Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) – Eligibility Criteria, Documents, and Processing Time 

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies.

Key Features of PGWP:

•  Open Work Permit – Allows graduates to work for any employer in Canada.

•  Duration – Valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the study program.

•  No Job Offer Required – Applicants do not need a job offer to apply.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency – Gaining Canadian work experience through PGWP can improve eligibility for PR programs like Express Entry (CEC) or PNPs.

Eligibility Criteria for PGWP:

•  Must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• Must apply within 180 days of receiving the final transcript and completion letter

•  Must have maintained full-time student status in most study terms.

•  The program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Who is NOT Eligible for PGWP?

•  Graduates from programs shorter than 8 months.

• Those who have already received a PGWP before.

• Students who took most of their courses online before COVID-19 exemptions.

• Those who studied at non-eligible institutions.

A PGWP provides a great opportunity for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which is crucial for obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Documents Required for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Application

To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, you need to submit the following documents:

Proof of Completion of Studies

•  Official Transcript – Issued by the institution (can be online or paper-based).

• Completion Letter – A letter from your institution confirming you have met all program requirements.

• Degree, Diploma, or Certificate (if available).

Valid Passport

•  Must be valid for the entire duration of the PGWP you are eligible for.

•  Include copies of all stamped pages and any previous Canadian visas.

Study Permit

•  A copy of your valid study permit at the time of application.

•  If your study permit has expired, you may need to apply for a restoration of status.

Immigration Documents

•  Copy of Entry Visa or Port of Entry (POE) Letter (if applicable).

•  Biometric Letter (if biometrics are required).

Proof of Full-time Studies

• Documents proving that you were a full-time student for most of your study program (except the final semester, which can be part-time).

Digital Photo

•  A recent passport-size photo that meets IRCC specifications.

Payment Receipts

•  Proof of payment for PGWP application fees ($255).

• If applicable, a biometric fee receipt ($85).

Optional Documents (If Required)

• Medical Exam Report – If you wish to work in healthcare, childcare, or other restricted fields.

• Explanation Letter – If you had any gaps in studies or part-time semesters.

How to Apply for PGWP?

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for PGWP with AtoZee Visas

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Completed an eligible full-time program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

Your program was at least 8 months long.

Apply within 180 days of receiving your final results.

Held a valid study permit during your studies.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Completion Letter – Proof that you’ve met all graduation requirements.
Official Transcript – Issued by your college/university.
Study Permit – A copy of your valid (or recently expired) study permit.
Passport – Must be valid for the duration of your PGWP.
Biometric Letter – If applicable.
Medical Exam Report – Required for jobs in healthcare or childcare.
Digital Photo – Meets IRCC specifications.
Explanation Letter – If you had gaps in studies or took part-time semesters.

Step 3: Submit Your PGWP Application

You can apply:
Online via IRCC Portal (recommended)
Paper-based application (only if online is not an option)

Processing Time: 2–6 months (varies by case).

 AtoZee Visas will assist you in preparing a complete and error-free document set!

Apply now for PGWP with AtoZee Visas expert guidance 

Processing time for PGWP

On average, applicants can expect processing times ranging from 80 to 180 days. 

Factors Influencing Processing Times:

• Application Completeness: Ensure all required documents are submitted accurately to avoid delays.

• Application Volume: High influx periods can extend processing durations.

• Verification Processes: Additional background checks or information requests may lengthen the timeline.