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Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Updates

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Study Permits and Student Visas

Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Updates

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:

  1. 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

  2. Apply online or print out and mail an application

  3. Apply within 180 days after your school issues your final marks for a post-graduation work permit.

  4. 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.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

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