Post-Graduation Work Permit
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who graduate from an eligible Canadian institution to work in Canada after completing their studies. The permit is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
The PGWP is one of the most important pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
Canada Visitor Visa refusals usually occur not because Canada is restrictive, but because applicants fail to demonstrate:
Most refusals are credibility-based rather than document-based.A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit issued to international students after they complete their studies in Canada. It legally allows graduates to:
The PGWP duration depends on the length of the academic program completed.
Students who miss the deadline may lose PGWP eligibility permanently.
Canadian immigration authorities assess PGWP eligibility based on academic completion and compliance.
| Study Program Length | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|
| 8 Months – 1 Year | Up to 1 Year Work Permit |
| 2 Year Program | Up to 3 Years Work Permit |
| Master’s Degree | Up to 3 Years Work Permit |
| Multiple Programs | Combined duration possible |
| Category | Fee (CAD) | Approx. INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa Application | $100 CAD | ₹6,000 |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 CAD | ₹5,000 |
| Family Biometrics (Max) | $170 CAD | ₹10,000 |
| Category | Fee (CAD) | Approx. INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Application | $155 CAD | ₹9,300 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | $100 CAD | ₹6,000 |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 CAD | ₹5,000 |
Typical documents include:
Additional documents may be requested during processing.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | Same day |
| Biometrics (if required) | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Processing Time | 60 – 120 days |
| Work Permit Issued | After approval |
| Risk Area | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ineligible Institution | Program not PGWP eligible |
| Late Application | Applied after 180 days |
| Part-time Study | Not maintaining full-time status |
| Incomplete Graduation Proof | Missing transcripts or confirmation |
| Expired Status | Study permit expired before applying |
Before applying for PGWP, a professional review helps you avoid costly mistakes.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit issued to international students who graduate from an eligible Canadian institution. It allows graduates to work full-time in Canada and gain professional experience that can later support Permanent Residency applications.
The validity of a PGWP depends on the length of the study program completed in Canada.
You must apply for PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final graduation confirmation. Applying late may result in permanent loss of PGWP eligibility.
Yes. If you apply for PGWP while your study permit is still valid, you may legally start working full-time in Canada while your application is being processed.
Yes. Many international graduates use their PGWP work experience to apply for Canadian PR through programs such as:
Normally, PGWP can only be issued once in a lifetime and cannot be extended. However, some temporary policy changes may occasionally allow limited extensions depending on government announcements.
No. Only institutions listed as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with PGWP-eligible programs qualify. Graduating from a non-eligible institution makes you ineligible for a PGWP.
Yes. Your spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit while you are working in Canada under PGWP, depending on your job category and immigration status.
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