Post-Graduation Work Permit

The PGWP is a federal work permit, so it’s valid anywhere in Canada.
However, each province offers unique career opportunities and immigration pathways.
For instance, Alberta graduates can transition through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), while Ontario and British Columbia have their own post-graduate PR routes.

We help you choose the province that best supports your long-term goals.

Age doesn’t limit your eligibility, but it can influence your long-term immigration strategy.

Mature students are welcome to apply for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) — and we help them demonstrate how the Canadian education and work experience align with their professional goals.

The post-graduation work permit processing time depends on where you apply:

• Inside Canada: typically 60 to 120 days
• Outside Canada: may take longer depending on the country

We track study permit to work permit transitions daily to give you accurate, up-to-date timelines.

Yes, if you apply before your study permit expires and you were eligible to work as a student, you can keep working full-time while waiting for your PGWP decision.

We help you maintain the correct legal status during this period.

A post-graduation work permit extension is only possible in special cases, such as when your passport expired early and you received a shorter permit than you qualified for.

 Otherwise, you may explore new options like an employer-specific work permit or permanent residence pathway to stay in Canada longer.

Yes.
To qualify, your school must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an eligible program.
Most public institutions qualify, while some private career colleges do not.

We’ll verify your school’s eligibility before you apply.

Yes, you can apply inside Canada through your IRCC account — no need to leave the country.

We help you prepare your documents, ensure your legal status remains valid, and file the application online for faster results.

The post-graduation work permit is one of the best paths to permanent residence.

After working in Canada for a year, you may qualify under:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) via Express Entry
• A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and others

We’ll help you plan your PR strategy from the moment your PGWP is approved.

If your post-graduation work permit is refused, we analyze your case in detail to identify what went wrong — missing documents, eligibility issues, or technical errors — and help you reapply correctly.

We handle your entire work permit after study in Canada process from start to finish:

• Eligibility verification and DLI check
• Preparation and review of all documents
• Online submission through IRCC
• Follow-up on status, extensions, or restoration if needed

Our mission is to help you stay, work, and build your future in Canada — confidently and legally.

Yes — but only if your study permit expired within the last 90 days.
In that case, you must apply for both a PGWP and a restoration of status.
We strongly recommend applying before expiry to avoid complications.

Normally, no — but exceptions exist.
If part-time study occurred only in your final semester, or was due to medical or personal circumstances approved by your school, you may still qualify.
We’ll review your transcripts and help prepare a clear explanation for IRCC.

Yes, under special rules introduced during and after COVID-19.
If you completed less than 50% of your program online, you remain eligible.
If most of your studies were remote, eligibility depends on your program’s start date and IRCC’s current policies.

Yes, but you need to be careful.
If you leave before approval, you might have to re-enter with a valid visa (TRV or eTA).
We advise staying in Canada until you receive your PGWP to avoid travel delays or re-entry issues.

Yes, if your study permit was valid when you applied for PGWP and you met work eligibility as a student.

You can continue working full-time while waiting for the final decision.

Your PGWP will only be issued until your passport’s expiry date.

You can renew your passport and then apply for a post-graduation work permit extension to receive the full duration you qualify for.

No.
You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime — even if you complete another eligible program later.

That’s why timing and strategy matter; we’ll help you use your PGWP at the best stage of your career.

A short, authorized gap (for example, between semesters or programs) is fine.
However, long gaps without explanation can lead to refusal.

We’ll help you provide documents proving your status remained valid during that period.

Yes — in most cases, you can and should apply together with your spouse or common-law partner when you submit your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application.

Your PGWP is an open work permit, and once approved, your spouse or partner may also qualify for an open work permit based on your new worker status. Applying at the same time can simplify the process and help your family avoid gaps in status or long waiting periods.

 It’s a great way to bring and keep your loved ones while you work in Canada.

Yes!
Work completed under a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) counts toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility and some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

That’s why it’s one of the best pathways from international student to PR.

You can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you already submitted your PR application.

This lets you keep working legally until IRCC makes a final decision on your permanent residence.

Yes — your PGWP is open, meaning you can work for any employer in any province.

There’s no need to update IRCC when changing jobs.

Apply as soon as you receive your completion letter or final transcript.

Don’t wait for the graduation ceremony — the 180-day window starts from your proof of completion, not your convocation date.

Unfortunately, programs shorter than 8 months are not eligible for a PGWP.

We can, however, help you explore study permit extension options to enroll in a longer program that makes you eligible later.

Only if you have another valid status (e.g., a new work permit, study permit, or PR application in process).

 Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for restoration or a new entry visa before returning.