WHAT IS A POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT ( PGWP) AND HOW DOES IT HELP YOU STAY IN CANADA
For many international students, studying in Canada is not only about earning a world-class education but also about building a pathway to permanent residency. One of the key tools for making this transition is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What is a PGWP
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit issued to international students who graduate from eligible Canadian institutions. It allows them to work full-time in Canada for a period that matches the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years.
For example:
• A one-year postgraduate certificate usually grants a one-year PGWP.
• A two-year master’s program can grant a three-year PGWP.
This flexibility is what makes the PGWP one of the most valuable immigration tools for students who want to remain in Canada after their studies.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A PGWP
To qualify for a PGWP in 2025, you must:
• Have completed a program of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Obtain a diploma, certificate, or degree.
• Maintain full-time student status during your program (with limited exceptions such as COVID-19 measures or final-semester part-time study).
• Apply within 180 days of receiving your final grades or completion letter.
You do not need a job offer at the time of applying.
WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A PGWP
You cannot apply for a PGWP if:
• You already received one before (it is a one-time opportunity).
• Your studies were focused on English or French language training.
• You participated in certain government-funded scholarship programs (such as Canada-China or OAS fellowships).
• Most of your studies were completed online or at a non-Canadian campus.
WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY FOR A PGWP
You must apply within 180 days after your institution confirms your program completion. The documents typically required include:
• An official completion letter from your school.
• An official transcript (or an online copy).
It is important to check your study permit validity. Immigration officers often add extra months beyond your graduation date to allow time for the PGWP application.
What Happens if Your Passport Expires Soon?
Your PGWP cannot be issued for longer than your passport’s validity. If your passport is set to expire soon, you may receive a shorter PGWP. In that case, you can later apply for an extension once you renew your passport, but it is always better to renew it in advance to avoid uncertainty.
Can You Work While Waiting for Your PGWP?
Yes. If you submit your PGWP application before your study permit expires, you are legally allowed to start working full-time while waiting for a decision. To prove eligibility to employers, you may show:
• Your school’s completion letter.
• Your transcript.
• Your valid study permit with work conditions.
• A copy of the PGWP application receipt.
This ensures you don’t lose valuable time gaining Canadian work experience, which is crucial for permanent residency.
WHY IS TH PGWP SO IMPORTANT FOR IMMIGRATION
The PGWP is one of the main bridges from temporary studies to permanent residency in Canada. With it, you can:
• Gain Canadian work experience, which counts towards Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Qualify for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that prioritize graduates with local experience.
• Improve your chances of being selected in occupation-based draws in areas like healthcare, technology, and education.
The PGWP is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so proper planning is essential. Ideally, students should begin evaluating their immigration options during their final semester, aligning their studies, work, and residency goals.
At Global Opportunities, we help students and graduates understand how to maximize their PGWP, build a strong professional profile, and transition to permanent residency. If you’re studying in Canada or planning to, now is the best time to prepare your pathway to stay permanently.