1. The Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) opens new opportunities for international student after graduation

Possessing a developed economy and leading life in the world, Canada is proud to be a favorite destination for many families and international students who want to improve their lives and develop their jobs. In the 2022 Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) survey, 59.4% of international students said they wish to stay and become a permanent resident of Canada after graduation. 

The Government of Canada also recognizes that international students will bring a fresh and vibrant source of "energy" to education and contribute to the economic development of the country. Therefore, Canada offers the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program for foreign students. 

2. What is PGWP?

If you are an international student in Canada and want to stay after graduation, you should not ignore the PGWP. This is a work permit that allows students after graduation to work in any company without a job offer (Work Permit). The PGWP is valid for a maximum of 3 years, which will depend on the length of the educational program from which the applicant graduated.

The benefit of the PGWP Post-Graduation Work Permit allows international students to gain professional work experience in Canada and to qualify for permanent residency later on. 

Canada's Work Permit (PGWP) opens up new opportunities for international students after graduation

3. Conditions for registration of PGWP

To apply for a PGWP Post-Graduation Work Permit, an applicant needs to:

• Complete studies at an eligible designated educational institution (DLI) in an academic, vocational or professional training program (minimum duration of 8 months) and obtain a diploma or certificate . 

• Receive an official transcript and letter confirming that you have met the requirements to complete your program.

• Hold full-time student status in Canada for each session of the program or study programs completed and included as part of the post-graduation work permit application. (Quebec Note: Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec must meet additional PGWP criteria set forth by IRCC depending on the type of degree awarded).

• Graduate from a public post-secondary school, such as a college or trade or technical school, university, CEGEP (in Quebec), private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the rules like the public schools in Quebec ; a private middle or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or more and leads to the issuance of a certificate of professional practice (DEP) or certification of professional specialization ( ASP); or a Canadian private school may award a degree under provincial law (but only if the student is enrolled in a degree program authorized by the province).

Students need to receive a graduation certificate to be eligible for the PGWP Post-Graduation Work Permit

4. Registration Process for PGWP

International students wishing to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will have 6 months (180 days) to submit their application from the date of receipt of official transcripts and confirmation of program completion.

Applicants need to prepare the following documents identified on the Canadian government website:

• Degree or diploma

• Official letter from your school

• Official transcripts or a copy of your transcript from your school's website

• Note: IRCC may require additional documents upon receipt of an application

Then, you can apply for the PGWP online or on paper (if needed). The application steps will vary depending on whether a graduate student wishing to PGWP is applying from within or outside of Canada.

It is important to note that applicants must demonstrate that they currently hold a valid study permit, have had a study permit in the past, or have been authorized to study in Canada without a permit. If an applicant's current study permit is about to expire, they can apply for a visitor visa to stay in Canada longer, or leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from abroad.