4 minsIf you want to remain in Canada after finishing your studies, one of the most popular routes for international students is the Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP.
What is a PGWP?
The PGWP is a post-study work visa, permitting graduates of eligible post-secondary courses to live and work in Canada for up to three years after their studies. You can work for most employers in the country full-time or part-time, or become self-employed.
Benefits
Benefits of the PGWP include:
- Continuing to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and language
- No limitations on your working hours
- Obtaining international work experience that will stand out on your CV
- Expanding your professional network
- The possibility for your family members to live in Canada with you.
PGWP, Canada: Eligibility
You are usually eligible for a PGWP if all the following apply:
- You have completed a study programme at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Your study programme was eight months or longer (or 900 hours Quebec credentials).
- You were a full-time student in Canada during each semester of your study programme, except for any part-time study in your final semester, or taking approved leave from your studies.
- Your study permit is still valid or has been valid within the last 180 days.
- You have not applied for a PGWP previously.
- From 1 September 2024, at least 50 per cent of your study programme must be completed in class (as opposed to online).
Check that your circumstances do not fall under any exceptions to the eligibility criteria for a PGWP.
When to apply for a PGWP?
You must apply for a PGWP no more than 180 days after you graduate from your study programme. You can apply from inside or outside Canada. Ideally, you should apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires. If this is not possible, you must either:
- Apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada before your study permit expires; or
- Leave Canada and restore your status as a student (but you must do this and apply for a PGWP within 90 days of your study permit’s expiration date).
PGWP Duration
The duration of your PGWP will depend on the length and type of study programme you graduated from. If you studied for a master’s degree longer than eight months, you can apply for a three-year PGWP.
All other applicants can determine the duration of their PGWP from the following table:
|
Duration of study programme |
Duration of PGWP |
|
Less than eight months |
Not eligible for a PGWP |
|
Longer than eight months but shorter than two years |
Your PGWP may be valid for the same duration as your study programme. E.g. graduates from a 12-month study programme will receive a 12-month PGWP |
|
Two years or longer |
Your PGWP may be valid for three years |
|
More than one study programme, each of which lasted at least eight months |
Your PGWP may be valid for the combined length of all completed study programmes |
Steps to Apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit
- Gather your documents:
- Valid passport
- Current immigration document (visa or permit)
- Final transcript, letter, or formal notice of graduation from your study institution evidencing you have completed your study programme.
- Results from a medical examination dated within the last 90 days (if applicable to your chosen field of work).
- Complete the application:
- Download and complete the application form Application to Change Condition, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]
- Download and complete any additional forms to suit your circumstances, for example, for any family members you intend to live with in Canada.
- Pay the fees:
- Pay the PGWP application fee (CAD 155)
- Pay the open work permit holder fee (CAD 100)
- Submit your application:
- Applications can be submitted online, provided you have a scanner or camera to upload high-quality copies of your documents and can pay fees by credit card.
- Paper applications are also accepted if you can't complete the online form.
- You may be asked to attend an interview with an official as part of your application, but you will be informed if this is the case. Check the intakes in Canada and apply.
PGWP: Factors to be aware of
How long does the PGWP application process take?
On average, it takes around 96 days for a PGWP application to be processed and approved (excluding any time taken to provide biometrics).
You may leave Canada while waiting for your PGWP to be approved, but it is advisable to carry a copy of your application request with you when crossing Canadian borders.
You can usually work while you wait for your PGWP to be issued, provided you have completed your study programme, but must stop work immediately if your PGWP is refused.
How much does a PGWP cost?
Costs associated with a PGWP in 2024 include:
- Application fee: CAD 155
- Open Work Permit Holder fee: CAD 100
If your study permit expired before you could apply for a PGWP, additional fees include:
- Fee to restore student status: CAD 350; or
- Visitor record fee: CAD 100
What if my passport is due to expire?
The duration of your PGWP will not extend beyond your passport’s expiry date. If your passport is due to expire within the anticipated full validity period, you should renew your passport before application.
Do I need to update my SIN to reflect my PGWP?
Foreign nationals working in Canada must apply for a temporary Social Insurance Number (SIN) from the IRCC. As such, you should provide the IRCC with the details of your PGWP. They will either provide you with a SIN or update your existing SIN if you worked part-time with your study permit.
Your SIN expiry date must match the expiry date of your PGWP.
Can I stay in Canada or obtain permanent residence after my PGWP expires?
Several eligibility criteria must be fulfilled to remain in Canada, and/or obtain permanent residence. Work experience obtained under a PGWP may be admissible as part of the criteria for permanent residency. There are several other requirements needed before you can apply for permanent residency or other visas and permits.
Will the PGWP still exist by the time I graduate?
All work permits are subject to occasional review and amendments. The PGWP has seen very few changes in the past 15 years, but an internal IRCC briefing document (2024) suggests some changes may be implemented in 2025. Whilst there is no news on what these reforms might include, it seems likely that these will be tweaks to the existing conditions, as opposed to any major upheaval of the current system.
Other visas
Other Canadian work permits may be more appropriate for your circumstances than a PGWP. Examples include:
- Employer-specific work permit
- Open work permit
How to find a job with a PGWP
Once you have a PGWP, you can apply to almost any job in Canada (excluding companies on the ineligible employer's list), or work for yourself. You will usually need to present your new employer with a copy of your PGWP and your SIN before you receive your first pay cheque.
Finding a job in Canada is much the same as finding work elsewhere. It’s worth brushing up your CV, and carefully proofreading any cover letters you submit.
To find local job listings, consider:
- Approaching a recruiter
- Contacting your university’s careers service
- Checking online or in regional newspapers
- Approaching relevant contacts within your university department, or at any part-time job you held while you studied.
Resources
- List of Designated Learning Institutions(DLIs)
- Exceptions to the eligibility requirements
- PGWP Application Guide
- Updating your SIN
Note: The facts and figures mentioned in this article may be subject to change at any time due to amendments to the local legislature.
Hi there! I'm Navi, your AI assistant on WhatsApp.
