The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a special type of open work permit exclusively for international students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It offers a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain Canadian work experience — an important step toward applying for permanent residency in the future. Phan Immigration has compiled the most detailed and up-to-date information about the PGWP to help you better understand this permit in the article below.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada and gain valuable work experience. This program is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the goal of attracting and retaining international talent.
PGWP stands out from other types of work permits due to three key features:
- Targeted Eligibility: PGWP is exclusively available to international students who have completed a post-secondary program in Canada.
- Flexible Duration: The validity of the PGWP depends on the length of the completed study program and can be issued for up to three years.
- No Job Restrictions: As an open work permit, the PGWP allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, in any industry or position, without restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Here are the eligibility requirements you must meet when applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- You must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months in Canada (or 900 hours for certain programs in Quebec).
- You must have maintained full-time student status throughout your studies (except for the final semester, which may be part-time).
- You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days (6 months) of receiving confirmation that you completed your program of study.
Your Study Permit must have been valid at some point during the 180-day period between graduation and the date you apply for the PGWP. - You must have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that offers PGWP-eligible programs.
Note: Not all international students studying in Canada are eligible for a PGWP. Only graduates of specific DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs can apply. Furthermore, not all DLIs listed on the official DLI list are authorized to issue PGWP-eligible credentials.
New PGWP Requirements from November 1, 2024
As of November 1, 2024, IRCC has introduced updated requirements for PGWP eligibility, categorized by the level of education:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD graduates must demonstrate CLB 7 in all language skills, with no restriction on the field of study.
- Graduates of other university-level programs must also meet CLB 7 and the program must be in a PGWP-eligible field.
- College or other non-university program graduates must meet CLB 5, and the program must fall within a designated eligible field.
Benefits of Obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers several key benefits for international students, including:
- Job Flexibility: You can work full-time with no hour restrictions and are free to choose your employer and location without needing a job offer in advance.
- Career Development: Gain the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings and build professional experience in one of the world’s leading economies.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Work experience gained through a PGWP can make you eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — one of the fastest routes to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
- Benefits for Dependents: Spouses may apply for an Open Work Permit, and children can attend public schools in Canada for free.
- Access to Social Benefits: PGWP holders are eligible for provincial health insurance and certain Canadian social welfare programs.
How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Required Documents for PGWP Application
To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you will need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed IMM5710 form (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker).
- Copy of your valid passport, including all pages with personal information and entry/exit stamps.
- Official final transcript issued by your educational institution.
- Letter of completion or an official graduation notification from the school.
- Digital passport-sized photo (35x45mm, white background) that meets IRCC specifications.
- Proof of payment for the PGWP application fee (CAD 255).
- Proof of language proficiency as required under the new rules effective November 1, 2024.
How to Submit Your Application
You can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in two ways:
- Online Submission: Through the official IRCC online portal – this is the recommended method as it is faster and more convenient.
- By Mail: Send your application to the following address:
CPC-Vegreville, 6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 555, Vegreville, AB, T9C 1X6
Notes:
- You have 180 days from the date you receive confirmation of program completion to submit your PGWP application.
- If your Study Permit expires before you apply, you have up to 90 days after its expiry to submit your PGWP application and restore your student status.
- To restore your status, you must apply online and pay the additional restoration fee.
Validity Period of the PGWP
The validity period of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on the length of the study program you completed:
- Programs less than 8 months: Not eligible for a PGWP.
- Programs between 8 months and less than 2 years: The PGWP is issued for a duration equal to the length of your program.
Example: If you complete a 9-month program, you may receive a work permit valid for up to 9 months. - Programs of 2 years or longer: You may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
- Master’s Programs: As of February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s-level programs may receive a 3-year PGWP even if the program is shorter than 2 years, provided the program is at least 8 months in duration and all other conditions are met.
- Completing multiple programs: You may combine the length of multiple eligible programs to receive a longer PGWP, as long as each program is PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months long.
The validity of your PGWP also depends on your passport expiry date. If your passport expires before the maximum PGWP duration, your work permit will only be issued until your passport expiry. In this case, you can apply for an extension once you obtain a new passport.
Other Important Notes About the PGWP
However, there are several important points about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that you should be aware of:
- One-time issuance: A PGWP is issued only once in a lifetime and cannot be extended once it expires, even if you complete another eligible study program later.
- Work while waiting for approval: You are allowed to work full-time while waiting for your PGWP application to be processed, as long as you applied while your Study Permit was still valid.
- Regulation change effective June 21, 2024: You can no longer apply for a PGWP at the port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport) upon entering Canada.
- Extending PGWP: You may only extend your PGWP if your passport expires earlier than your PGWP eligibility period. In such cases, you must apply for an extension on paper after renewing your passport.
- Employment not mandatory: Not having a job does not affect your legal status in Canada during your PGWP validity. However, it may impact your eligibility for permanent residency pathways.
- Frequent policy updates: PGWP regulations are frequently updated, so it’s important to regularly check the official IRCC website for the latest information.
While the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application process is not overly complicated, it does require thorough preparation and a solid understanding of the latest immigration regulations. To ensure your application is processed efficiently and successfully, it’s highly recommended to seek guidance from the immigration experts at Phan Immigration.
We will assist you in preparing a complete, accurate, and regulation-compliant application, helping to increase your chances of successfully obtaining a PGWP and paving the way toward long-term settlement in Canada.
