Post-Graduation Work Permit
What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have completed an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer, in any location, without needing a job offer.
This program is an excellent bridge between completing your education and applying for permanent residency in Canada through pathways like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Key Highlights:
Work full-time for any employer across Canada after graduation
No job offer required to apply for the PGWP
Helps build Canadian work experience for future PR applications
Supports long-term immigration goals under Canada’s economic immigration streams
PGWP Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You must:
Completean eligible PGWP full-time program of at least 8 months at a DLI
Graduate with a degree, diploma, or certificate
Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your completion letter or transcript
Ensure your study permit was valid at some point during the last 180 days
At Northia Immigration, we assist graduates in verifying their eligibility and preparing strong, timely applications for a seamless transition from school to work.
Work Permit Duration Based on Program Length
The length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on how long your study program was:
8 months to less than 2 years → PGWP will be valid for the same duration as your program
2 years or longer → Eligible for a 3-year PGWP
This work permit provides an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valued in future immigration applications for permanent visa Canada.
New Language Proficiency Requirements (Effective November 1, 2024)
As of November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must meet new language requirements to apply:
CLB Level 7 for graduates of university-level programs
CLB Level 5 for graduates of college-level programs
These changes emphasize the importance of English or French proficiency in integrating into the Canadian workforce.
How Northia Immigration Can Help
Applying for a PGWP is time-sensitive and detail-oriented. At Northia Immigration, we provide full support from eligibility review to application submission, helping international students maximize their post-graduation opportunities in Canada.
We assist with:
Verifying PGWP eligibility and reviewing transcripts or completion letters
Submitting complete, accurate applications within the deadline
Preparing for language requirements under new IRCC guidelines
Developing a long-term immigration strategy, including PR pathways through CEC or PNP
Let Northia Immigration guide your transition from student to skilled professional in Canada. We’re here to help you build your future—starting with the PGWP.
Need Help? Start Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while waiting for my PGWP to be approved?
Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
Yes. You can apply from outside Canada, but you won’t have maintained status or implied work authorization, and you’ll need to wait until your PGWP is approved before returning to work in Canada.
I studied part-time in my final semester—will that affect my PGWP?
No. IRCC allows part-time studies in the final academic semester as long as all previous terms were full-time (unless an authorized leave was approved). You must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements.
Can I travel while my PGWP is in process?
Yes, but if your study permit expires while outside Canada and your PGWP isn’t approved yet, you may be denied re- entry unless you already have your PGWP or a valid visa. Travel during this period is risky without proper documentation.
What if my passport expires before I qualify for the full PGWP length?
IRCC will only issue the PGWP up to the expiry date of your passport. If you’re eligible for a longer PGWP, you must renew your passport and apply to extend your PGWP before the initial one expires.
Can I apply for a PGWP while my study permit extension is still processing?
Yes. If you’ve received your completion letter and applied to extend your study permit before it expired, you’re on maintained status and may apply for a PGWP from inside Canada. However, you cannot begin working until the PGWP is approved.
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