Welcome to the gateway for international students aspiring to work in Canada after completing their studies. The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable opportunity for eligible graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
The PGWP is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada. The validity of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program. Students who have received a post-graduation work permit in Canada can stay for a maximum of 3 years.
This permit is an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which may help them qualify for permanent residence in Canada through various immigration programs.
Over the years, there have been a few alterations in Canada’s post graduate work permit. The most recent is Starting February 15, 2024, students who graduate from master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (8 months minimum) may be eligible for a 3 year PGWP.
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.
We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.
For example, if you completed a 9-month program, we may give you a work permit for up to 9 months.
We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.
If you completed more than 1 program
You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program.
Each of the programs you completed must be
● PGWP eligible and
● At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length
You can’t get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
An opportunity to work full-time and gain experience with Canadian companies on a Post study work permit in Canada.
You can work in any company and change jobs as needed during your Post Graduate working permit Canada, as PGWP Canada is an Open Work Permit.
Gaining Canadian work experience through a PGWP can enhance your eligibility for Canadian immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Candidates with Canadian studies would be preferred more than foreign candidates wanting to enter Canada through a work permit.
For candidates holding a valid Canada Post Graduate Work permit, LMIA is not required.
To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:
Completed a Qualifying Program: You must have completed a full-time program of at least eight months in duration, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Valid Study Permit: You must have continuously studied full-time in Canada and have a valid study permit when you apply for the PGWP.
Graduation Letter: You need to provide an official letter from your institution confirming that you have met the requirements to complete your program of study.
Application Timeframe: You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation (e.g., an official letter or transcript) from your institution that you have completed your program.