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Central Alberta, Canada
Immigration Pathways For international graduates

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

An open work permit for international students who graduate from an eligible Canadian school.

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At a glance

Job offer required?
No
Leads to
Temporary open work permit
Run by
Federal

What It Is

The PGWP is an open work permit available to international students after they finish a program at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution (called a Designated Learning Institution, or DLI). Unlike an employer-specific work permit, it lets the holder work for almost any employer in Canada.

Requirements, in Plain Terms

Program length
The program must be at least 8 months long, completed full-time, at an eligible DLI.
Application deadline
The application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving official confirmation that the program is complete.
Language test
Most applicants now also need to meet a language test requirement.
Field of study
For non-degree programs (diplomas, certificates), the program must be on the government’s list of eligible fields of study. This generally does not apply to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral graduates.
Permit length
Depends on the length of the program completed, up to a maximum of 3 years. It can never be longer than the holder’s passport allows.

Who It’s For

International graduates of an eligible program at an eligible Canadian school who want to gain Canadian work experience after their studies.

Job Offer Required?

No. A job offer is not required to apply for or receive a PGWP.

What It Leads To

A temporary open work permit. It does not lead to permanent residence directly, but Canadian work experience gained on a PGWP can help qualify for other pathways later, such as Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class or a provincial nomination.

Step by step

How the Process Generally Works

  • Study
  • Apply (IRCC)
  • Work
  1. 1

    Study

    Complete an eligible full-time program (8+ months) at a DLI.

  2. 2

    Study

    Receive official confirmation that the program is complete.

  3. 3

    Apply (IRCC)

    Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of that confirmation.

  4. 4

    Work

    If approved, work for almost any employer in Canada.

Good to Know

The rules around which fields of study qualify have changed more than once in recent years and can change again. A program that qualified in a previous year is not guaranteed to still qualify. Anyone considering a program specifically to become PGWP-eligible should check the current list before enrolling, not just before graduating.

Important to Know

PGWP eligibility rules, language requirements, and the list of eligible fields of study are set by the federal government and have changed several times in recent years. This page describes the general shape of the program. It does not guarantee that any individual or program will qualify for a PGWP. Speak with a licensed immigration professional to find out whether this pathway fits your specific situation.

Compare

Other pathways

See all pathways
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Permanent residence Rural Renewal Stream Permanent residence Express Entry Permanent residence Employer-Driven Pathway (LMIA) Temporary work permit Francophone Mobility Temporary work permit

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Find out whether this pathway fits your specific situation.

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