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Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

To work in Canada after you graduate, you must apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer and does not require you to first have an offer of employment.

PGWP is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You can’t get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study. Consult with your International Student Advisor about your options. 

You can apply for a post-graduate work permit through your IRCC secure account on the IRCC website. You can apply from inside Canada or overseas, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. To view eligibility requirements, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

You can submit a paper application if:

Applying for a PGWP

  • How long is PGWP valid?

    The length that a PGWP is valid for depends on the length of your study program.

    Length of Program
    Length of PGWP
    Program length is less than eight months You are not eligible.
    Program length is more than eight months long but less than two years

    PGWP is issued for the same length as your program.

    You may get a three-year PGWP if you complete a master's or doctoral degree in Canada which is 16 to 23 months in duration and does not include regularly scheduled breaks.

    Effective February 15, 2024, for applications received on or after February 15, 2024: you may get a three-year PGWP if you graduate from a degree-granting master's level program, which is less than two years. 
    Program length is two years or more PGWP is issued for three years.
    Completed more than one program

    You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program.

    • For example, if the combined length of the programs is two years, you may be eligible for a three-year PGWP

    You can find more information on PGWP duration on the IRCC website.

  • Who can apply for the PGWP?

    To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have:

    • Successfully completed a program of study that was at least eight months long that led to a degree, diploma or certificate.
    • Maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each academic semester of your study program.
      • This doesn’t include your final semester, which can be part-time, or if you took an approved leave from your studies, or if you have to stop studying or change to part-time studies between March 2020 and the fall semester in 2020 for reasons related to COVID-19
    • Received a transcript and an official letter from the university confirming that you have met the requirements to complete their program of study.
    • Applied for your PGWP within 180 days after you graduate. 
    • Either hold or have held a valid study permit within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit.
    • Language requirement of CLB 7. 

    To review your eligibility requirements in detail, visit the IRCC website. 

  • Who can not apply for the PGWP?

    You aren’t eligible for a PGWP if you:

    • Already received a PGWP.
    • Studied English or French as a second language.
    • Took general interest or self-improvement courses.
    • Received funding or a scholarship from GAC that requires you to return to your home country after graduation.
    • Completed over 50 per cent of your study program through distance learning (online courses, e-learning or correspondence).
    • Completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
    • Completed a course or program of study at a DLI that is not PGWP-eligible.
  • What is CLB 7 in English?
    You can check the IRCC website to find your language level.
  • What are acceptable language test results?
    You can check the IRCC website to find your language level.
  • Can I take IELTS at Ontario Tech University?
    Yes, you can find more informaiton on the IELTS website.
  • What documents are needed to apply?

    You will need the following documents to apply for a PGWP:

    • Final Official Transcript that confirms you've completed your study program.
      • You can request this by going to MyOntarioTech and going to the Students records box after you've selected Current student. You can find more information regarding the fees and processing times, on the Office of the Registrar's website.
    • A letter from the university indicating program completion or formal notification of graduation. 
    • Proof of language ability. 

      • Due to system limitations, the document checklist won’t ask you to provide language test results. If you’re applying for a PGWP as a flight school graduate, you don’t need to provide language results. If you’re not a flight school graduate and you’re applying on or after November 1, 2024, you must upload your language results in the “Client information” section. IRCC is working to update the document checklist and their systems.

    You must speak to the Office of the Registrar (undergraduate students) or the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (graduate students) when your completion letter and official transcripts will become available before you confirm the start date with a potential employer. 

    Learn more on the Government of Canada website and download a document checklist.  

  • When can I apply?

    You become eligible once you have successfully completed your program of study.

    You have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP. 

  • Can I apply for a post-graduation work permit before I get my diploma?
    Please check the answer on the IRCC website.
  • How much of your online studies counts toward a PGWP?
    Please check the information on the IRCC website.

Frequently asked questions