Post-Graduate Open Work Permits
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who graduate from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies. This open work permit may be issued for up to three years, depending on the length of the completed program.
Obtaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP can be an important step for graduates who wish to pursue permanent residence in Canada through various immigration pathways.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Completion of an Eligible Program
Applicants must successfully complete a full-time academic program that lasts at least eight months at a recognised Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Eligible Educational Institution
The program must be completed at a public post-secondary institution or an eligible private institution that is authorized under provincial legislation to grant degrees.
Physical Presence During Studies
Students graduating from programs after September 1, 2024, must complete their studies while physically present in Canada. Time spent studying outside Canada may reduce the final length of the work permit.
In-Person Study Requirement
At least 50% of the academic program must be completed through in-person instruction. Programs delivered through hybrid or flexible formats must include mandatory on-campus learning.
Application Timeline
Applicants must submit their PGWP application within 180 days of receiving official confirmation that they have completed their program.
Valid Study Permit Status
Applicants must hold a valid study permit at the time of program completion or must have held a study permit that expired within the previous 90 days.
Language Proficiency Requirement
Applicants graduating on or after November 1, 2024 must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree graduates: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language abilities.
- Other university-level programs: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
- College, polytechnic, or other non-university programs: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
- Flight school graduates: No language or field-of-study requirements apply if the program is from a PGWP-eligible flight school.
One-Time Eligibility
A Post-Graduation Work Permit can only be issued once in a lifetime. Applicants who have already received a PGWP are not eligible to apply again.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to provide the following documents when applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit:
- Valid passport
- Completed PGWP application forms
- Copy of the study permit
- Official transcript or completion letter from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof that the program met the required study conditions (including in-person study requirements if applicable)
- Language test results to demonstrate the required CLB or NCLC level, if applicable
- Passport-size photographs meeting Canadian visa specifications
- Any additional supporting documents requested by immigration authorities
Important Note
Not all academic programs in Canada qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Eligibility depends on the institution, the type of program, and how the program is delivered. Applicants should always review the most current eligibility requirements before submitting an application.