Post Graduate Work Permit Canada - Your Gateway to Canadian Career Success

Transform your Canadian education into a thriving career with expert PGWP guidance from

What is a Post Graduate Work Permit Canada (PGWP)?

The Post Graduate Work Permit Canada (PGWP) is an open work permit that provides international graduates with the freedom to work for any employer, in any location, and in any field across Canada. Unlike employer-specific permits, this flexibility allows you to explore career opportunities, switch jobs, and build the diverse Canadian work experience that immigration programs highly value.

The pathway to your Canadian future often begins with the right PGWP strategy

This valuable work experience can significantly strengthen your profile for permanent residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and other immigration pathways. At Mirzoyan Immigration Services, we help you understand not just how to obtain your PGWP, but how to leverage it strategically for your long-term immigration goals.

Post Graduate Work Permit Canada (PGWP) Eligibility Requirements

Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Program Completion: Successfully completed a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI)

  • Program Duration: Completed a full-time study program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs)

  • Student Status: Maintained full-time student status throughout your program (with limited exceptions for final semesters)

  • Application Timing: Apply within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of program completion

  • Immigration Status: Hold valid immigration status when applying (valid Study Permit or Visitor Record)

  • Recent Study Permit: Had a valid study permit within 180 days before applying

New PGWP Canada Eligibility Requirements

Enhanced Language and Field Requirements

For University Graduates:

  • Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree holders must demonstrate CLB 7 proficiency in English (or NCLC 7 in French)

  • University graduates are exempt from field of study restrictions

For College and Polytechnic Graduates:

  • Must meet CLB 5 English proficiency (or NCLC 5 in French)

  • Programs started after November 1, 2024, must be in eligible fields including:

    • Healthcare and medical services

    • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

    • Agriculture and agri-food

    • Skilled trades

    • Transportation

    • Education and childcare

*For the most up to date fields of eligibility, please check the IRCC website.

PGWP Duration - Maximizing Your Work Authorization

The length of your PGWP depends on several factors, and understanding these can help you make strategic decisions about your education and career path:

Program Under 8 Months: Not eligible for PGWP 8 Months to Under 2 Years: PGWP valid for same duration as your program Master's Programs (8+ Months): Eligible for full 3-year PGWP 2+ Year Programs: May qualify for up to 3 years Multiple Programs: May combine program lengths for extended PGWP duration

Why Hire an Immigration Consultant for Your Post Graduate Canada Work Permit Application?

The PGWP application process may seem straightforward, but the consequences of errors can be severe. Missing deadlines, incomplete applications, or eligibility oversights can derail your entire Canadian immigration journey.

Essential Documents for Your PGWP Application

Required Academic Documents

  • Official Final Transcript: Showing successful completion of all courses

  • Completion Letter: Official confirmation from your institution stating you've met all program requirements

  • Diploma/Degree/Certificate: If already issued by your institution

Additional Requirements

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it's valid for the full duration of your intended PGWP

  • Immigration Documents: Current Study Permit and any status documents

  • Language Test Results: CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates (for programs started after November 1, 2024)

Important: You don't need to wait for your physical diploma to apply. Official transcripts or completion letters are sufficient to proceed with your application.

Working While Waiting for Your PGWP Decision

Authorized Work Under IRPR Section 186(w)

If you apply for your PGWP before your Study Permit expires, you're automatically authorized to work full-time while waiting for a decision. This provision allows you to:

  • Start working immediately after graduation

  • Maintain income continuity

  • Begin building Canadian work experience

  • Explore career opportunities without delays

Critical Timing Considerations

Before Study Permit Expires: Full work authorization while waiting After Study Permit Expires: No work authorization until PGWP is approved and status is restored

Our Recommendation: Apply for your PGWP as soon as you receive confirmation of program completion. Don't wait—timing is everything in maintaining your legal work status.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your 180-day deadline starts when you receive written confirmation of program completion from your designated learning institution. This can be:

    • An official final transcript

    • A completion letter from your school

    • An email confirmation that you've met all graduation requirements

    The key is the written confirmation—not your anticipated graduation date or when you finish your final exam.

  • Generally, you must maintain full-time status throughout your program. However, exceptions may apply for:

    • Part-time study only in your final semester

    • Authorized leaves of absence or temporary course load reductions with proper documentation

    • Specific circumstances beyond your control

    Each situation is unique, and we recommend professional assessment of your specific academic history.

  • No. The PGWP is an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer, in any location, and in any industry across Canada. This flexibility is one of the PGWP's greatest advantages for building diverse Canadian work experience.

  • Canadian work experience gained through a PGWP can significantly strengthen your permanent residence applications through:

    • Express Entry System: Work experience contributes points in the Comprehensive Ranking System

    • Canadian Experience Class: Direct pathway for workers with Canadian experience

    • Provincial Nominee Programs: Many provinces prioritize candidates with local work experience