What is Post-Graduate Work Permit and How do I extend my PGWP?

International students who complete an eligible Canadian post-secondary program may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
A PGWP allows you to work for any employer of your choice in Canada. You can go on to use this professional work experience to help you with an application for Canadian permanent residence.

What are the PGWP's Eligibility Requirements?
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must have:

• Completed studies in an academic, vocational or professional training program that is at least eight months long at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List.
  Study program must lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• Held full-time student status in Canada during every academic session of the program or programs of study completed and included as part of their post-graduation work permit application;
  Note: Canada has waived this requirement during the coronavirus pandemic for certain international students. Exemptions may apply to those who have begun or will begin a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021, or those whose program was already in progress in March 2020. In addition, exceptions may apply for those who took a leave from their studies in their final academic session.
  Received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the applicant has met the requirements to complete their program of study;
  The transcript and official letter must be included in a post-graduation work permit application.
• Graduated from:
  a public post-secondary institution, such as
  *a college
  *a trade or technical school
  *a university
  *CEGEP (in Quebec)
  *a private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec;
  *a private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer and results in the issuance of a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP); or
  *Canadian private school that can award degrees under provincial law (for example, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree) but only if the student was enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.
• Note: Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec must meet additional PGWP criteria outlined by IRCC depending on the type of diploma issued.

  Start your Process Today by Completing the Online Assessment Form.