What is Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available to international students who have completed their post-secondary education and master’s degree at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, with a program duration of at least 8 months. The PGWP enables these graduates to work temporarily in Canada for a period ranging from 12 to 36 months.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have completed a qualified educational program at a Canadian college or university that is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• If your course at a post-secondary college is 8 months long and you were a full-time student, you will be eligible for a 1-year PGWP.
• If you completed two 8-month courses at a post-secondary college as a full-time student, you will be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
• If you completed a 16-month course at a post-secondary college as a full-time student, you will be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
• If you have a master’s degree from a program that is 2 years or less, you will be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

Starting September 1, 2024, you must complete at least 50% of your program in class in Canada to be eligible for PGWP.

Tip: Apply for your PGWP on the same day you receive your college transcript. Receiving your transcript indicates you have completed your course and are not eligible to work in Canada. By applying on the same day, you will be eligible to work full-time under the applied status of your PGWP.

How to apply for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

Step 1: Create a new GCKey login or use your existing account.

Step 2: After logging in, scroll to the bottom of the site and look for the "Start an application" heading. Select "Apply to come to Canada" and scroll down to find the option for "Visitor Visa/Study Permit/Work Permit." Click on this option, which will prompt you to fill out some information to check your eligibility. You will have 60 days to complete these questions.

Step 3: Once you complete the questionnaire, you will be logged into your account, where you will need to fill out several forms and submit various documents. The document and form checklist includes:

Form IMM5710

Form IMM5476

Form IMM5475

Passport photocopy

Current status in Canada (e.g., Study Permit, Co-op Work Permit)

Final college transcript

College completion letter

Step 4: After filling out all required forms and submitting all necessary documents, you will be directed to pay the application fee. The online fee for the PGWP is $255.

Step 5: Once you have paid the fee, you will be able to submit your application.

Note: Before submitting your application, review all your forms and documents thoroughly. Even minor mistakes can lead to application rejection. To avoid this, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer.

Note: If you fail to apply for your work permit within 90 days of completing your studies, you will be required to leave Canada.

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Post graduate work permit (PGWP) processing time

After submitting your application, it may take about 80 to 180 days to be processed and receive a final decision. During this time, you are eligible to work full-time under applied status until your study permit expires.

Disclaimer: The above information is for informational purposes only. If you apply for a PGWP and your application is rejected, we are not liable for any issues that arise. Therefore, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer to avoid any mistakes during your application process. You can also reach out to us at 2canindian@gmail.com, and we will assist you in connecting with a reputable immigration lawyer to handle your application.