Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Post-Graduation Work Permit
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit that allows eligible international graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. A PGWP is not employer-specific and allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada. It is a one-time opportunity and is commonly used as a pathway toward permanent residence through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Who is eligible for a PGWP?
To be eligible for a PGWP, an applicant must have completed a full-time program of study at a designated learning institution that is eligible for PGWP issuance and must have maintained full-time student status during each academic session of the program, with limited exceptions such as the final academic term. The program must be at least eight months in length and must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate that meets IRCC requirements.
Eligible institutions and programs
Only graduates from designated learning institutions that are authorized to issue PGWP-eligible credentials qualify. Not all DLIs are PGWP-eligible, even if they are authorized to host international students. Private institutions, certain career colleges, or programs delivered under licensing agreements may be excluded, and eligibility must be confirmed before applying.
Length of the PGWP
The length of a PGWP depends on the length of the completed study program. Programs of at least eight months but less than two years may result in a PGWP valid for the same length as the program. Programs of two years or more may result in a PGWP valid for up to three years. Combined programs may qualify if each program is PGWP-eligible and completed back to back without long breaks.
Application timing and deadlines
An applicant must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from the institution that program requirements have been completed. This confirmation is typically a completion letter or final transcript. Applying after the 180-day deadline results in refusal, and the PGWP cannot be restored once the deadline is missed.
Status in Canada while applying for PGWP
Applicants who apply for a PGWP while holding a valid study permit may begin working full time while the PGWP application is in process, provided they met all eligibility requirements at the time of application. If the study permit expires before the PGWP application is submitted, the applicant may lose authorization to work and may need to restore status.
Work authorization while waiting for a decision
If a complete PGWP application is submitted before the study permit expires, the applicant may work full time under maintained status until a decision is made. If the application is submitted after the study permit expires, no work is permitted until the PGWP is approved, even if restoration is requested.
Ineligible work and common refusal reasons
PGWP applications are commonly refused due to part-time studies outside permitted exceptions, enrolling in a non-PGWP-eligible program or institution, applying after the 180-day deadline, or failing to provide proper proof of completion. Unauthorized work before approval can also create complications beyond simple refusal.
PGWP as a pathway to permanent residence
Work experience gained on a PGWP can be used toward eligibility for permanent residence programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Programs. Only skilled work performed under valid authorization counts, and the quality of employment documentation during the PGWP period is critical.
PGWP extensions and misconceptions
A PGWP is issued only once in a lifetime and cannot be extended beyond its original validity except in very limited circumstances. Enrolling in another program of study after receiving a PGWP does not create eligibility for a second PGWP, even if the new program is PGWP-eligible.
Temporary public policies affecting PGWP extensions
From time to time, IRCC introduces temporary public policies that allow certain PGWP holders to apply for open work permit extensions. These policies are discretionary, time-limited, and apply only to applicants who meet specific criteria set out by IRCC at the time. Outside of such public policies, PGWP extensions are not available.
Alternatives when a PGWP is expiring
When a PGWP is nearing expiry, applicants may need to consider alternative options such as employer-specific work permits supported by an LMIA, LMIA-exempt work permits, bridging open work permits based on a permanent residence application, or a change of status to visitor. Each option carries different eligibility rules and risks.
Government fees and processing times
The government fee for a PGWP application is $255 CAD, consisting of a $155 work permit processing fee and a $100 open work permit holder fee. Processing times vary depending on volume and location of application but typically range from several weeks to a few months. Processing times are not guaranteed.
Our PGWP and PGWP extension legal services
Our services include eligibility assessment, confirmation of PGWP-eligible studies, application strategy, document review, status analysis, restoration assessment if applicable, preparation and submission of PGWP applications, advice on work authorization while waiting, assessment of PGWP extension eligibility under public policies, and guidance on transition to permanent residence or alternative work permit options. Legal fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 CAD plus HST, depending on complexity, timing, and status issues.
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