What is PGWP and what are its benefits?
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — is a work permit that allows graduates to stay in Canada and work full-time after completing their studies. You do not need a job offer to apply for a PGWP, and you can work anywhere in Canada in any industry. This gives you the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian experience that will improve your chances of immigration.
Who can obtain a PGWP?
- University graduates who have completed bachelor's, master's or doctoral programs.
- University or college graduates who have completed programs related to in-demand occupations in the fields of Agriculture, STEM, Healthcare, Trade and Transport. The full list of 980 programs in in-demand occupations is available on the official website of IRCC.
Requirements for PGWP
To obtain a PGWP, you must meet the following conditions:
- Complete a program of study of at least 8 months duration that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate (English or French language courses do not count). The institution must be listed as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and the program must be recognized as eligible for a PGWP. Check your program on the official website.
- Study full-time for the entire duration of the program, except for official holidays and the last semester.
- Complete at least 50% of the program in Canada.
- Apply for a PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies.
- At the time of application, Student Permit must be valid or expired no earlier than 180 days before application.
New rules coming into force on November 1, 2024
From 1 November 2024, graduates will also need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French to apply for a PGWP. Language tests must have been taken no more than 2 years before applying.
Level CLB 7 — for graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs and other university programs.
Level CLB 5 - for graduates of colleges and other programs.
Approved language tests:
- CELPIP-General
- IELTS General Training
- PTE Core
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Important: PGWP is issued only once, so don't miss this chance!
Work permit for spouses
From 30 April 2024, spouses or common-law partners of students may be granted an open work permit if the student is:
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- Studying for a Master's degree (program over 16 months).
- Studying for a doctorate.
- Participates in the pilot program Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot or
- Studying in one of the following programs at the university:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc)
You will also be able to bring your children to study in a public school. Contact us, if you want to learn more about these programs and start your journey to a new life in Canada!
Important: Immigration requirements are constantly changing. The information on this page is current at the time of publication.