Post-Graduation Work permit (PGWP)

The post-graduation work permit program allows students who have graduated from Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience. A graduation work permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of the study program completed by the student. The post-graduation work permit is an open work permit, which allows the permit holder to work anywhere in Canada. *A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required.

How long can I stay on this visa?

• If you studied in Canada for > 8 months but < 2 years: your PGWP will be valid for up to the same length as your study program (eg: if you completed a 10-month program, a work permit may be issued for up to 10 months)
• If you studied for 2 years or more: PGWP may be issued for 3 years
• If you completed more than one program, you may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program. For this, each of the programs you completed must be:
• PGWP-eligible
• Minimum 8 months in length

Cost: CAD 255

Processing Time: Online Applications: 96 days | Paper applications 118 days

Eligibility requirements

• Have a valid study permit when applying for the work permit
• Have continuously studied full time in Canada and completed a program of study that is at least 8 months in duration (If you enrolled in a program of study that is normally 8 months, but completed the program of study within 6 months, you may still be eligible for the post graduate work permit)
• Graduated with a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Applicants must apply for the work permit within 90 days of receiving official confirmation in the form of a letter or transcript from their educational institution, indicating that they meet all the requirements for completing their study program.

Educational programs with an overseas component

If a student completes a program of study where part of the program was completed overseas, they will be eligible for this program as long as they get a Canadian Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to verify the validity of their overseas qualification.

Flight instructors

Flight instructors who meet either of the following criteria may be issued work permits under the program:

• Have completed a flight training course at a Canadian training centre and have obtained a Canadian commercial pilot’s licence
• Have obtained or in the process of obtaining an instructor’s rating and have received an offer of employment as a flight instructor from a flight training centre

Work permit access for graduates of Quebec institutions

The PGWPP was expanded to include international students who have graduated from approved vocational and professional programs of 8 months or longer at the following:

• recognized public and private secondary institutions in Quebec
• recognized private post-secondary institutions in Quebec

To be eligible for a work permit, the completed program of study must be a minimum of 8 months or 900 hours in duration.

Eligibility requirements:

Applicants wishing to obtain a work permit under the expanded program guidelines must satisfy the following requirements:

• have attended and completed a full-time vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Quebec
• have been in a program of study that was a minimum eight months duration
• have provided an official letter from the institution outlining the duration of the program of study (in hours or months)
• hold a valid study permit
• At least 18 years of age