Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a unique opportunity to work in Canada for international students who have completed an eligible post-secondary program at a Canadian public institution (college or university). It is issued only once in a lifetime, and for many graduates it is the only pathway to obtain Canadian skilled work experience, build an immigration profile, qualify for a job offer, and later apply for permanent residence.

With a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you gain the legal right to work full-time in Canada and build eligible skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) which is the foundation for most Canadian permanent residence programs such as Express Entry, CEC, OINP, AOS, AIP, and others.

PGWP allows you to accept a skilled job offer from a Canadian employer without the need for an LMIA making you a highly attractive candidate in the job market. This experience not only increases your Express Entry CRS score but also opens direct eligibility for several immigration streams under both federal and provincial programs tailored specifically for Canadian graduates.

With a PGWP, you can transition smoothly from international student to skilled worker, and later to permanent resident, without proving that you are “irreplaceable” in the labour market or competing with LMIA requirements.

Without PGWP: Most immigration and PR pathways may either not be available at all or would require you to obtain a different type of work permit — usually tied to one employer and based on LMIA, a process that requires the employer to prove that no Canadian could fill the position.

PGWP Application

You must apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of receiving your final transcript and graduation letter (not the convocation date). If your study permit expires before graduation, you must apply for maintained status, otherwise you may lose your PGWP eligibility. You are permitted to work full-time immediately after submitting a complete PGWP application, but only if your study permit is still valid on the date of submission. If you submitted your Study Permit application on or after November 1, 2024, and completed a college or non-degree university program, you must have graduated from an eligible field of study to qualify. However, there are no field of study restrictions for graduates of Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree programs, degree-level graduates remain eligible regardless of their field of study.

Required Documents for PGWP

A PGWP application includes:

Mandatory Documents:

• Valid passport (must cover full duration of requested PGWP, ideally 3 years)
• Study permit (valid at the time of submission for applicants in Canada with some exceptions)
• BOTH Official transcript and completion letter issued by the institution
• IRCC-compliant digital photo
• Application form IMM5710 for in Canada applications (Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay in Canada as a Worker) or IMM1295 for outside Canada applications
• Proof of payment (PGWP processing fee + open work permit holder fee)
• Proof of language proficiency — IELTS General or CELPIP General with a minimum required level of CLB 5 or CLB 7, depending on the level of the program you graduated from in English, or in French, in all four language abilities. This requirement applies to all PGWP applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, regardless of where the student studied in Canada.

Additional Supporting Documents:

• Letter of Acceptance (initial)
• Co-op/internship confirmation (if applicable)
• Explanation letter (if any study gaps, part-time semesters, or authorized breaks)
• Proof of physical presence in Canada during studies (if required)

Why Seek Professional Support?

PGWP is often considered a “simple” application — but after 2025, it is one of the most frequently refused applications, mainly due to:

• Misunderstanding 180-day rule
• Wrong passport expiry date → shorter PGWP
• Incorrect study completion dates
• Unauthorized work during studies
• Submitting incomplete or invalid documents
• Issues with maintained status (implied status)

For PGWP, a refusal often results in the loss of eligibility, as there is typically no opportunity to reapply.

How We Help

As your authorized immigration representative (RCIC), we:

• Review your eligibility and confirm PGWP length
• Create a customized document checklist based on your academic history
• Prepare and submit your complete online PGWP application
• Include professional clarification letters (if needed for breaks, online study, status issues)
• Track your application and maintain communication with IRCC
• Provide one time guidance on post-PGWP employment and future PR pathways

Don’t risk your immigration future — book a consultation with an immigration professional. We will assess your situation, confirm eligibility, and help you start your PGWP application correctly and safely.