Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a popular choice for foreign students looking to stay in Canada. Read on for all the information on PGWP eligibility, what programs are PGWP-eligible and how to complete your PGWP application.

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP?

In a nutshell, the meaning of a PGWP is a permit to work and live in Canada after graduating from a qualifying Canadian school and program of study.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility

Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to be granted a PGWP.

⬤ Be at least 18 years old

⬤ Have completed an 8-month (or more) full-time program

⬤ The study program must have been completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

⬤ Have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate

⬤ Apply within 180 days of finishing studies

The types of programs that are eligible are: any primary or secondary schools in Canada, as well as programs that fall under the category of post-secondary.

The institution must also be a DLI, you can check the official government list here. You will need the DLI’s number to apply for your study permit in the first place, so you should know at the beginning of the process if your school is eligible.

COVID-19 and PGWP eligibility

If you are currently in Canada and your in-person classes have been switched to an online-only format and you are taking your classes online due to COVID-19, you are still eligible for the PGWP. Alternatively, if because of COVID-19 you may have had to put your studies on hold or study part-time during the winter, spring, or summer semesters of 2020, you are still eligible.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, to be eligible starting from the autumn 2020 semester, you must be enrolled full-time in studies.

For students outside of Canada, there are special rules.

You’ll be happy to hear that yes: it is still possible to apply for a PGWP if because of COVID-19 you have been unable to travel to Canada.

If you were enrolled in a program that was in progress in March 2020, or if you started or will start a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021, you can apply for a PGWP.

If you're eligible and have been granted a study permit, you can apply for a PGWP from outside Canada. You don't need to have had a valid study permit in Canada at any point during the time you’ve had to do your studies online.

Additionally, just like the normal requirements your program must have been at a DLI. It must be at least eight months in length and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.

There are some exceptions. Here’s a list of the situations where you are not eligible for a PGWP from outside Canada.

⬤ If you have gotten first-stage approval but have not yet received a final decision on your application

⬤ You don’t have a letter of introduction to show at the port of entry that proves you've been granted a study permit

⬤ If you’ve already been issued a PGWP

⬤ You took French or English as a second language

⬤ You enrolled in general courses or self-improvement classes

⬤ You took part in the Global Affairs Canada-funded Government of Canada Awards Program or Global Affairs Canada provided you with funding

Post-Graduation Work Permit Validity

Usually the validity of a PGWP is equal to the length of the program of study. If for example it lasted less than two years, the PGWP will be valid for the length of time of the program.

A two-year or longer program of study, on the other hand, gets a three-year permit. For students who studied at an institution but did more than one program, the length of the permit corresponds to the combined length of the programs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Post-Graduation Work Permit

How long is a PGWP valid for?

The length of the PGWP varies. It could be valid for anywhere from eight months to three years.

When will I get my PGWP after I apply?

It will take anywhere from two months to six months to get the final decision. The good news is, you can work while you wait for PGWP approval, provided you applied before your student permit expired.

Are there any changes because of COVID-19 to the PGWP programme?

There are special PGWP Covid rules regarding applying from outside of Canada. To learn more, look at the guidance for students completing their studies online from outside the country.

Is there a PGWP to PR Canada path I can take?

A PGWP is not a straightforward path to permanent residency or PR, but it does give students the opportunity to apply for other programs. For example, the Canadian Experience class of permanent residency is open to foreign citizens who have sufficient work experience in Canada.