International students at eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies.
A PGWP is an open work permit allowing international graduates to work for nearly any employer in Canada, with exceptions for employers involved in striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
However, some international students may become ineligible for a PGWP despite initial eligibility. If you are a prospective international student, currently studying, or about to complete your program, it’s crucial to understand the key aspects of the PGWP to avoid missing this valuable opportunity.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about the PGWP, from eligibility criteria to application processes, ensuring a smooth transition from student to professional life in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for PGWP
Canada has recently updated the eligibility criteria for the PGWP. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Completed a Study Program at a DLI: Your study program must have lasted at least eight months and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Full-Time Student Status: You must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of your completed program(s), with exceptions for approved leaves or part-time studies in your final semester.
- Valid Study Permit: Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days before you applied for the PGWP. If your study permit was expiring before completing your program, you should have applied for an extension.
- Specific Program Requirements: You must meet the specific requirements of your study program, including its nature and duration.
Documents Needed for PGWP Application
To apply for a PGWP, you need to provide proof of your program completion, which can be done by submitting:
- Your degree or diploma
- Your transcript
- An official letter from your school
When to Apply for PGWP
You have up to 180 days after receiving your final marks to apply for a PGWP. Ensure your study permit remains valid during this period. If it expires before you receive your final marks, you have two options:
- Apply for a visitor record to extend your stay.
- Leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from abroad.
If your study permit expires before you apply, you can apply for status restoration within 90 days of expiry by paying a processing fee of $255 and a $379 fee for status restoration. You cannot work until IRCC approves your new study and work permits. If you miss the 90-day window, you must leave Canada.
Impact of Taking Leave from Studies on PGWP Eligibility
Taking unauthorized leave from your study program makes you ineligible for a PGWP. However, you can take an authorized leave of up to 150 days for valid reasons and still qualify. You must have proof that this leave was officially authorized by your DLI. Note that you cannot work during the authorized leave period.
Authorized Leave from Studies
According to IRCC, examples of authorized leaves include:
- Pregnancy or medical reasons
- Family emergency
- Serious illness or death of a family member
- Other types of leave authorized by the DLI
- Permanent closure of the DLI or strike action
- Changing schools
- Deferral of the program start date by you or your school
Ineligibility for PGWP
You are not eligible for a PGWP if you:
- Have a study permit that expired more than 180 days before you applied.
- Already received a PGWP.
- Studied English or French as a second language.
- Took general interest or self-improvement courses.
- Participated in certain government-funded programs or scholarships.
- Completed most of your program through distance learning.
- Studied at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
- Attended programs delivered by private career colleges on behalf of public PGWP-eligible institutions (with some exceptions).
Extending Your PGWP
A PGWP is issued either for the duration of your course (up to three years for Master’s, PhD, and professional programs) or until the validity of your passport. If your passport expires before the PGWP duration, you can extend the permit once you renew your passport.
Tips for a Successful PGWP Application
- Apply Early: Don’t delay your application. Ensure all documents are ready and submit as soon as you receive your final marks.
- Stay Informed: Regulations can change, so keep updated with the latest information from the IRCC website.
- Maintain Legal Status: Ensure your study permit or visitor status is valid throughout your stay in Canada while awaiting your PGWP.
Study Programs Eligible for a 3-Year PGWP
International students graduating from a master’s degree program are eligible for a 3-year PGWP, even if the program is shorter than two years.
Impact of Changing DLIs on PGWP Eligibility If you transfer between eligible DLIs, the combined length of your study program must be at least eight months. If you transfer from a non-DLI to a DLI, only the time spent at the eligible DLI counts, and you must spend at least eight months there to qualify for a PGWP.
