Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)
International student graduates with an expired or about to expire Post-Graduate Work Permit can now apply for an 18-month extension.
International students who are seeking to remain in Canada for a longer period after graduating from a DLI may obtain a PGWP, which allows them to work in Canada.
This work permit is an Open Work Permit that allows you to work in any job in any location in Canada. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer is not required to apply for a PGWP.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion of their program
- Must have completed and passed the program of study and received written notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree or diploma, or certificate
- Must have a valid study permit before applying for PGWP, or held a valid study permit previously within 180 days before applying for the PGWP.
How Long Does a Post-Graduate Work Permit Last?
A PGWP is valid for anywhere between 8 months to 3 years. The length of a PGWP is reliant on the length of your program at a Canadian DLI.
- Program completed in less than 8 months: ineligible for a PGWP
- Program completed in between 8 months and less than 2 years: the PGWP will be valid for the duration of your study program.
- Completed a two-year or longer program: PGWP will be valid for three years.
- Participated in more than one program: You may be able to combine your Canadian educational program to obtain a PGWP if the program are DLI eligible and each last more than 8 months. The total duration of the PGWP will correspond to the above durations.
Deadline to Apply for PGWP
The PGWP application deadline is 180 days (after receiving a transcript and an official letter from an eligible DLI confirming that the requirements to complete the program of study have been met.
Becoming a Permanent Resident on A Post-Graduation Work Permit
Students work experience gained while you were studying may count towards your minimum requirements if the work was paid by wages or commissions, and was continuous (no gaps).
International students in Canada generally transition from temporary residents (TR) to permanent residents (PR).
It is important for you to know and understand what you need to do right from the start to be eligible for a PR.
There are a variety of immigration pathways available to international students who have Canadian work experience while on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Many of these programs are offered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
Indeed, many of the permanent immigration pathway programs tend to reward PGWP holders who have strong ties to a province, either by having previously lived and studied there, and by having qualifying work experience and a certificate from that province.
In addition, Canadian employers recognise the value and competitiveness that international students bring to the labour market, owing to their diverse backgrounds and unique abilities combined with Canadian education, and absorb them into the labour market.
Thus, international students who have completed a post-graduate program and acquired at least one-year Canadian work experience may apply for one of the permanent residence programs in the province or territory of their choice.
PR Pathways Available to International Students at the Federal Level
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)