Requirements For The Post-Graduation Work Permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows foreign students who have finished their studies from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable work experience in Canada.

Skilled Canadian work experience in the national occupational code (NOC) A, O or B that is obtained through the PGWPP improve the chances of graduates to qualify for Canada PR through the Canadian experience class, within the Express Entry pool.

Determining the Period of the post-graduation work permit

The length of time of the post-graduation work permit might not go beyond the applicant’s international passport validity date. If the applicant’s international passport run out before the validity period of the post-graduation work permit, the visa officer would note this reason in the “Notes” box, in the Global Case Management System.

The post-graduation work permit applicant may apply for a work permit extension upon the renewal or replacement of their international passport to get the full validity of their PGWP.

A PGWP can be extended only when the length of the work permit could not be provided at the time of the application because of the expiry date of the applicant’s international passport.

Requirements For The Post-Graduation Work Permit

In order to apply you must meet the following criteria:

Applicants can only obtain a post-graduation work permit once in their lifetime.

To secure a PGWP, the applicant must currently maintain a valid temporary status or have left Canada. He/She must have completed studies from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). He or she must also submit clear evidence that they fulfill all of the following requirements:

• They have completed an academic, professional or vocational training program at an eligible higher institution in Canada that is at least Eight (8) months in length leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate.
• They have also maintained full-time student status in Canada every academic semester or programs of study, they have concluded and submitted as part of their PGWP application. However, exceptions can only be made for the following:
  leave from studies
  final academic session
• They have obtained a transcript and/or an official letter from the eligible learning institution confirming that they have fulfilled the conditions to complete their academics.
  Note: The transcript and official letter must be added as part of the post-graduation work permit application process.

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the PGWP, applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:

• They must hold a valid study permit.
• They held a study permit.
• They hold a valid visitor status.
• They were officially given the approval to study in Canada without the condition to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations act.

Important Notice: If you plan to complete more than 1 degree/diploma/certificate in Canada, think about it more carefully when it would be most strategic to take advantage of this one-time opportunity.