Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada Guide 2024

Through PGWP Program Canada, you may obtain real-work experience in Canada after you complete your studies. With this chance, you will be able to enhance your skills, better your chances of finding a job as well as the prospects of obtaining a permanent residence in Canada.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) enables international students who have graduated from Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain a valid open work permit and gain work experience there. Additionally, graduates can qualify for permanent residency in Canada by gaining skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill type A or B through the PGWPP. Through the Canadian experience class in Express Entry, students who gain Canadian work experience are eligible for permanent residence in Canada.

The Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada is a highly sought-after opportunity for international students with studies completed at the designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Let's learn more about the PGWP in 2024, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

PGWP Canada Quick facts

• The fees for the Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada are CAD 255, with an additional CAD 605 fee for the restoration of student status and PGWP.
• The PGWP Canada application must be submitted within 180 days after completing the course.
• The post-graduation employment visa can last from 8 months to 3 years.
• The length of a PGWP in Canada can be as long as the time the applicant spent studying in Canada.
• You must complete at least 50% of your program in Canada, whether through online or in-person classes. Studying outside Canada before August 31, 2023, will only affect the duration of your PGWP if it's less than half of your total program.
• Post-Graduate Work Permit Canada may only be available for some programs. Verify your eligibility before selecting a program.

What is Postgraduate Work Permit?

The Canadian government issues the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to international students after completing their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The PGWP allows international students to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and apply for permanent residency.

• The length of the PGWP is based on the duration of the study program, with a maximum of three years.
• The PGWP is tied to the international student's passport, not a specific employer.
• The application for the PGWP must be submitted within 180 days of study program completion.
• The PGWP is not a guarantee, and the issuing officer has the final say on whether or not to grant the permit.
• The PGWP is a crucial step in many international students' journeys to becoming permanent resident of Canada.

PGWP Canada Eligibility 

If you have completed your studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and wish to work temporarily, you may qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). It's important to note that graduating from a DLI does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a PGWP, and it's advisable to verify PGWP Canada eligibility before selecting a program
 

Graduates inside and outside Canada must meet specific criteria to get a postgraduate work permit in Canada. Check out PGWP Canada eligibility if you are in or outside Canada.
 

PGWP in Canada

• To get a postgraduate work permit in Canada after completing your graduation, the following criteria must be met:
• You have held a valid study permit within the past 180 days.
• You currently have a valid visitor record.
• You have either applied to extend your study permit before its expiry or have submitted a status change application and have not yet received a decision.
• You completed a full-time study program at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
• Your study program was at least 900 hours in duration.
• You graduated from a public post-secondary institution. This Quebec-based private institution follows the same rules as public institutions, or a recognized Canadian institution authorized to grant degrees under provincial law.

PGWP outside Canada:

Even if you can study online from outside Canada without a study permit, you need an approved study permit to apply for a PGWP.

• A PGWP application is possible if you were enrolled in a program that included sessions from January through March.
• If your program has already begun or is about to begin between the spring and summer.
• You already have a study permit or have been approved for one.
• You applied for a study permit before beginning your study program and have completed a study program at a designated learning institute.

Documents Required for PGWP Application Canada

The applicant must ensure that the information provided is accurate. The following documents are required for a postgraduate work permit Canada application:

• Letter that confirms completion of the program of study: The letter confirming the program of study completion is used to assess the requirements referred to above. Officers may request additional documents to complete the assessment of the application.
• Medical Exam: Various fields require a medical exam. The exam needs to be conducted within 90 days before application.
• Valid passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of Employment: proof of documents that demonstrate a job offer or employment prospects, if required.
• Transcript: The applicant may provide an official transcript issued by their DLI if available. Alternatively, the applicant may also provide a transcript copy from their DLI's website. The transcript and the letter of completion of studies are used to assess the requirements referred to above. Officers may request additional documents to complete the assessment of the application.

How to Apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit? 

There are 2 ways through which you can apply for a Post-Graduation work permit: mail or online. Most individuals eligible for PGWP apply using the online mode because of its various advantages, like

• No courier charges or mail delivery time incurred.
• Application processing is fast.
• You can check the application status, whether it is complete or not, before you submit it.
• Submitting other/required documents online is easier.
• Updates on the status of your application are sent directly to your online account.
• To apply for PGWP online on IRCC's application portal, follow these steps:
• Ensure you have a scanner or mobile camera to make electronic copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card to make payments.
• Read the instructions before filling out an application.
• Answer questions to make a customized document checklist.
• Pay the open work permit fee and the work permit fee at the end of your application.
• Create an account on IRCC to apply online, which can be used to pay your fees, submit your application, and check your status.

To apply for a post graduate work permit in Canada, you must validate completing your study program from your designated college/university in Canada, like an official transcript from your institute's website. IRCC may request other documents once they receive your application.

Check out more about: How to Get a study permit for Canada?

Fees for Post Graduate Work Permit Canada

The application fee required to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada is CAD 155 and the total fee for a Post-Graduation Work Permit is around CAD 255. When it comes to Open work permit holder fees it is CAD 100. The processing time for online PGWP applications is 141 days.

PGWP Canada Duration and Length 

The PGWP Canada duration of your work permit will depend on the official duration of your study.

• If the duration is at most 8 months, then will not work permit.
• If the program's duration falls between 8 months and 2 years, you will receive a work permit that matches the length of your program.
• If the study program duration is equal to 2 years or more than that, you will be given 3 3-year work permit.

Processing Time for PGWP 

The processing time for a Post Graduate Work Permit Canada varies from 80 to 180 days. The application's time will depend on various factors, like the volume of applications received and the processing office.

However, you can work in Canada during your waiting period for the permit, provided your study permit is still valid or has been extended before you apply for the PGWP.

You must submit all the necessary documentation and information and pay close attention to the application requirements to ensure a smooth process.

Changes and Updates to PGWP in 2024 

Students in Quebec must be aware of the following updates regarding PGWP Canada new rules stated below:

• Completion of program before September 1st 2024: If your program is completed before September 1st, 2024, and you apply for a PGWP within 6 months, your application will be evaluated under the current criteria.
• Program starting after September 1st 2024: If your program starts after September 1st, 2024, you can apply for a PGWP only if the program is eligible for the PGWP after that date.
• Currently enrolled in an ineligible program: If you are admitted to a program that will not be eligible for a PGWP after September 1st, 2024, the time you spent studying in that program before that date may still be counted towards your PGWP calculation.

This update is specific to some academic programs offered at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Quebec.

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

Starting from February 15, 2024, students graduating from the master's degree programs of less than 2 years ( at least 8 months) in length will have 3 years' PGWP available to them. The duration of your PGWP is determined by the level, duration and finishing year of your study program and the expiry date of your passport, whichever arrives first.

Who is not eligible for PGWP?

Students are ineligible for a PGWP if they

• Have a post-graduation work permit.
• Receive funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
• Participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC.
• Received the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada-Chile.
• Participated in the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program.
• Participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program.
• Completed most of the credits toward completing their program of study by distance learning.
• Completed a program of study delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of their length of stay in Canada.

Working Before Applying for PGWP

You can work up to 20 hours a week off-campus and full-time on-campus if eligible to work in your final term until your Letter of Completion becomes available. The Letter of Completion is offered via SSC (Under Grades and Report) or your program portal. Once you receive letter of completion, you become ineligible to work on campus.

Post Graduate Work Permit Canada College List

Check out the PGWP Canada colleges list in the table below as per the province.