to link their Canadian education to meaningful full-time employment in the country. Having educational credentials and work experience from Canada ensures that Express Entry applicants will gain important points towards their comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score, making them more competitive among other applicants for permanent residency!

Candidates with Canadian credentials and work experience may qualify for the Quebec Experience Class program if they studied in Quebec.

Some Canadian programs of study do not grant work permits after graduation. Ensure that your program qualifies for the PGWP before enrolling. 

Check out our Ultimate Guide to PGWP for more information!

PGWP quick facts

• Work permits are valid for a period of time between eight months and three years after graduation.
• The applicant’s study in Canada cannot exceed the duration of the PGWP.
• The applicant’s period of study and the PGWP should be approximately the same length.
• A PGWP equal to the duration of your program of study is available if more than 50% of your program is conducted via in-person classes.
• You will have the same length PGWP as your study program if you studied part-time, or accelerated studies.