Post Graduate Work Permit

Overview

Discover how to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada with iCW Immigration. Start your career journey in Canada with our expert guidance today.

Key Program Highlights

Graduates can work full or part-time for any employer in Canada with a post-graduation work permit, as well as operate their own business. Graduates are eligible for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class if they have National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B work experience obtained through the PGWPP.

The length of the applicant’s academic program determines how long the post-graduation work permit will be valid. It can be given out for as little as 8 months or as long as 3 years.

One post-graduation work permit may be granted to applicants per lifetime.

Key Candidates For The Program

Key candidates for the PGWP program are international postgraduate students who graduated from a DLI school in Canada.

Certain students are ineligible for a PGWP.

How to Apply

There are two ways to request a PGWP, whether you are submitting a PGWP application from within or outside of Canada: online or on paper at a visa application center in your country.

You must fill out the relevant forms, confirm them, print them off, sign them, and upload them in order to submit an online application.

To successfully submit an online application, you need the following:

A scanner or camera to scan or capture the electronic copies of all your supporting documents, which must be uploaded
A valid credit card to make payments online

Payment Of Fees

The fees you have to pay to the government include your application processing fee of $255. If you are out of status, you will pay $605 to restore your student status and PGWP application.

Biometrics Fee

If required, you should pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application to avoid delays. The biometrics fee is $85. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and digital photos.

Standard Processing Time For Post-Graduate Work Permit Application

The processing time for Post-Graduate Work Permit applications is 100 days.

Who is eligible

The candidate must currently have a valid temporary status or have left Canada before applying for a post-graduation work permit.

Candidates must have completed a program at an authorized educational institution (DLI).

A degree, diploma, or certificate must have been earned after the applicant successfully finished an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an accredited institution in Canada that lasted at least 8 months.

The applicant must have maintained full-time enrollment in the program or programs of study they have finished and submitted as part of their post-graduation work permit application during each academic session. There are several exceptions, such as breaks from studying or final exams.

Applicants must have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their study program.

The candidate must meet one of the following requirements: hold a valid study permit, have held a study permit, or have been permitted to study in Canada without a study permit under the immigration regulations. The candidate must also apply within 180 days after graduation.

Documents you will need

Letter confirming completion of the program of study

A final transcript

Identity documents, travel documents and passport

Photos: include 2 passport photos. The photos must be taken within the last six months of applying. Write the name and date of birth on the back of the photos.

Proof of current immigration status

Photocopy of a marriage certificate, if applicable

How the process works

Create an online account
The first step will be to create an account online.
Answer the eligibility questions
You will begin an application for an open work permit by responding to a few questions after the account has been created. Your unique document checklist will be made using the responses you give to these questions.
Upload, submit and pay
Upload all of your supporting documents, submit your application, and pay for it online. You can check the status of your application, get messages pertaining to it, and update any essential information using your online account.