Post-graduation work permit
A post-graduation work permit is an open work permit that an international student who has earned a Canadian degree which took eight months or longer to complete as a full-time student throughout their whole program, can apply for after successfully completing all requirements of their degree.
Who is eligible for post-graduation work permit?
UPDATE Sept 18, 2024: IRCC has announced that students who submitted a study permit application for a certificate or diploma program after November 1, 2024 must graduate from an eligible field of study in order to eligible for a PGWP.
- Degree programs: Full-time in-person degree programs are eligible for a PGWP after degree completion.
- Blended programs: If more than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by online learning, the program would be considered a distance-learning program and would be ineligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
- Distance/online program: ineligible for a study permit and PGWP.
*Note: Post-graduation work permits are only issued to a student once. If you've previously had a post-graduation work permit, you will not be eligible to apply for another one.
*Note: Students on certain scholarships that require them to return to their home country upon completion of your studies also do not qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
How long will my post-graduation work permit be valid for?
It depends on the length of your program. If the official length of your program is:
How to apply for your post-graduation work permit
You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside or outside of Canada. You can only apply for a PGWP after you completed your degree requirements.
Effective June 21, 2024, post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications will no longer be accepted at the border. Flagpoling for PGWP applications is not permitted. All PGWP applications must be submitted online.
If you’re planning to apply from inside Canada, you must have a valid study permit to apply for a post-graduation work permit.
If your study permit will expire, you need to apply to change your status from student to visitor before your study permit expires.
To apply for a PGWP, refer to this website.
- You’ll need a Program Completion Letter or Confirmation of Credential Letter that confirms you’ve completed the requirements of your program of study. In order to get your program completion letter you MUST apply to graduate first.
**Program completion letters/Confirmation of Credential Letters are usually available 4-6 weeks after the end of a term, exact timeline may vary by faculty. To access this letter, students must be in good financial standing with UCalgary.
- Undergraduate students: Obtain this letter from your Student Centre when ready.
- Graduate students: Obtain this letter online through your Student Centre. You can only obtain this letter after thesis submission (PhD and thesis-based master's students) or once you’ve received your final grades (course-based students).
- - Official UCalgary Transcript
**UPDATE: Effective November 1, 2024, new language proficiency requirements for PGWP applicants will be enforced
- University graduates must meet a Canadian Language Benchmark CLB Level 7 and college graduates must meet CLB Level 5.
- For French speakers:
When can I apply for a post-graduation work permit?
You have 180 days to apply for your post-graduation work permit after you’ve completed the requirements of your degree outside of Canada. However, your study permit automatically becomes invalid 90 days from the date of completion of your degree requirements.
If you are applying inside Canada you must apply within 90 days of your completion date or before your study permit expires, whichever date comes first. If you haven’t applied for your PGWP before your study permit becomes invalid, you’ll need to apply to change conditions to a visitor. If you apply for your PGWP while on visitor status, you aren’t allowed to work while waiting for the work permit.
The 180-day period to apply for your work permit begins from the date you complete your degree requirements, NOT from the date of your convocation ceremony. Official degree completion letters are sufficient proof that you've met all program requirements of your degree.
When can I begin working?
If you applied for your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) within the first 90 days of completing your degree while you have a valid study permit, you may begin working immediately after you’ve submitted your PGWP application. You don’t have to wait for the physical work permit to arrive prior to beginning working.
NOTE: If you’re in Canada, you would be able to work part-time off-campus and full-time on-campus until you receive the letter of completion. Once you receive the letter of completion, you must stop working or submit your PGWP application to continue working.
Spousal work permit
Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit if, at the time IRCC makes a decision on their application:
You (the PGWP holder):
- Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP),
or have received approval for a PGWP (a letter of introduction), even if the physical permit hasn't been issued yet. - Your PGWP is valid (or approved) for at least 16 months beyond the date IRCC receives your spouse’s application.
- You are currently working or will be working in one of these job categories:
- TEER 0 or 1 (Management or Professional roles),
OR - TEER 2 or 3, only if the job is on the Annex A NOC list (typically skilled technical or trades jobs).
- TEER 0 or 1 (Management or Professional roles),
- You are living in Canada or plan to live in Canada while working.
- You are in a genuine relationship with your spouse or common-law partner.
Requirements for the Spouse/Common-law Partner Applicant (if in Canada)
- They must have valid temporary status in Canada (like as a visitor, student, or worker).
- Must be eligible to apply from within Canada.
Having a hard time finding a job?
As a UCalgary alumni, UCalgary’s Career Services will help enhance your job search and improve your resume and interview skills. You can access their services for up to one year after graduating. Make sure you connect with a Career Services advisor for assistance.
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