How to Apply for PGWP in Canada: Complete 2025 Guide for International Students
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
PGWP Eligibility Requirements 2025
Can I Work While Waiting for PGWP?
Is IELTS Required for PGWP in Canada?
How to Apply for TRV After PGWP
Can You Extend PGWP?
Can I Apply PGWP and Spouse Open Work Permit Together?
Ready to Apply for Your PGWP?
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
New Requirements: As of November 1, 2024, language proficiency tests are mandatory for all PGWP applications, with CLB 7 required for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates.
Work Authorization: You can work full-time after submitting your PGWP application if you meet eligibility criteria, and maintain legal status through maintained status provisions.
Extension Limitations: PGWP extensions are only possible when your original permit was shortened due to passport expiry, requiring a paper application with your renewed passport.
Spousal Benefits: Spouses can apply for open work permits simultaneously with PGWP applications, but only if the principal applicant has secured skilled employment (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
Professional Assistance: Mirzoyan Immigration Services specializes in PGWP applications and can help navigate the complex requirements, ensuring your application meets all current standards and maximizes your chances of approval while providing ongoing support throughout the process.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. Unlike employer-specific work permits, the PGWP provides complete flexibility in employment choices and doesn't require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The PGWP serves as a valuable bridge between academic studies and potential permanent residency in Canada. The duration of your PGWP depends on how long your study program was, what level it is, and when your passport expires—whichever comes first. PGWPs may be valid from eight months up to three years.
Recent Changes to PGWP Program
As of November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements for a PGWP changed significantly. If you submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, or are a flight school graduate, you're exempt from the new requirements. These changes include new language proficiency requirements and field of study restrictions for certain applicants.
PGWP Eligibility Requirements 2025
Understanding PGWP eligibility is crucial before starting your application. To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you must meet all eligibility requirements, including completing a program of study at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs), maintaining full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program, and applying for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program of study.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
The fundamental requirements for PGWP eligibility include:
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old
Program Length: Your study program must have been at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs)
Institution Type: You must have studied at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI)
Study Status: You must have maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program
Application Timeline: You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program of study
New Language Requirements (November 2024)
As of November 1, 2024, all Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications require an English or French language proficiency exam result that is valid on the date of application. Test results are valid for 2 years.
The language requirements vary based on your level of education:
University Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Graduates: A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of level 7 will be necessary for university graduates
College and Other Program Graduates: You must prove proficiency in either English or French in all four language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) at a minimum level of CLB/NCLC 5
Field of Study Requirements
In September 2024, IRCC announced that international students need to graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage to be eligible for PGWPs. These field of study requirements do not apply to university bachelor's, master's, or doctoral graduates. They apply to international students graduating from college programs and from university vocational programs.
Students who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024, do not need to meet the field of study requirements. But if they apply for a new study permit after this date, the field of study requirement will apply.
Can I Work While Waiting for PGWP?
One of the most frequently asked questions by international students is about working authorization while their PGWP application is being processed.
Immediate Work Authorization
You can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application if, at the time you submitted your application, all of the following applied to your situation: You had a valid study permit, for your PGWP application, you had completed your program of study, you were eligible to work off campus without a permit, and you did not work off campus more than 24 hours a week during academic sessions.
Maintained Status (Implied Status)
If you meet the eligibility criteria (basically that your study permit is still valid on the day you submit the application, and you have not worked illegally), you are allowed to begin full-time work immediately after applying. You can continue working until a decision is made about your PGWP application.
In this case, if your study permit becomes invalid, you can remain in Canada under 'maintained status' (formerly known as 'implied status') and continue to work for as long as it takes for IRCC to process your application.
Proof for Employers
You can show a potential employer you're allowed to work by giving them a copy of all of the following documents: a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt from your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application, if you applied online. To be allowed to work right away, the acknowledgement of receipt must have been received before your study permit expired.
Is IELTS Required for PGWP in Canada?
As of November 1, 2024, all Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications require an English or French language proficiency exam result that is valid on the date of application. This represents a significant change from previous policies.
Accepted Language Tests
To qualify for a PGWP, you now need to provide proof of language proficiency using one of the following tests (with test results less than two years old when you submit your application): IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core for English, or TEF Canada, TCF Canada for French.
Minimum Score Requirements
The required scores depend on your education level:
University Graduates: If you graduated with a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree from a university, you must meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French (CLB/NCLC of 7 in all four language areas)
College Graduates: If you completed a college program or any other program not listed above, you must meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French (CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language areas)
Exemptions
If you applied before November 1, 2024, or graduated from a flight school, no language test is required.
How to Apply for TRV After PGWP?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is essential for re-entering Canada if you plan to travel outside the country during your PGWP period.
When to Apply for TRV
As soon as IRCC approves your application to extend your work or study permit, you can apply for your visitor visa (even before you get your new work or study permit in the mail). However, you must provide proof that IRCC approved your application.
TRV Application Process
When you apply to extend your study permit or apply for a PGWP, you have to wait until you have received a new study permit or PGWP, then apply for a TRV from within Canada.
The application process involves:
Online Application: Complete an online application through your IRCC account
Document Submission: Upload required documents including your valid PGWP and passport copies
Passport Submission: You will need to mail your passport to get your TRV. Do not send your passport before IRCC sends you a written request to send your passport
Important Travel Considerations
If you applied to extend your PGWP to get the full duration of your PGWP because your passport expired and you left Canada while on maintained status, you can enter Canada as a visitor. However, you can't work without a work permit until IRCC makes a decision on your application.
Can You Extend PGWP?
PGWP extensions are only available under very specific circumstances, making it crucial to understand when and how you can apply.
Eligibility for PGWP Extension
If your passport expires before the full duration of your eligibility, you can apply to extend your PGWP. To extend your PGWP, you must apply on paper after you get a new passport that's valid for the entire period you're eligible for the work permit.
You are eligible to extend your Post-Graduation Work Permit if it was initially cut short due to an early expiring passport. IRCC does not issue work permits beyond your passport's validity.
Extension Process
The official instructions on the IRCC website state that you must apply on paper if you're extending or changing the conditions of your PGWP. The required documents include:
New valid passport
Copy of current PGWP
Completed application forms
Letter of explanation stating the reason for extension
Payment of $255 CAD
Processing Times
Based on 2025 IRCC processing times, PGWP extensions are processed in 210 days. For most up to date processing times please check the IRCC website.
Special Circumstances
You may be able to apply for a bridging open work permit if you're waiting for a decision on a permanent residence application under Express Entry and your current work permit expires in 4 months or less.
Can I Apply PGWP and Spouse Open Work Permit Together?
Spouses of PGWP applicants may be eligible for open work permits, but the eligibility requirements have become more restrictive.
Spousal Work Permit Eligibility
A spouse/common-law partner of someone with/applying for a PGWP only qualifies for the Spousal Open Work Permit if the graduate already has an offer for or has started 'skilled work' (jobs in TEER categories 0 or 1 in the National Occupational Classification – TEER 2 or 3 is possible if there is a declared labour shortage in the sector).
Application Process
In this case you may choose to apply together with your spouse/common-law partner (for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and Spousal Open Work Permit) and, if the applications are approved, the Post-Graduation and Spousal Open Work Permits will be issued together.
When you apply for your post-graduation work permit, your family member can apply online with you, if eligible. Your family member can apply for an open work permit after you've submitted your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application.
Important Considerations
Your PGWP must be approved before your family member's application can be processed. Your family member's open work permit may be refused if a decision hasn't been made on your PGWP application by the time their application is processed.
Ready to Apply for Your PGWP?
Navigating the PGWP application process can be complex, especially with recent changes to language requirements and eligibility criteria. At Mirzoyan Immigration Services, our experienced team understands the intricacies of Canadian immigration law and can provide personalized guidance throughout your PGWP journey. From document preparation to application submission and follow-up, we ensure your application meets all requirements and help you secure the work authorization you need to build your future in Canada. Contact Mirzoyan Immigration Services today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward your Canadian career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for PGWP if my study permit has already expired?
A: Your study permit must be valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application. If your study permit has expired, you may need to restore your status before applying.
Q: How long can I work in Canada with a PGWP?
A: The length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first. For master's degree programs as of February 15, 2024, you can apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if your master's program was less than 2 years.
Q: Can I change jobs while on a PGWP?
A: Yes, a PGWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer in Canada without restrictions, change jobs freely, and work in any occupation.
Q: What happens if my PGWP application is refused?
A: If your application for a PGWP is rejected or refused, you need to stop working as soon as we notify you. If you don't, any future work or study permits may not be approved, and you may be asked to leave the country.
Q: Can I study while on a PGWP?
A: Yes, you can pursue further studies while on a PGWP. However, for programs longer than 6 months, you'll need to apply for a study permit. The PGWP allows you the flexibility to work while studying.
