Canada•North AmericaPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
At a Glance
Processing Time
28-42 days
Application Fee
155 CAD
Stay Duration
8 months
Renewable
No
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Open work permit allowing international graduates to work for any employer in Canada. Duration equals length of study program (8 months to 3 years). Leads to permanent residency pathway.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian educational institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada. The permit is an open work permit, allowing graduates to work for any employer.
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Requirements
Personal
Education
Associate or higher
Language
English
Intermediate
French
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Proof of graduation
Official letter from designated learning institution confirming graduation
Valid study permit
Current or recently expired study permit
Passport
Valid or recently expired passport
Language test results
TOEFL, IELTS, DELF, DALF, or equivalent (as of November 2024)
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Advantages
- Open work permit (work for any employer)
- Direct path to permanent residency
- Work experience counts toward Express Entry
- Spouse eligible for open work permit
- Significant economic benefits to graduates
Considerations
- Relatively short validity period
- Must apply within 180 days of graduation
- Recent language requirement (as of November 2024)
- Limited to graduates of eligible institutions
- Canadian work experience required for PR applications
Application Process
Apply within 180 days
Must apply within 180 days of graduation
Gather documents
Collect official graduation letter and valid study permit
Create account
Set up IRCC online account
Complete application
Submit PGWP application online
Upload documents
Include graduation confirmation and passport copy
Provide language results
Proof of language ability (as of November 2024 requirement)
Pay fee
Pay CAD $155 application fee (no biometric fee required)
Receive decision
Work permit approval sent to secure account
Application Forms
Application for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
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