The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of Canada's most valuable immigration tools. It allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, building the work experience needed for permanent residence through Express Entry or provincial nominee programs.

What Is the PGWP?

The PGWP is an open work permit issued to graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs. It allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, for the duration of the permit. Unlike most work permits, the PGWP is not tied to a specific employer or job. It is a critical bridge between studying in Canada and obtaining permanent residence — providing the time and legal authorization to gain the Canadian work experience required for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must: have studied at an eligible DLI throughout your program (some private institutions lost DLI status — verify your school's status at the time of your graduation); have completed a full-time program of at least eight months in duration; have maintained valid immigration status (study permit) during your entire program; and apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving official written notification of your program completion (typically your final grades letter or graduation confirmation, not your official diploma).

Part-time studies during the final semester due to a reduced course load at the end of your program may still qualify. Courses taken online from outside Canada may affect PGWP eligibility — rules changed during COVID and have been updated since. Verify current IRCC policy for your specific situation if any of your studies were done remotely.

PGWP Duration Rules

The duration of your PGWP depends on the length of your completed program: programs between eight months and two years result in a PGWP equal to the program length; programs of two years or longer result in a three-year PGWP — the maximum. Completing a two-year or longer program is generally recommended for immigration purposes, as the three-year PGWP gives you the maximum time to accumulate Canadian work experience for PR applications.

You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime. If you complete additional programs after obtaining your first PGWP, you cannot get another one — so it is important to complete the longest eligible program before applying for your first PGWP.

Applying for the PGWP

Apply online through the IRCC portal within 180 days of your written notification of completion. You will need: your current passport, your study permit (or proof of implied status if it expired after you completed your program), your final official grades or transcript showing completion, and your DLI acceptance letter. The application fee is $255 CAD plus $85 for biometrics if required. Processing typically takes four to twelve weeks — you can continue working on your expired study permit under implied status while waiting, if you were working before it expired.

From PGWP to Permanent Residence

The typical pathway: complete a two-year or longer program → receive a three-year PGWP → work in a qualifying NOC TEER 0-3 occupation for one year → apply to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry. Many graduates can accumulate the required year of experience within their first year on the PGWP, then submit an Express Entry profile while still working. With a strong language score and Canadian work experience, CEC candidates are often highly competitive in Express Entry draws.