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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. 

If you are intending to apply for permanent residency after you graduate, most of the categories you are or would be eligible for would require you to maintain your temporary resident status in Canada. The PGWP is a way for you to do this while you apply for your permanent residency.

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.

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 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.
    • Received a transcript and an official letter from the university confirming that you have met the requirements to complete their program of study.
    • Either hold or have held a valid study permit within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit.
    • You have not had previously been issued a post-graduation work permit.
    • Language requirement of CLB 7 if you apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024. 

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

  • What is CLB 7 in English?

    CLB 7 in all 4 language areas is equivalent for 6 in all 4 language areas for IELTS General Training, 7 in all 4 language areas for CELPIP General and 68-75 in Speaking, 60-70 in Listening, 60-68 in Reading, 69-78 in Writing for PTE Core. 

  • What are acceptable language test results?

    English: CELPIP-General; IELTS General Training; PTE Core 

    French: TEF Canada; TCF Canada 

    More information about proof of langauge ability can be found on the IRCC website. 

  • 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. 

    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. 

    Apply for your PGWP within 180 days of when you receive written confirmation (for example, formal written notification of graduation) from the university that you have met your program requirements.

    If you plan on staying in Canada and your study permit will expire before you apply for a PGWP, change your status to a visitor before it expires.

  • Can I apply for a post-graduation work permit before I get my diploma?

    You don’t have to wait until you physically receive your diploma or attend your graduation ceremony to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

    All you need to apply for a PGWP is

    • An official letter from your school that confirms you’ve completed your study program, or
    • An official transcript or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website.

    You have 180 days after your school issues your final marks to apply for a post-graduation work permit. To be eligible for a PGWP, your study permit must have been valid at some point during these 180 days.

    When your study permit expires

    Your study permit will expire on the date marked on the permit or 90 days after the day you complete your studies, whichever comes first.

    If your study permit expires, you must either:

  • Can I apply for a PGWP if I study online from outside Canada?
    Please check the information on the IRCC website.
  • Can I apply for a PGWP if I study online from inside Canada?
    Please check the information on the IRCC website.

Frequently asked questions


Disclaimer: The information on this page is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up to date information.