Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience from National Occupational Classification (NOC) list that is gained through the PGWP program helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry streamline. However, a minimum of one year of work experience in managerial, professional or technical positions (under NOC level 0, A or B) will be necessary to be eligible and apply to stay permanently through the Canadian Experience Immigration program.

To be eligible for the program, international students:

• Must have completed an academic program from the eligible DLI in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• Must have maintained full-time student status in Canada.
• Must have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study.
• Must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from the eligible DLI.
• Must have a valid study permit when they apply for the work permit.

Note that if the student’s program of study is less than two years but at least eight months, the student would be eligible for a post-graduate work permit.