Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
🇨🇦 Canada visas · Work
What it is
Open work permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs), letting them gain Canadian work experience after their studies and potentially qualify for permanent residence.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 3 years depending on length of study program
- Processing time
- Varies, published processing times on IRCC site
- Extendable
- No
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- CAD 255
Key requirements
- Graduated from an eligible PGWP-designated learning institution
- Completed a program of study at least 8 months long
- Apply within 180 days of receiving final marks confirming program completion
- Held a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days before applying
- From June 21, 2024 PGWPs can no longer be applied for at a port of entry
After this visa
This IS the post-study open work permit; work for any employer after graduating.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 8 August 2026.