What is a post-graduation work permit?

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows the student to work for almost any employer. It is granted to international students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution, provided they meet eligibility requirements. Canadian work experience may help support an application for permanent residency in Canada.

How do you qualify for a post-graduation work permit?

To qualify for a post-graduation work permit, you must meet the eligibility criteria below:

• you completed a post-secondary study program at a designated learning institution;
• you maintained full-time status as a student during each semester of your study program;
• if you completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program, you must score at least CLB 7 in an English or French language exam;
• if you completed a post-secondary college program in Canada, you must –
  • score at least CLB 5 in an English or French language exam, and
  • you may also need to meet a field of study requirement.

NOTE: The following do not qualify for a PGWP – (a) an English as a second language or French as a second language course; (b) general interest or self-improvement courses; or (c) a course at a private career college.

What is the Field of Study requirement?

If you completed a post-secondary program in a Canadian public college, you may be eligible for a PGWP if your study program is linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage. The fields of study are divided into 5 broad categories:

• agriculture and agri-food
• health care
• science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
• trade
• transport

NOTE: The Field of Study requirement only applies to international students who submitted their study permit applications on November 1, 2024 and onwards.

What is the validity period of the post-graduation work permit?

A post-graduation work permit may be valid anywhere between 1 year to 3 years, depending on the length of the program of study completed in Canada. In most cases, if you complete an 8-month program, you may get a 1-year PGWP. If you complete a 2-year program, you may get a PGWP up to 3 years. All master’s programs, regardless of duration, are eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

If I am not eligible for a PGWP, how can I work in Canada?

After you complete your study program, if you are not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada under a different type of work permit. You can view the different types of work permit here.

How long is the processing time and what are the processing fees?

Processing times vary depending on how you submit your application and where it is processed. Usually, in-Canada applications take about 3 months.

The processing fee for a post-graduation work permit is C$255. Biometrics may be required.

What are the key considerations in submitting an application?

The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for a post-graduation work permit in Canada:

• When is the right time to apply for a post-graduation work permit for optimum success?
• When should you start working to optimize your work experience?
• Can you work anywhere, and in any type of job?