International students often want to remain in Canada temporarily or permanently after they graduate. IRCC updated the requirements for international students applying for post-graduation work permits to give students more time to submit their application. A post-graduation work permit allows students who graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain work experience in Canada.
On February 14, 2019, the following post-graduation work permit updates went into effect:
- The deadline to apply for a post-graduation work permit has been extended from 90 days to 6 months (180 days).
- Applicants are no longer required to hold a valid study permit when applying for a post-graduation work permit; a student must have had a valid study permit at some time during the 180 days.
How To Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Canada wants more international students to become Canadian Permanent Residents to help build the economy. To qualify and apply for PGWP applicants must:
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Graduate from a Canadian public institution or a recognized degree program at a private institution, include universities, colleges or Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel
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Apply online or print out and mail an application
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Apply within 180 days after your school issues your final marks for a post-graduation work permit.
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Pay all application fees, including the “Open work permit holder” fee and the standard fee.
The post-graduation work permit is an open work permit; international graduates with a PGWP are not required to have a Canada job offer, can work in any occupation anywhere in Canada, and can change employers at any time.
Work experience through a Post-Graduation Work Permit Program can help support an application to become a permanent resident of Canada.
