Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit

While easy, getting a post-graduate work permit requires a certain level of preparedness and expertise.  It is possible to apply for the post-graduation work permit either by mail or online.  However, applying for it online is usually faster, and you can also be certain that your application has been completed before submitting it.  Also, if any additional documents are required, you can submit them faster through your online account.

The first step in starting your post-graduation work permit application online is creating an IRCC secure account.  If you decide to make your application via mail, you can request the post-graduation work permit application package on the IRCC website.

You only have 180 days during which you must apply after confirmation of the completion of your program of study has been received from the Designated Learning Institution.  After submitting your application, applicants must provide their photos and fingerprints (biometrics).

You should know a couple of things that might help in applying for a post-graduation work permit. They are:

1. You can apply while in Canada if you still have a valid study permit, possess a valid visitor record, or are awaiting a decision on a change or extension of status to visitor or student.
2. If your study permit expires or becomes invalid, you can either apply to have your student status restored, after which you can apply for your post-graduation work permit.  Another option is to leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from another country.  However, it is essential to note that if you are going to apply to have your student status restored, you must do so within 90 days from the expiration of your study permit.  You must leave the country if you miss this deadline because you won’t be able to apply inside Canada.
3. Suppose your study permit is bound to expire before you receive your results; you can either leave Canada and apply for your post-graduation work permit from another country or apply for the visitor record to extend your stay in Canada.
4. If, by chance, your passport expires before the validity period of your post-graduation work permit.  You can apply for a work permit extension after your passport is renewed.  This will ensure that you receive the complete validity of your post-graduation work permit.
5. Based on if you are applying from outside Canada or within Canada, the post-graduation work permit processing time is about two to three months.  While you are waiting for the outcome of your post-graduation work permit application, you can work in Canada, given that your application has been submitted before the expiration of your student permit.

To be eligible for the Canadian post-graduation work permit, here are some of the requirements:

• You must submit your application within 180 days of completing your study program.
• You should be above 18 years old.
• If you are applying from Canada, your study permit must be valid for 180 days.
• You must present a valid study permit or authorization to study.
• Your institution of study must be a designated Learning Institution.  You must also be aware that not all Designated Learning Institutions offer programs meeting the post-graduation work permit requirements.  You should check the list of DLIs offering eligible programs on the Canadian government website.
• If you are going to apply from outside Canada, you must be approved for a study permit.
• You must be studying your program full-time.
• The study program must run for a minimum of eight months.
• If your course is distance-learning or online, you can only be eligible if more than 50% of your course is not online or distance-learning.
• Your study program must lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree.
• It is acceptable to transfer between different eligible DLIs if the total length of study is more than eight months and continuous.
• Most of the learning should take place in Canada, but only a limited number of overseas studies is allowed.
• Your DLI must confirm that you have completed all your program requirements.
• You must graduate from any of:

1. A private school in Canada awarding degrees under provincial law like a Ph.D., Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Associate degree.
2. A private post-secondary school in the province of Quebec operating under similar rules as the public schools in the Quebec province.
3. A public post-secondary school like a CEGEP (in Quebec), University, technical/trade school, or college.
4. A private post-secondary or secondary school offering 900 or more hours of qualifying programs, leading to a DEP (vocational studies diploma) or an ASP (vocational studies accreditation).

The documents you need to apply for your post-graduation work permit are:

• Travel Documents
• Passport
• Current immigration documents
• Photograph
• Document explaining whether any gaps present in your studies were approved officially or not.
• Proof that your program of study has been completed.  This is usually your transcript or official letter from the school.
• Documents of proof if you combined two programs.
• Evidence to ascertain that part-time study (if any, not including your final term) was approved.
• Documents to explain why the number of allowable working hours was exceeded if applicable.
• Documents in support of any form of accelerated learning.
• Proof of medical condition or exam, if applicable.
• The Visa office can request additional documentation to aid in the processing of your application.