POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT

PGWPP allows graduates to obtain an open work permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian Universities and colleges to obtain an open work permit.  As its name indicates, the open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada. Besides, the open work permit holder can change the employer freely. In order to qualify candidates should have successfully finished their academic program with an eligible Canadian institution. Also, candidates should have maintained full-time student status in Canada. To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the candidates must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). Also, they should satisfy the following conditions:

  • They have completed an academic, vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • They have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their post-graduation work permit application. Exceptions can be made only for the following:
    • leave from studies
    • final academic session
  • They have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study.

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

  • They hold a valid study permit.
  • They held a study permit.
  • They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Ineligible applicants

Students are ineligible if they

  • have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit
  • received funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
  • completed the majority of the credits toward the completion of their program of study by distance learning
  • completed a program of study delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of their length of stay in Canada