Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

An open work permit for graduates of a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

Open

Sir Daniel Wilson Quadrangle, University of Toronto — Photo: Victoria Heath · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Who it is for (summary)

Program at least 8 months long (900 hours in Quebec), studied full time each semester (part time is allowed in the last one).
Apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you finished your program, and your study permit was valid at some point in those 180 days.
Language: CLB/NCLC 7 for university graduates, CLB/NCLC 5 for college and other programs (if you applied for the PGWP on or after November 1, 2024).
Field of study: not needed for bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral graduates. Other graduates whose study permit application was on or after November 1, 2024 need an eligible field of study.

Step-by-step checklist

0 of 4 done

1. Check you can applyWhat to expect: Your school, program length, full-time status, language results and field of study (if it applies).
2. Get your documentsWhat to expect: The official letter from your school with your program length and code, and your transcript or completion proof.
3. Apply online within 180 daysWhat to expect: Pay the fees. If you apply from inside Canada with valid status, IRCC explains when you can work while you wait.
4. DecisionWhat to expect: The permit is open: you can work for most employers.

Documents you usually need

Letter of completion from your school
Final transcript
Language test results (CLB/NCLC)
Passport

Government fees

CAD

Post-graduation work permit (includes the open work permit holder fee)

$255

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

Canadian work experience on a PGWP can count for the Canadian Experience Class.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

언어를 고르세요