We talk in detail about Post-graduation work permit Canada 🎓: what it is, who can get it and what is needed for it.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a work permit after successfully completing training in Canada. The main feature is that with this permission, your potential employer does not need to issue an LMIA . This makes it much easier to find a job in Canada .
It is precisely because of the PGWP that studying in this state is so attractive to immigrants. If everything is done correctly, this method almost 100% guarantees successful immigration. We talk about this in more detail in the article on how to immigrate to Canada through training .
Important changes
From 15 February 2024 , students who have completed master’s programs of less than 2 years in duration (minimum 8 months) may be eligible for a three-year PGWP.
Changes due to COVID-19
Due to the Coronavirus, a temporary policy has been introduced whereby:
- from March 2020 to August 31, 2022, you can complete up to 100% of your training online from outside Canada;
- from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023, you must complete at least 50% of the program while in Canada, which can be done online.
Time spent outside Canada before August 31, 2023 will not be deducted from the PGWP if it represents less than 50% of the program of study;
- from September 1, 2023, you must complete at least 50% of the program in Canada while attending an educational institution.
Time spent studying outside of Canada will be deducted from the duration of the PGWP.
Some educational institutions may switch to online learning due to the coronavirus. If yours is one of these, then there will be no restrictions when applying for PGWP.
How much PGWP can you get?
The validity period of the work permit depends on the duration of the chosen study program. There are 3 options.
- The program is less than 8 months.
You are not entitled to a post-study work permit.
- The program is more than 8 months and less than 2 years.
The validity period of the permit is equal to the period of study. If the program is 9 months, then the PGWP is for 9 months. Moreover, you need to pay attention to the duration, which will be indicated in the diploma/certificate. In fact, the study can last 8 months, but the program is considered a year. In this case, you will receive a permit for exactly one year.
- Program from 2 years.
The permit is issued for 3 years.
- Master’s program from 8 months.
It is possible to apply for PGWP for 3 years.
If you have successfully completed two or more programs, then the validity period of the PGWP may consist of the length of each. For example, after completing 3 different courses of 8 months (24 in total > 2 years), you can apply for a work permit for 3 years.
To do this, each program must:
- last at least 8 months;
- be eligible for issuing a PGWP (more on this in the next paragraph).
You can only obtain a work permit once. Therefore, if your goal is immigration, you need to calculate in advance how much you need to study and, accordingly, work in Canada in order to get a passing grade .
If you want to calculate your scores, use our odds calculator .
The following times will not count towards the duration of the PGWP:
- spent on study outside Canada after December 31, 2023;
- spent on studies before you applied for a study permit.
Where do you need to study to be eligible to receive a PGWP?
Let us immediately note that not all Canadian educational institutions allow you to obtain a work permit. Suitable should:
- be accredited (designated learning institution (DLI));
- have appropriate PGWP programs.
To find out which colleges/universities meet these requirements, follow this link , scroll to the bottom of the page and select the appropriate province.
Conditions for applying for a PGWP
Next:
- Apply within 180 days after the school releases your final grades;
- When submitting your application, you must have a valid status (continuing study permit or visitor status);
- upon completion of your studies you will receive a diploma, degree or certificate;
- During your studies you must have full-time student status. We recommend checking this point with the potential educational institution in advance.
You are not eligible to participate in the PGWP if:
- studied English or French;
- took courses of general interest or self-improvement;
- completed the majority of the curriculum (more than 50%) through distance learning;
- completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
How to apply
This can be done both from Canada and from outside of it. This is usually done online, but in some cases you can send documents by mail.
Application review time:
- 91 days if submitted online;
- 119 days for paper submission.
The average value indicated. Usually processed faster, but there may be delays.
If you plan to remain in Canada and your study permit expires before you apply for the PGWP, you should change your status to visitor. You have 90 days to do this after your study permit expires.
Prepare your documents
You will need:
- an official letter from your school confirming that you have completed the curriculum;
- official transcript or copy from your school website. A transcript is an additional extract with a list of all subjects, grades, etc.
Once your application has been delivered, you may be asked to provide additional documents.
Need help applying for PGWP?
Fill out the form and we will contact you shortly and tell you all the details
Submit your application
Work while the application is being considered
You can work full time until a decision is made on your application if you:
- had a valid study permit at the time of application;
- successfully completed the training program;
- while studying, did not work more hours than were allowed (if at all).
If this does not apply to you, then you must wait for a work permit.
If this applies to you and you started working but your PGWP application was rejected, then you must stop working on the same day.