After graduating, eligible international students may be able to work in Canada with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain Canadian work experience. Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make a student eligible for a PGWP.
The length of a PGWP depends on the level and duration of the study program and the expiration date of the applicant’s passport. For master’s degree programs of at least eight months, eligible graduates may apply for a three-year PGWP. For most other programs lasting at least eight months but less than two years, the permit may be issued for up to the same length as the study program. For programs lasting two years or more, the permit may be issued for up to three years.
Canadian work experience gained after graduation may help some applicants qualify for permanent residence. Express Entry is one possible pathway for eligible skilled workers, but creating an Express Entry profile does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
A PGWP is an open work permit. Applicants do not need a job offer to apply, and an employer generally does not need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire someone who holds an open work permit. A PGWP is generally a one-time opportunity. Our guide to applying for a PGWP in Canada is below.
Steps on Applying for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Visa
Eligible graduates can apply for a PGWP from within Canada or from another country. Applicants generally have up to 180 days after receiving confirmation that they completed their study program to submit an application.
Step 1. Compile the Necessary Documents
The first step is to confirm that the applicant meets the PGWP eligibility criteria. Applicants should gather proof that they completed their studies and proof that they were enrolled full-time, such as an official transcript. Depending on the program and application date, they may also need proof of English or French language ability, proof that they graduated in an eligible field of study, and proof of an upfront medical exam. Applicants should also review their study permit and entry-document requirements.
Applicants generally apply online through an IRCC account. The online process provides a personalized document checklist. Graduates applying from outside Canada may be asked to complete the Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada form (IMM 1295).
Step 2. Submit Documents and Pay the Required Fee
After completing the application and attaching the required documents, applicants must pay the applicable fees. The PGWP fee is CAD 255. This amount consists of the CAD 155 work permit processing fee and the CAD 100 open work permit holder fee. Applicants who need to provide biometrics must generally pay a separate CAD 85 biometrics fee. Additional fees apply if an applicant needs to restore their status as a student.
Step 3. Wait For the Decision
Applicants can use their IRCC account to check the status of an online application. Applicants may work full-time while waiting for a decision only if they had a valid study permit when they submitted their PGWP application, completed their study program, were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying, and did not exceed the permitted working hours. Applicants who do not meet these conditions must wait until their work permit is approved before starting a new job.
A PGWP is an open work permit, but restrictions may apply to certain employers or occupations. For example, a medical exam may be required before working in some health care, child care, or agricultural settings.
Canada offers post-graduation employment opportunities for eligible international graduates. To work in Canada after graduation, applicants should confirm that their program is PGWP-eligible, collect the required documents, submit an application within the applicable deadline, and follow the current IRCC instructions.
Hopefully, this article on how to get a post-graduation work permit in Canada was informative and helpful. Please also check the Canada Page and Open Courses for International Students to learn more details about studying in the country!
