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

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada and work full time after you have completed an eight-month certificate, diploma, or degree. No job offer is required to apply. You can work in any occupation in Canada, even if it doesn’t relate to your studies.

The PGWP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unlike most Canadian work permits. Graduates participating in PGWPs can gain valuable Canadian work experience. The following pathways are available to foreign nationals with enough work experience in Canada:

• Quebec Immigration Programs
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)

What are the eligibility requirements for the PGWP?

A foreign national must be at least 18 years of age and have studied in Canada full-time for at least 8 months in order to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Programs listed below must have been completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). For foreign nationals to apply for a work permit, they must do so within 180 days after the completion of their study program.

The applicant must have a valid status on the day of application if he or she is applying from within Canada. Applicants whose study permits have expired or will expire should apply for status as a visitor before applying for the PGWP. If an applicant applies for a PGWP before their study permit expires, however, they will be able to begin working full time as soon as their application is processed. Applications can be submitted from overseas.

Eligibility levels of study:

For PGWPs, the following levels and programs are eligible:

• A public college, trade or technical school or university, or a CEGEP in Quebec.
• Private post-secondary school operating under the same rules as public schools (applies only to certain institutions in Quebec).
• School (in Quebec) that offers 900-hour or longer programs leading to a Diploma of Professional Studies (DEP) or a Diploma of Specialized Professional Studies (ASP).
• According to Canadian law, private schools are only permitted to award degrees to those students enrolled in degree programs authorized by the province

What is the processing time for a PGWP?

The processing time of a PGWP can range from 80 to 180 days. As long as you apply before your student permit expires, you are free to work in Canada while waiting for your PGWP.

Your PGWP application deadline is 180 days after you complete all the requirements of your program of study.

From overseas, you can now apply for a PGWP after you have completed your studies in Canada. Applications for post-graduation work permits used to be submitted only from within Canada. Depending on the visa office that will process the application, additional documentation may be requested if a PGWP application is submitted from outside of Canada.

After my PGWP, can I apply for a work permit?

A PGWP does not prevent you from obtaining another work permit at a later date. If you qualify, you may apply for both an LMIA or LMIA exempt permit. However, given you already have Canadian work experience, it might be worth considering applying for Canadian permanent residence as well.

Canadians with work experience can apply to the following immigration programs:

• Quebec Immigration Options
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Provincial Nominee Programs

After graduation, can I work before applying to my PGWP?

After graduating from an international program and applying for a PGWP before their study permit expires, international graduates can begin legally working in Canada. PGWP applicants do not need to have a Canadian work permit until their application is approved. You may still be eligible to apply if your student permit has expired and you have been out of status for less than 90 days.

Can I apply for a PGWP more than once?

A PGWP can only be applied for once. It is recommended to apply for the PGWP strategically if you plan on taking another program of study that is a continuation of your first program or if you are considering taking a longer degree program in Canada. If you apply after the longest period of study, you will get a PGWP with a maximum validity of three years.