What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are for international students who have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). PGWPs are open work permits, meaning that they grant foreign nationals the freedom to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada. 

Who is eligible for a PGWP?

In order to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a foreign national must be at least 18 years old and have studied full-time in Canada in a program of at least 8 months. The study program must have been completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in one of the following types of programs listed below. As well, in order to apply for the work permit, a foreign national must apply within 180 days of the completion of their study program.

If an applicant is applying from within Canada, they must have valid status at the time of application. If their study permit has expired or will expire they may apply for status as a visitor before applying for the PGWP. However, applicants who apply for a PGWP prior to the expiration of their study permit are eligible to begin working full time immediately, while their application is processing. Applicants may apply for a PGWP from overseas.

ELIGIBLE LEVELS OF STUDY

The following levels of study and programs are eligible for PGWPs:

• public post-secondary school, such as a college, trade/technical school or university, or CEGEP in Quebec; or
• private post-secondary school that operates under the same rules as public schools (only applies to certain institutions in Quebec); or
• private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, leading to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP); or
• Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law only for those enrolled in study programs leading to a degree as authorized by the province.

How long does it take to get a PGWP?

A PGWP can take anywhere from 80 to 180 days to process. While waiting for your PGWP, you are free to work in Canada provided you applied prior to the expiry date of your student permit. 

You have 180 days to apply for your PGWP from the date you completed all the requirements of your program of study. 

If you leave Canada after your studies have been completed, you can now apply for a PGWP from overseas. Previously post-graduation work permit applications needed to be submitted exclusively from within Canada. If a PGWP application is submitted from outside of Canada, additional documentation may be requested depending on the visa office that will process the application.

Can I apply for a work permit after my PGWP expires?

There is nothing about a PGWP that prevents you from applying for another work permit later. You are free to apply for both an LMIA or LMIA exempt permit if you are eligible but it might be worth considering applying for Canadian permanent residence given you already have Canadian work experience. 

The following immigration programs have options for candidates with Canadian work experience:

• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Quebec Immigration Options

If your PGWP is about to expire you have two options, the first one is to apply for a PGWP extension and the second one is to apply to one of the different programs for Permanent Residency available for graduated students of Learning institutions in Canada. If you want to find out if you are eligible for an extension, please read our article about Work Permit Extension for PGWP Holders, or if you are interested in finding the right program for Permanent residency, read our guide about What to Do After PGWP Expires? -5 Ways to Stay in Canada.

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