Post Graduate Work Permit
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates from designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada stay temporarily to work and gain Canadian experience. Graduates can apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving their final transcripts and a completion letter. The permit’s duration depends on the length of the academic program—programs between eight months and two years may yield a PGWP matching the study period, while programs of two years or more could grant a permit of up to three years. This experience can also support pathways to permanent residency, making it a valuable option for those aiming to settle in Canada long-term. It’s an excellent opportunity for graduates to build their careers while also enhancing their chances for future immigration. Graduates can work full-time during this period, gaining skills that may help them qualify for other immigration programs.
Eligibility Criteria for Post Graduate Work Permit
To meet the language requirements for the PGWP, applicants must submit proof of language proficiency in either English or French along with their application. The following frameworks measure proficiency:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French
Applicants must show proficiency in all four language skills:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Only language test results less than two years old are accepted. The approved language tests include:
| English | French |
|---|---|
| CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General) | TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français |
| IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training option) | TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français |
| PTE Core: Pearson Test of English (PTE Core option) |
If your program of study has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from a program associated with occupations facing long-term shortages in Canada. The fields of study required are:
Agriculture and Agri-Food: Programs related to the agricultural industry, including food production and management.
Healthcare: Programs focused on medical, nursing, and other healthcare-related professions.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Fields including technology, engineering, and scientific research.
Trade: Courses that lead to careers in skilled trades, such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work.
Transport: Programs related to logistics, shipping, and transportation management
To qualify for the PGWP, you must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It’s essential that your school is on the list of DLIs approved by the Canadian government, as only graduates from these institutions are eligible to apply for the work permit.
You must have been enrolled as a full-time student in a qualifying program for the duration of your studies. This requirement ensures that you have committed to your education and completed your program successfully. Part-time study may affect your eligibility for the PGWP.
You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final grades or an official letter indicating that you have completed your program. Missing this window may result in ineligibility for the work permit, so it is crucial to submit your application on time after fulfilling all academic requirements.
How to apply for a post-graduation work permit
You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside Canada or from another country, as long as you’re eligible.
Application Timeline:
- You have up to 180 days after graduation to apply for a PGWP. It's important to apply within this timeframe to maintain your eligibility.
Valid Study Permit Requirement:
- Your study permit must be valid (not expired) at the time of your application to be eligible to work in Canada while awaiting your PGWP decision. If your study permit expires, you have a 90-day window to apply for the PGWP and restore your status.
Confirmation of Program Completion:
When applying, you must confirm:
- Attendance and completion of your program.
- The name of your program.
- The length of your program.
This can be done by submitting any of the following documents:
- Your transcript.
- An official letter of completion from your school.
Work Authorization During Processing:
- If you apply for your PGWP with a valid study permit, and were eligible to work off-campus during your studies, you can continue to work while your application is processed. You will receive a letter confirming your work authorization.
Options if Study Permit Expires:
If your study permit will expire before receiving your marks, you can either:
- Apply for a visitor record to stay longer in Canada.
- Leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from outside the country.
Restoring Status:
If your study permit expires and you do not change your status to visitor, you must apply for the PGWP within 90 days of expiry to restore your student status. To restore your status, you must:
- Apply online for the PGWP and pay the fee ($255).
- Pay the restoration fee ($379) and attach the receipt to your PGWP application.
Medical Examination for Specific Fields:
- If you plan to work in a field requiring a medical exam, you can undergo an upfront medical exam no more than 90 days before applying. Valid medical exam results will ensure your PGWP does not restrict your job options.
Application Process:
- Most applicants must apply online for their PGWP, depending on their location. Be prepared with your documents, including proof of program completion.
Extending or Changing PGWP Conditions:
- To extend or change the conditions of your PGWP, you must apply on paper. An extension is only possible if your passport expired before the PGWP's validity period.
Consequences of Missing Deadlines:
- If you do not apply for your PGWP within 90 days after your study permit expires, you must leave Canada. You cannot work until both your study permit and work permit are approved.
