Completing your studies in Canada as an International Student does not mean that your stay in Canada has come to an end!  It is well understood that studying in Canada is a fast-track option for gaining permanent residence in Canada

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Studying in Canada can be a stepping stone for temporary work and permanent residency.  One of the popular options available for international students to work in Canada and gain valuable work experience as well as financial assistance is the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)

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WHAT IS THE POST GRADUATION WORK PERMIT?

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The Post Graduation Work Permit allows international students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institute to stay on in Canada and work on a temporary basis.  If you are looking to stay on in Canada, you must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of getting your final marks.  Your study permit must be valid during this period in order to be eligible to apply.

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What happens if your study permit expires before you get your PGWP?

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If your study permit expires before you receive your final marks, you still have the option of applying for a visitor record to continue staying in Canada leave Canada and apply for the PGWP.  A visitor record is a document that gives you the status of a visitor and allows you to stay longer in the country for a specified period.  It does not allow you to re-enter the country once you have left.  To re-enter, you need a visitor visa.

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The PGWP validity is dependent on the length of the study program.  If a student has done a course which was less than 8 months long, they will not be eligible for the PGWP program.  If the study program is between 8 months and 2 years, the PGWP may be offered for the same duration as the program i.e. the permit would be valid for either 8 months or 2 years depending on the length of the study program taken.  If the study program is for 2 years or more than you could get a PGWP for upto 3 years.

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If you have taken more than 1 program of study, each of the programs must be eligible for PGWP and must be of minimum 8 months long.  You can only apply for the PGWP once!

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 

International Students must fulfill the following requirements:

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• Completed studies from a Designated Learning Institute towards an academic, vocational or professional training program that is at least eight months long.

• The program of study must lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.

• The student must have maintained a full-time status during the entire program.

• Received a transcript and official letter from the institute confirming that the student has met the requirements to complete the program

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VALIDITY OF THE PGWP

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A PGWP is valid between 8 months and 3 years.  The validity of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program completed.  Below are some guidelines that will help you to know what criteria will apply to your program:

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1. If the completed program is under 8 months:  Not eligible for PGWP

2. If the completed program is between 8 months and 2 years:  The PGWP will be valid for the same duration as the program.  Example, if the program you took was for 12 months, your PGWP would be valid for 12 months.

3. If the completed program was for 2 years or more:  The PGWP will be valid for 3 years.

4. If you have completed more than one program: You may be able to combine your programs for the PGWP provided that both programs are DLI eligible, and each program was over 8 months long. The maximum validity of the PGWP will not exceed 3 years. 

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

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An applicant must apply for the permit within 180 days of receiving a transcript and letter from the institute confirming that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements of the program.

 

If the study permit is due to expire before the marks are announced, the applicant has two options:

• Apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer.

• Leave Canada and apply for the PGWP 

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Supporting Documents Required

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When you apply for the PGWP, you will need to submit the following documents:

• An official letter from the Institute confirming the length of study and the program code and

• certificate or official document that confirms you completed the program or

• Official transcript from a Quebec school board or recognized private school.

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2024 Updates to PGWP Program:

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With effect from February 15, 2024, International students enrolled for a Master's Program with a duration of less than 2 years will be able to apply for a 3-year PGWP.  This was earlier restricted to 2 years.  In addition, Spousal Open Work Permit which allows a spouse to work will only be available for spouses of students enrolled in master's, doctoral or professional programs.  This program is no longer open for undergraduate or college level students.

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With effect from September 1, 2024, the IRCC has also announced that the PGWP will not be available to international students at public-private partnerships.  This means that international students should avoid studying at private colleges which offer affiliate courses from other universities as these courses will no longer be eligible for the PGWP.