Post-Graduate Work Permit Canada

A post-graduate work permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada and work full time for up to three years after you graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution. The length of the work permit depends on the length of your program.

Applicants can receive only 1 post-graduation work permit in their lifetime.

To obtain a post-graduate work permit, the applicant must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). They must also submit clear evidence that they meet all of the following criteria:

• They have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• They have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their post-graduate work permit application.
• They have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study.

Note: The transcript and official letter must be included in a post-graduate work permit application.

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• They hold a valid study permit.
• They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.