Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada 2025-26 for International Students

Studying in Canada is more than earning a degree—it’s about exploring new cultures, gaining global experience, and laying the foundation for a successful career. What makes Canada especially attractive for international students is the opportunity to stay and work after graduation through the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), also known as the Post-Study Work Visa.

This open work permit allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, explore diverse career opportunities, and even take steps toward permanent residency. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the PGWP in 2025: eligibility, duration, benefits, application process, and practical tips.

Table of Content
What is the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
PGWP Eligibility Criteria – 2025/26
Duration of the PGWP
Benefits of the PGWP
How to Apply for the PGWP Gather Your Documents Submit Your Application Online Pay the Fees Receive Your PGWP
Tips for a Successful PGWP Application
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

The PGWP is an open work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows eligible international students to stay and work in Canada after they graduate. Unlike permits tied to a specific employer, the PGWP offers flexibility, allowing you to work for any employer in any location across the country.

This permit is highly valued because it allows you to:

• Gain Canadian work experience, which is a crucial factor for many immigration programs.
• Work full-time or part-time and change jobs freely.
• Take a significant step toward permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

PGWP Eligibility Criteria – 2025

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in 2025, international students must meet the following requirements as set by IRCC:

1. Enroll at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI):
   

   Your college or university must be on the official DLI list and offer programs recognized as PGWP-eligible. Not every program at a DLI qualifies; for instance, students in curriculum licensing arrangement programs are no longer eligible.
   

2. Complete an Eligible Program:
   

   You must have successfully finished a program of study in Canada that is at least 8 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
   

3. Maintain Full-Time Status:
   

   You are expected to study full-time throughout each academic session. Exceptions apply only for your final semester (if a full course load isn’t required to graduate) or for an officially approved leave of absence.
   

4. Apply Within 180 Days:
   

   Your PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving your final transcript and an official program completion letter from your DLI.

5. Hold a Valid Study Permit:
   

   At the time of application, you must either currently hold a valid study permit or have held one within the 180 days prior to applying

Duration of the PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit)

The length of your PGWP is determined by your study program’s duration:

• Programs between 8 months and less than 2 years: Your PGWP will be valid for the same length as your program.
• Programs 2 years or longer: You can receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years.
• Master’s Degree Programs: As of February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s degree programs are eligible for a 3-year PGWP, regardless of the length of their program. This is an exception to the general rule.

Benefits of the PGWP

The PGWP is more than just permission to work—it’s a gateway to career growth, professional development, and long-term settlement in Canada. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Gain Canadian Work Experience: Employers in Canada highly value graduates who already understand the local workplace culture.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Time spent working on a PGWP counts toward programs like Express Entry (CEC) and many PNPs, making the transition to permanent residency easier.
3. Career Flexibility: Since the permit is open, you’re free to work for any employer, change jobs, or explore multiple sectors.
4. Financial Independence: Earning a Canadian salary allows you to support yourself, manage living costs, and save for your future.
5. Networking Opportunities: Working in Canada helps you build professional connections, which can benefit both your career and immigration journey.

How to Apply for the PGWP

Applying for the PGWP is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Make sure you have:

• Valid passport
• Current study permit
• Official transcripts or academic records
• Letter or certificate confirming program completion
• Digital photograph
• Proof of fee payment: For most applicants who submitted their study permit application after November 1, 2024, you must provide results from an approved language test.
• Biometrics: If you have not provided biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in the last 10 years, you will need to pay a fee and provide them.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

Applications are submitted through the IRCC online portal. Even if you’re outside Canada, you can apply online, as long as it’s within the 180-day window after finishing your program.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

The PGWP costs CAD $255, which includes:

• CAD $155 for the work permit processing fee
• CAD $100 for the open work permit holder fee.
• The biometrics fee is an additional CAD $85 if required.

Step 4: Receive Your PGWP

Once approved, you’ll get an open work permit, allowing you to work anywhere in Canada. Processing times vary, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible after graduation.

Tips for a Successful PGWP Application

✔ Make sure your institution and program are PGWP-eligible.
✔ Apply immediately after graduation to avoid missing the deadline.
✔ Keep copies of your transcripts, enrollment letters, and graduation confirmation.
✔ Maintain a valid immigration status while your application is being processed.
✔ Double-check all documents before submission to avoid delays or refusal.

Conclusion

The Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is more than just a work visa—it’s a stepping stone for international students who want to build a meaningful career and establish themselves in Canada. It offers the freedom to work anywhere, explore different industries, gain Canadian work experience, and even pave the way toward permanent residency.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, planning your application carefully, and submitting all documents on time, you can make the most of this opportunity. Whether your goal is to gain valuable professional experience, save for the future, or eventually settle in Canada, the PGWP provides a flexible and rewarding path to achieve it.

With the right approach, your PGWP can turn your Canadian education into a long-term career and life opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the PGWP in simple terms?
   

   The Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. It gives you the freedom to work for any employer and gain valuable Canadian work experience.

2. How long is a PGWP valid?

• Programs under 2 years → valid for the same duration as your program.
• Programs 2 years or longer → valid for up to 3 years.

3. Can I work while waiting for my PGWP?
   

   Yes. If you apply before your study permit expires, you are allowed to work full-time while your PGWP application is being processed.

4. Can I apply for PGWP from outside Canada?
   

   Yes, you can apply from your home country as long as it’s within 180 days of program completion.

5. How much does it cost to apply?
   

   The application fee is CAD $255, which includes CAD $155 for the work permit and CAD $100 for the open work permit holder fee.

6. Can the PGWP be extended?
   

   No. The PGWP is a one-time permit and cannot be extended. Once it expires, you would need another work permit or consider applying for permanent residency.

7. Does work experience on a PGWP count toward permanent residency? 

   Yes. Work experience gained while on a PGWP is recognized by programs such as Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).