Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows most international students who have graduated from an eligible program at a post-secondary institution to get Canadian work experience.
A minimum of one year of work experience in managerial, professional or technical positions (i.e., 0, A or B under the National Occupational Classification system) is required to apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry.
To be eligible for the program, international students:
- Must have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion of their program of studies and have graduated from: a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, university or CEGEP (in Quebec); or
- a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and that receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify); or
- a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees.
- Must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from the institution that they have met the requirements of the academic program.
- Must have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or certificate.
- Must have a valid study permit when they apply for the work permit.
The validity period of the work permit must not be longer than the period of study of the graduate at the particular post-secondary institution in Canada.