Understanding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have completed their post-secondary education in Canada to gain Canadian work experience. This permit enables graduates to build employment networks and work for any employer in Canada. Learn more about the post-graduation work permit.
The PGWP is an open work permit, providing greater flexibility than employer-specific work permits that require labor market verification. Graduates can work for any employer in any industry across Canada. The permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the academic program completed. A Canadian job offer is not required when applying for a PGWP.
Eligibility Criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must:
- Complete a full-time study program of at least eight months
- Graduate from a public post-secondary institution, a private institution with government funding, or an institution eligible to confer degrees
- Apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit within 90 days of meeting program requirements
- Possess a valid study permit when applying
For a three-year PGWP, the academic program must last at least two years. If the program duration is more than eight months but less than two years, the PGWP duration may match the program length. Exceptions might apply if the last semester was not full-time.
The PGWP Program is a common pathway to the Canadian Experience Class.
Q&A
Q: How long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid for? A: A Post-Graduation Work Permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the academic program completed.
Q: Is a Canadian job offer required to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit? A: No, a Canadian job offer is not required at the time of application for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Q: Can international students work for any employer in Canada with a Post-Graduation Work Permit? A: Yes, an open work permit allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer.
