Post-Graduation Work Permit
A Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is a temporary work permit that allows international graduates to work in Canada. The PGWP is typically valid for anywhere from 8 to 36 months.
It is issued after the individual has completed a qualifying educational program at a Canadian college or university.
Are you eligible for a PGWP?
Only one PGWP is issued to applicants in their lifetime, and there are some mandatory eligibility requirements to obtain it.
- You have graduated from an eligible DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
- You have maintained a full-time study status in all your academic sessions except for the last academic session or study leaves.
- You must have completed your degree, diploma or certificate in a program which was at least eight months in duration.
- You have received an official letter and transcript from your institution showing that you’ve met all the requirements for the program.
- You held or hold a valid study permit.
Not being able to maintain these requirements may result in a refusal of PGWP Canada.
Can you be on Part-Time status for the final academic session?
Yes, if you have maintained your full-time status during your program’s academic sessions, you can be a part-time student in the last session/semester.
Along with this, you should meet all the other eligibility requirements mentioned above and in your study permit.
Post Graduate Work Permit Application Process (Step-By-Step)
The Post Graduate Work Permit Application Process is summarized below:
1. Fill out a Post-Graduate Work Permit Application
Graduates must first fill out their Post-Graduate Work Permit application online. While applying for the PGWP, minor mistakes can lead to application rejection. To avoid any issues in your process, get in touch with our expert RCICs.
2. Pay the Application Fee
While applying for PGWP online, the applicants are asked to pay a CAD 255 fee. If your study permit expires before you apply, you may have to pay CAD 350 extra to restore your status as a student.
Note: If you fail to apply for PGWP within 90 days after your study permit expires, you will have to leave Canada.
2. Pay the Application Fee
While applying for PGWP online, the applicants are asked to pay a CAD 255 fee. If your study permit expires before you apply, you may have to pay CAD 350 extra to restore your status as a student.
Note: If you fail to apply for PGWP within 90 days after your study permit expires, you will have to leave Canada.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Next, graduates must gather the documents required with their application. This includes proof that they have completed their studies. This proof can be provided using one of the documents listed below:
- Degree or diploma
- Official letter from the educational institution
- Official transcripts or copies of transcripts taken from the education institution’s website
4. Submit the Application
Graduates must then submit their applications online. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may ask the applicant to submit additional documents following this step.
Successful applicants inside Canada will be issued their Post-Graduate Work Permit. Successful applicants outside Canada will be issued their PGWP and a new visitor visa that allows them to enter the country.
