The PGWPP allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience in the national occupational code A, O or B that is gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class, within Express Entry.
Post-graduation work permits are exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments. They are considered open and coded as C43.
With a post-graduation work permit, as with all open work permits, graduates can
- work full time
- work part time
- be self-employed
Post-graduation work permit validity
A post-graduation work permit may be issued based on the length of the study program for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of 3 years.
When determining the length of a post-graduation work permit, officers may consider the duration of the program of study in Canada and confirm it with supporting documents. Regularly scheduled breaks (for example, scheduled winter and summer breaks) should be included in the time accumulated toward the length of the post-graduation work permit.
Determining the length of the post-graduation work permit
The validity period of the post-graduation work permit may not go beyond the applicant’s passport validity date. If the applicant’s passport expires before the validity period of the post-graduation work permit, the officer should note this reason in the “Notes” box, in the Global Case Management System. The post-graduation work permit applicant then has to apply for a work permit extension upon the renewal of their passport to receive the full validity of their post-graduation work permit.
Post-graduation work permits can be extended only when the length of the permit could not be provided at the time of the application, due to the expiry date of the applicant’s passport.
Transfers between educational institutions
In cases where a student has transferred between eligible Canadian DLIs, the combined length of study must be at least 8 months to qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
In cases where a student graduated from an eligible DLI after having transferred from an ineligible institution, only time spent at the eligible DLI counts as eligible for post-graduation work permit issuance. Time spent at the eligible institution must be at least 8 months.
Programs with an overseas component
If a student completes a program of study in Canada that has an overseas component, they are eligible for the PGWPP, as long as they earn a Canadian educational credential from an eligible DLI. However, the length of the post-graduation work permit is based on the length of time they studied in Canada. Officers may contact the DLI to confirm that the studies have taken place in Canada.
Making an application
Applicants must apply for a work permit within 180 days of receiving written confirmation (such as an official letter or transcript) from the educational institution indicating that they have met the requirements for completing their program of study. Calculation of 180 days begins the day the student’s final marks are issued or the day formal written notification of program completion is received, whichever comes first. The onus is on the applicant to provide proof of the date the transcript is received. Officers may also confirm this date with the educational institution.
The applicant may apply for a post-graduation work permit from within Canada if their study permit is still valid. If the applicant’s study permit is no longer valid, and they wish to remain in Canada, they must apply for visitor status before their study permit expires.
Former international students who change their status to visitor status before their study permit expires, while waiting for their notice of graduation from their institution, may also apply for a post-graduation work permit from within Canada.
Foreign nationals who do not apply for a post-graduation work permit, and whose study permit becomes invalid or expires, must either leave Canada or submit an application to change their status in Canada. They may also be subject to Restoration of temporary resident status.
Foreign nationals may apply for a post-graduation work permit from overseas.
Work authorization after submitting a post-graduation work permit application
Graduates who apply for a work permit, such as a post-graduation work permit, before the expiry of their study permit are eligible to work full time without a work permit while waiting for a decision on their application if all of the following apply:
- They are or were the holders of a valid study permit at the time of the post-graduation work permit application.
- They have completed their program of study.
- They met the requirements for working off campus without a work permit under paragraph R186(v) (that is, they were a full-time student enrolled at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program of at least 6 months in duration that led to a degree, diploma or certificate).
- They did not exceed the allowable hours of work under paragraph R186(v).
Spouses and common-law partners of post-graduation work permit holders
Spouses and common-law partners of post-graduation work permit holders may be eligible to apply for an open work permit under the C41 exemption.
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