International students in Canada who are enrolled at a designated learning center may be able to apply for a work permit after they graduate. Students who are qualified can send in an application after November 1, 2025. Not every senior from a Canadian college or university will be able to apply, though. Students from certain schools are the only ones who can apply.
Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree will not have to show proof of an in-field study, it was stated. Other graduates, on the other hand, will need to have studied in an area that is accepted for this new permit.
Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada Eligibility:
If you graduated after February 15, 2024, from an eligible area of study, you might be able to apply for a work permit. The course of study must last at least eight months. If a graduate is accepted into the PGWP, they may be able to work in Canada for three years.
So, what kinds of people can apply for a PGWP? The study areas have been broken up into five groups:
- Medical Care
- Math, science, technology, and engineering
- Farming and food production
- Move around
- Buy and sell
Students who have graduated from 966 schools across Canada can apply for this permit right now. Before applying, they had to have finished within 180 days. Students who want to apply must have a current study permit that hasn’t run out. Applicants will have to confirm the school they went to, the program they learned, and how long they were there. Also, they will need to send in a picture of their diploma or degree, their transcript, and a letter from the school saying that they have finished.
Applying For a PGWP:
Online applications for a PGWP can be made by graduates. Make sure that all of your paperwork is ready to go when you send in your application. There is a fee that you need to pay and all of the papers we listed above. You might have to get a full medical test before you can work in some fields. You have 90 days from the time you send in your application to take this test.
Although you can apply on paper, it is only suggested that you do so in very specific situations, like when you want to extend your pass. The Canadian Government said that forms should be sent online because they will be received right away. You won’t have to worry about your study permit running out before the PGWP is accepted and finalized because this speeds up the process.
There are times when the candidate may be asked to send in more paperwork. The app can be tracked online if this happens to you. This lets you quickly upload any extra documents you need. You can also keep track of the situation and get updates right away.
People who want to apply should know that they have to send in their PGWP application while they are in Canada with a valid study pass. No longer will foreign workers be able to apply before they come to the U.S.
Top Types Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada:
Post Graduation Work Permit Processing Time:
In Canada, the time it takes to process a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on where the applicant lives and how many applications are accepted. This is how long it usually takes for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process applications. Students should apply as soon as they get their final grades or proof that they will be graduating so that they don’t have to wait too long. Many graduates can keep working in Canada while they wait for a decision if they applied before their study permit expired. This way, they don’t miss out on good job chances.
How to Apply for PGWP in Canada:
For those who meet the requirements, getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada is a simple process. Graduates have 180 days from the end of their study to submit their application online through the IRCC portal. A valid passport, an official transcript or letter of completion from the chosen school, and proof that the study permit is still valid are usually the things that are needed. Making sure that all of your papers are correct and up to date can help the application process go more smoothly. Applicants can check online to see where their PGWP is at any time after sending it in and get ready for the next step in their job.
Post Graduation Work Permit Canada Requirements:
Students from outside of Canada must have finished a full-time program at a designated learning school for at least eight months in order to be eligible for a PGWP. There must be a degree, diploma, or certificate at the end of the study. Additionally, students must have been full-time throughout their studies, with a few exceptions like their last term. At the time of application, you must have a valid study pass. The length of the PGWP depends on how long the academic program is. For studies that last two years or more, permits are given for up to three years. It is very important to meet these standards in order to get the work permit.
Work in Canada After Graduation:
With a Post Graduation Work Permit, international graduates can work in Canada and gain useful experience, which can greatly increase their chances of becoming permanent residents. Graduates with a PGWP can work full-time for any company in Canada, without any restrictions. This gives them the freedom to try out different job paths. This experience also helps you get into programs like Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class, which gives skilled workers with a Canadian work background more chances to get hired. When international students work in Canada after they graduate, they not only improve their job chances, but they also make it easier for themselves to stay in the country permanently.
Check More: Applying for Canada Open Work Permit – Full Guide
PGWP Special Cases:
The five key areas of study listed above are the most important ones for PGWP applications, but they are not the only ones that will be looked at. Some accelerated programs and online learning courses have their own rules. Students might also be able to apply if they changed schools and one of them wasn’t on the PGWP list.
People who have graduated from flight school or are in a Canadian program with a foreign component will also be considered. You might still be able to get an open work permit or a job-specific work permit if you have a study permit but can’t get the PGWP. People with skills who are good for Canada’s economy still have hope.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to process a PGWP in Canada?
Processing times vary but usually take between 80 to 180 days, depending on the application volume and country of residence.
Who is eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
International students who completed a program of at least 8 months at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada may qualify.
How long is a PGWP valid in Canada?
The validity depends on the study program length—up to 3 years for programs of two years or more.