Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers international students who have completed eligible programs in Canada the
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the PGWP, applicants must:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old.
- Educational Qualification: Complete a full-time program of at least 8 months in duration.
- Documentation: Provide proof of program completion, such as a graduation certificate, from your educational institution.
- Application Deadline: Submit your PGWP application within 180 days of completing your studies.
- Institution Eligibility: Graduate from an institution and program recognized for the PGWP.
Determining the Length of Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
All Provinces (except Quebec):
- Study Duration 8 Months – Less Than 2 Years: The PGWP length can be up to one year or match the length of the study program.
- Study Duration 2 Years or Longer: The PGWP can be issued for up to 3 years.
In Quebec:
- Study Duration 900 – 1,800 Hours: The work permit’s length may vary, typically matching the program’s duration.
- Vocational Programs (DVS or AVS): A pro-rated calculation is used to determine the permit’s length. If you complete more than one DVS or AVS program within 2 years, each being at least 900 hours, the PGWP length combines the duration of each program.
Special Considerations:
- Regular Breaks: Scheduled breaks like winter and summer vacations aren’t deducted from the PGWP duration.
- Multiple Programs: If you complete more than one program from a designated learning institution (DLI) within 2 years, and each program is at least 8 months long, the PGWP duration combines the length of each program. This applies to both Quebec and other provinces.
- Masters or Doctoral Graduates: A 3-year PGWP may be issued if the eligible DLI confirms that the program was 16 to 23 months without scheduled breaks.
Note on Combined Length:
- For combined program lengths of 2 years or more (or 1,800 hours or more for DVS and AVS in Quebec), the PGWP may be valid for up to 3 years.
Required Documents: Prepare the following for your application:
- Passport: Ensure it is valid for the entire duration of the expected PGWP. If your passport expires sooner, the PGWP issued will match the passport’s expiry date.
- Recent Digital Photo: Taken within the last 6 months.
- Study Permits: Copy of all study permit(s) as proof of your status in Canada.
- Proof of Completion: Documents from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), like graduation certificates, completion letters, etc., and official academic transcripts.
- Health Sector Work: If intending to work in sensitive sectors like healthcare or education, an Immigration Medical Exam is required. This exam is crucial for receiving authorization to work in these fields.
To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, applicants have two main options:
Online Application: Typically the preferred method, where you create an account through GCKey or a Sign-In Partner (like a bank) to access the online system. Online applications are generally processed faster.
Paper Application: Necessary in specific scenarios, particularly when you need to extend or modify the conditions of an existing PGWP.
Application Process:
- Fill in Forms: Complete the Work Permit IMM5710e Application Form accurately.
- Compile Documents: Organize all required documents in a readable and proper format.
- Review: Double-check all information for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Fees: The IRCC fee is $255 if applied for before your study permit expires. If status expired, include a restoration fee of $379 as applicable. Biometrics fee may also apply ($85).
Must and review check latest update guidelines, for latest information or documents required for your PGWP
After Applying for Your PGWP:
- Application Processing:
- Time Frame: Processing times vary; check the current estimates.
- Status Updates: Monitor your application’s status via the online GC key portal.
- Working During Processing:
- Eligibility: You may work full-time while your application is pending if your student permit was valid at the time of application and you were eligible to work off-campus before applying.
- Maintaining Legal Status:
- Implied Status: Applying before your study permit expires grants you implied status, allowing you to legally stay in Canada until a decision is made.
Actions Following a PGWP Decision:
- If Approved: Continue or commence full-time employment in Canada.
- If Refused:
- Cease Work Immediately: Stop working if you no longer have valid status. Assess your situation for any remaining legal options.
- Restoration of Status: Consider applying for status restoration based on your circumstances.
- Legal Implications: Understand the complexities, especially under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and seek professional advice if needed.
Support and Resources: For uncertainties or questions, seek advice from immigration consultants, lawyers, or contact IRCC directly.
Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on immigration policies to understand how they may impact your status.
Need Help? Our support team is available for guidance or any questions about the PGWP application process.
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PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit) Application Fees $399
Plus Government Fees.
- IRCC Application Fee: $255.00 for the main applicant.
- IRCC Biometrics Fee: $85.00 (if applicable).
* Complex Cases: For applications with complexities or special considerations, an extra fee may be charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) enables students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to acquire valuable Canadian work experience. Importantly, work experience gained through the PGWP Program can also contribute to an application for permanent residency in Canada.
To apply for a PGWP, most individuals must submit their application online. It's crucial to ensure you're eligible for the PGWP before applying. You have a 180-day window after your school issues your final marks to submit your application. During the application process, you need to pay two fees: the open work permit holder fee and the standard work permit fee. If your study permit has expired, you must apply for your PGWP within 90 days of losing your student status and pay the fees for both the open work permit and standard work permit. Additionally, if you're restoring your status as a student, there's a separate fee of $379 (this includes $229 as restoration fee, and $150 as study permit), which must be paid online. It's important to note that you do not need to make a separate application to restore your status as a student.
The PGWP allows you to work in almost any field in Canada. However, jobs in certain sectors, such as health care or education, might require a medical exam. If you have not undergone this medical exam, your PGWP may have restrictions preventing you from working in these sectors.
To qualify for a PGWP, you must have completed a study program at a designated learning institution in Canada. This program should have been full-time and at least eight months in duration. It's also important that you maintained full-time status during each academic session of your program, except for the final session, which can be part-time.
While you can initiate your application process, you must provide proof of program completion to apply for the PGWP. This proof can be in the form of a diploma, an official letter from your school, or final transcripts. It's important to wait until you have this documentation before finalizing your application.
You can work while your PGWP application is being processed if your study permit was valid at the time of application submission and you were eligible to work off-campus. This provision allows you to continue working full-time until a decision is made on your PGWP application.
Yes, international students are allowed to work in Canada after completing their studies under certain conditions. For comprehensive details on this topic, please refer to the relevant blog post. This will provide you with in-depth information on eligibility, application processes, and other important guidelines for working in Canada post-graduation.
Yes, you can travel outside Canada while your PGWP application is being processed. However, ensure you have a valid re-entry document, like a valid TRV or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Be aware of the risks, as your re-entry into Canada is not guaranteed and depends on the discretion of the border officials. It's advised to carry your existing study permit(s) and proof of your PGWP application and your ties to Canada to facilitate your re-entry.
The PGWP is non-renewable. Once it expires, you cannot extend it. If you wish to continue working in Canada, you may need to explore other work permit options or consider applying for permanent residency.
Yes, the PGWP allows you the freedom to travel within Canada. It does not restrict your mobility within the country.
If your passport expires before your PGWP, the permit will be issued only until the expiry date of your passport. You should renew your passport before applying for a PGWP to get the maximum possible duration.
If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for refusal. You cannot work after a refusal and should consider other options, such as reapplying with additional information or exploring different visa categories.
Traditionally, distance learning could impact your eligibility. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been temporary policy changes. It's best to check the latest guidelines as these policies are subject to change.
Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children to Canada. Your spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit, and your children can study in Canada.
Work experience gained through the PGWP can significantly enhance your eligibility for certain Canadian permanent residency programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within the Express Entry system.
At Visaplus, we offer thorough support for your PGWP application. Our services include a meticulous review of your application to ensure its accuracy and completeness. We guide you on the best timing for submission, guide in gathering and organizing necessary documents like your proof of program completion, and keep you informed about any relevant changes in immigration policies related to PGWP. Once your PGWP is approved, you can also take advice from us on your rights and responsibilities while working in Canada, ensuring a smooth transition into your post-graduation professional life.
At Visaplus, we value our clients deeply. Once you engage our services for the first time, you become a valued loyal client, making you eligible for up to 10% discount on future application services with us. Additionally, if you apply for your PGWP through us, you will receive a one-time free consultation with a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to explore your options for permanent residency in Canada. This is part of our commitment to supporting your long-term immigration goals.
To begin your PGWP application enquiry or process with Visaplus, simply fill out a brief Enquiry Form for assessment, which takes only 1-2 minutes to complete. There is no fee required until you decide to retain our services or book a consultation appointment. Once we receive your form, our team will reach out to you for additional information if necessary, or to discuss on your general eligibility. In more complex cases, we recommend a consultation with an Authorized Representative to ensure the best course of action.
To find the enquiry form for Visaplus, you can easily click here for quick access to the Enquiry Form. Alternatively, you can navigate through our website to the enquiry forms section and fill out the PGWP Intent Form there.