Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Overview
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada. As an open work permit, the PGWP provides graduates the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada, which can significantly contribute to a future Permanent Residency (PR) application under various immigration pathways.
Up to 3 years
In Canada
Allowed
Eligibility Criteria
- Completed a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Program duration of at least 8 months
- Maintained full-time student status
- Graduated from an eligible program
- Completed a program that is less than 8 months long
- Studied English or French as a second language
- Participated in a general interest program
- Received funding from Global Affairs Canada
Starting December 17, 2024, the PGWP will only be available for certain fields of study linked to long-term labor shortages in Canada. Eligible fields include Agriculture and Agri-Food, Education, Health Care, STEM, Trade, and Transport.
Application Process
- Valid study permit
- Official transcript
- Letter of completion from your institution
- Passport-style photo
- Proof of payment of application fees
You can apply for a PGWP:
- Online through the IRCC website
- On paper (in some cases)
We recommend applying online for faster processing and easier communication with IRCC.
PGWP Application Timeline
Graduate
Complete your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents, including your transcript, completion letter, and valid study permit.
Submit Application
Apply for PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final grades. You can apply online or on paper.
Wait for Processing
Processing times vary, but you can check the status of your application online.
Receive PGWP
Once approved, you'll receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit. You can now start working in Canada!