Graduates of eligible Canadian programs can get an open work permit to gain Canadian work experience after finishing their studies. The permit's length is tied to how long the program was, up to a maximum of three years. This Canadian work experience is often the springboard to permanent residence through Express Entry.
Recent graduates of an eligible program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
It can. For some college diploma and certificate programs, recent rules require the program to be in an eligible field of study, while university bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees are not subject to that field-of-study requirement.
A PGWP can be valid from eight months up to three years. Programs of two years or longer can qualify for the maximum three years, while shorter programs of at least eight months usually get a permit matching the program length.
Yes, indirectly. The Canadian work experience you gain on a PGWP can count toward economic immigration programs that lead to permanent residence, even though the PGWP itself is temporary.
No. The Post-Graduation Work Permit is normally issued only once in your lifetime, so you cannot get a second PGWP after completing another program.
Possibly. A spouse or partner of a PGWP holder may qualify for a spousal open work permit, but recent rules have narrowed this and depend on factors such as your occupation and remaining work authorisation.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable opportunity for international students who have completed their studies in Canada to gain work experience in the country.
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must meet specific requirements.
Yes. The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit, so it generally lets you work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada without needing a job offer first.