Overview of Post Graduation Work Permit
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence.
PGWP
Validity of PGWP
The length of your work permit is based on your college degree duration:
- Less than 8 months: Ineligible for a work permit.
- 8 months to less than 2 years: Work permit valid for the same duration as the program.
- 2 years or more: Eligible for a work permit valid for 3 years.
If you complete multiple eligible programs, the work permit duration can be combined. Note that if you have already received a work permit for one course, you cannot apply for another.
Eligibility of PGWP
Graduation does not guarantee a post-graduation work permit; you must check the DLI list for eligible programs. You can apply for the work permit within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
If your study permit expires while waiting for marks, you have two options: apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada or apply for the work permit after leaving Canada. If your study permit expires in Canada, you will need to pay fees to restore your student status.
To be eligible for a work permit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid study permit or visitor record.
- Apply for a study permit extension before it expires, with no decision made yet.
- Complete a program of at least eight months from a designated learning institution that leads to a recognized certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Maintain full-time student status during each semester, except for the final semester, which can be part-time (subject to approval).
- Graduate from a public institution or a private institution operating under public school rules.
Ensure you meet all requirements before applying, as ineligibility will result in rejection.
Field of Study Restrictions for Certain PGWP Applicants
If your study program has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from a program connected to occupations with long-term shortages. These fields are categorized into five broad groups:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
Applying for PGWP
Students have 180 days to apply for a work permit after completing their diploma or degree from a Canadian institution. If your study permit expires before applying, you must restore your student status within 90 days, which requires a $350 fee. Additionally, applying for the work permit online incurs a fee of $255.
When restoring your status, include a copy of your work permit application receipt. You cannot work until you receive both your study permit and work permit. Failing to apply within 90 days means you must leave Canada.
Prepare the following documents for your post-graduate work permit application:
- A letter from your school confirming the duration and code of your study course.
- An official letter or certificate proving program completion.
- In some cases, you may need to provide your photo and fingerprints.
You can apply to change conditions or extend your work permit by paper, particularly if your passport expires before your work permit. Additional documents, such as a medical certificate, may also require changes to your work permit conditions.
Work During PGWP Application is Processed
You can work full-time while your work permit application is being processed if you meet specific conditions:
- You must have a valid study permit.
- You must have completed your study course.
- You must have been eligible to work off-campus during your studies and not exceeded the allowed working hours.
If you meet these criteria, provide your employer with copies of the relevant documents and begin working until you receive your work permit. If you do not meet the requirements, you must wait for your work permit, as working without proper authorization is not permitted in Canada.
