Post-Graduation Work Permit
This program is for international students who graduate from post-secondary institutions in Canada and are looking to work in Canada. The post-graduation work permit also helps graduates work toward permanent resident status.
What is an Open Work Permit?
There are two types of work permits available to foreign nationals: open work permits and employer-specific (closed) permits.
An Open Work Permit is a status document that will allow you to legally remain and work in Canada for as long as the document is valid. This work permit will allow you to work for any company in any occupation in Canada within the conditions listed (you will not be allowed to work in the medical profession without a medical assessment). This is different than a permit you might receive from other Work Permit processes like LMIA, so be sure you know which type of permit you have and always check your conditions.
Open Work Permits (OWP) are almost always concurrent with other types of applications and cannot be applied for on their own, except the trusty Post-Graduation Work Permit!
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)?
Significant changes were made to the PGWPP in February 2019. For more details on these changes, click here.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows international students who have completed and graduated from an eligible designated learning institution in Canada to obtain valuable Canadian work experience. This further allows graduates to work towards applying for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class Express Entry category. For more information on Canadian Experience Class, click here.
What is the eligibility to apply for a PGWP?
Not all designated learning institutions have eligible PGWP programs. You can find out if your school is eligible by viewing the Government of Canada's website, check the DLI list. If your school supports the PGWPP, you must also meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply:
Eligibility requirements:
Never had a PGWP before
Completed a study program at the designated learning institution
Have or had a valid study permit at some point during the 180-eligibility period, have a visitor record or be on implied status. If you have lost status, you may be eligible to restore your study permit and apply for a PGWP.
Maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your program, except for your final semester, which can be part-time. If you took an approved leave from studies, this would not exclude you from obtaining a PGWP
The program was at least eight months long
You are eligible to receive a degree, diploma or certificate
Apply within 180 days after you received your final marks
The calculation of the 180 days begins the day you receive your final marks or the day formal written notification of program completion is received, whichever comes first.
I took a leave from my studies, can I still apply?
Part of the conditions of your study permit is to be "actively pursuing your studies." If this condition is not met, it can affect the ability to obtain another study permit or PGWP. In some cases, there may be a valid reason that requires you to temporarily take leave from your studies. This includes:
Medical reasons or pregnancy
Family emergency
Death or serious illness of a family member
Your school has closed permanently or because of a strike
You changed schools
Your program start date is deferred
Your school will need to authorize your leave, and it must not be longer than 150 days (approximately five months). If you take an authorized leave or did not meet the conditions of your study permit by taking leave, you may not be eligible for a PGWP.
If you have taken an authorized leave from your studies, you may still be eligible for a PGWP if your circumstances are exceptional and warrant relief. We recommend speaking with a licensed professional to better understand what your options are.
How long is a PGWP valid for?
The validity of your PGWP will vary depending on the length of your program:
| Length of Program | Length of PGWP |
|---|---|
| At least eight months but less than two year |
The work permit will be issued to the length of your program. For example, if you completed a one-year program, you would receive a one-year work permit. |
| Two years or more | The work permit will be issued for a period of three (3) years |
| If you completed more than one program, each of the programs must be at least eight months in length, PGWP-eligible and within a two-year period. | The length of the work permit should combine the length of each program. If the combined length is two years or more, a work permit of three years may be issued. |
If you completed your studies in less time than the normal length of the program, the work permit length would be assessed based on the length of the program. For example, if your program is one year in duration, but you completed all requirements of study within eight months, your work permit may be issued for a one-year period.
Can I work while I wait for a decision on my PGWP?
You can begin full-time after submitting your PGWP if, at the time you applied, you:
Had a valid study permit
Have completed your program of study
Were eligible to work off-campus, and
Did not work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week during your academic sessions.
If meeting the above requirements, applicants can work full-time without a work permit even after leaving and re-entering Canada. You must stop working if your application is refused.
Spouses and Common-law Partners of PGWP Holders
If your spouse or common-law partner came with you to Canada on a spouse open work permit while you completed your studies, they may also be eligible to extend their worker status on completion of your studies.
Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers can receive a work permit without needing a job offer. Your partner may apply to extend their status if:
You have a work permit that is valid for a period of 6 months or are authorized to work without a work permit for a minimum of six months
You are employed in an occupation that is a skill level 0, A, B
You physically reside or plan to reside in Canada while working.
As a PGWP is an open work permit, officers will require additional supporting documents to verify your spouse or common-law partner is eligible for a new work permit under this category, such as an employment letter or contract and payslips.
Can I renew my PGWP?
PGWP can only be extended when the length of the permit could not be given during the initial application due to the validity of the passport expiry. If this applies to you, there will be a comment on your initial PGWP under remarks/observations, "Issued document till passport validity date.". In order to extend your PGWP to the full validity, you must apply on paper.