Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are open work permits issued to international students who have graduated from a Canadian educational program. This permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada without restrictions on the number of work hours.

PGWPs are valid for a duration ranging from eight months to three years, providing a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in Canada. This experience can facilitate pathways to permanent residency in Canada for the permit holder.

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Graduation alone does not automatically make you eligible; you must check if your institution and program meet the PGWP criteria.

If you studied online at a PGWP-eligible DLI from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, this time counts towards the length of your PGWP. However, as of September 1, 2022, online studies completed outside Canada no longer count towards the PGWP length. Additionally, time spent studying outside Canada after December 31, 2023, and before applying for a study permit does not count.

Until August 31, 2024, you must complete at least 50% of your program online or in class in Canada. Starting September 1, 2024, you must complete at least 50% of your program in class in Canada.

The duration of a PGWP depends on the length and level of your study program:

For master’s degree programs:

• Programs of less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) are not eligible for a PGWP.
• Programs of at least 8 months may qualify for a 3-year PGWP, even if the degree is less than 2 years, provided all other criteria are met.

For all other programs:

• Programs of less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) are not eligible.
• Programs of at least 8 months but less than 2 years may qualify for a PGWP valid for up to the length of the study program.
• Programs of 2 years or more may qualify for a PGWP valid for 3 years.
• If you completed more than one eligible program, you may receive a PGWP that combines the length of each program. Each program must be PGWP eligible and at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.

You can apply for a PGWP only once. If you plan to pursue another educational program that follows your first one or if you consider a longer program in Canada, you can strategically time your PGWP application. Applying after the longest study period can result in a PGWP valid for up to three years.

The Canadian PGWP provides a pathway for international students to obtain permanent residency. By combining Canadian education with full-time work experience, candidates are well-positioned to apply under the Express Entry system. A Canadian diploma and work experience offer valuable additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of Express Entry, enhancing the candidate’s competitiveness for permanent residency. For students in Quebec, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) also favors Canadian degree holders with work experience.

Canada is introducing changes for international students from 2024 to 2026 to improve the immigration system. Starting January 22, 2024, study permit applications will require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Effective September 1, 2024, Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility will be restricted, with students in licensed programs no longer eligible, while master’s graduates can apply for a 3-year permit. Additionally, open work permits for spouses will be limited to those of master’s, doctoral, and professional degree students.

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