Table of contents
PGWP criteria
To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must meet the following conditions:
You must have completed a program of study lasting at least 8 months and leading to a degree, diploma or certificate at a designated educational institution;
You must have maintained full-time student status in Canada for all terms of your program of study (with the exception of the last term, during which you may have studied part-time, or if you have taken a leave from your studies);
You must have taken more than 50% of your courses in person in Canada;
There are some temporary exceptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ask your educational institution for details.
You must apply no later than 180 days after graduation;
For an application from Canada, have a valid study permit in hand, or, if it has expired, apply for its restoration at the time of the PGWP application. Persons in maintained status should wait until they have received their study permit before applying for the PGWP.
As of November 1, 2024, provide proof of language ability in English or French, for a minimum level of 7. Language tests results will be valid for 2 years. This Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) web page gives all the details.
If your study permit is still valid, you can start working as soon as you send in your application for a PGWP.
If your study permit expires before you receive proof of graduation, you have two options to apply for the PGWP:
Leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from abroad;
Apply for restoration of status at the same time as applying for the PGWP. Additional fees for status restoration apply.
To find out how to calculate the duration of your PGWP, see the PGWP duration section.
To find out how to apply for a PGWP, see the How to apply for a PGWP section.
To find out how to request visitor status, see the Requesting visitor status section.