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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada – Complete Guide for International Students
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the most important pathways for international students who wish to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. A PGWP allows graduates to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, and it plays a crucial role in building eligibility for Permanent Residence (PR).
In this complete guide, Globexa Immigration explains PGWP eligibility, duration, documents, application process, working rights, and common refusal reasons.
1. What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is an open work permit issued by IRCC to international students who have successfully completed an eligible program of study in Canada.
Key features:
No job offer required
Work for any employer
Gain Canadian skilled work experience
Helps in PR pathways like CEC, PNP, Express Entry
2. Who Is Eligible for PGWP?
You may be eligible if:
You completed a full-time program at a PGWP-eligible DLI
Your program length was at least 8 months
You maintained full-time student status (except final term)
You received a completion letter and final transcripts
You apply within 180 days of program completion
Your study permit was valid at some point within those 180 days
3. PGWP Eligibility – Important Conditions
You are not eligible if:
You studied part-time (without valid reason)
You completed a program shorter than 8 months
Your institution or program is not PGWP eligible
More than 180 days have passed since completion
You already received a PGWP earlier (usually issued once in a lifetime)
4. PGWP Duration – How Long Is It Valid?
The length of PGWP depends on your program duration:
| Study Program Length | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|
| 8 months – < 2 years | Same as program length |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
| Multiple programs | Combined duration (conditions apply) |
Note: Passport validity can limit PGWP duration.
5. When Can You Apply for PGWP?
You can apply:
After receiving your completion letter and final transcript
Within 180 days of program completion
Where You Can Apply From:
Inside Canada
Outside Canada
At the port of entry (limited cases)
6. Can You Work While PGWP Is in Process?
Yes, if:
You had a valid study permit at the time of application
You applied from inside Canada
You met all PGWP eligibility criteria
You may work full-time while waiting for a decision under maintained status.
7. Documents Required for PGWP Application
Mandatory Documents:
Valid passport
Study permit
Completion letter from institution
Final transcripts
IMM forms
Digital photograph
Supporting Documents (If Applicable):
Letter of explanation
Proof of maintained status
Medical exam (for certain jobs)
8. PGWP After Study Permit Expiry
If your study permit expired after program completion but before PGWP application, you may:
Apply for PGWP with restoration (within 90 days)
Stop working until approval
This scenario requires professional handling to avoid refusal.
9. Common PGWP Refusal Reasons
Applying after 180 days
Ineligible institution or program
Part-time studies without explanation
Passport expiring early
Missing completion documents
Violation of study permit conditions
10. Why PGWP Is Important for PR
PGWP helps you:
Gain Canadian skilled work experience
Qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Become eligible for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Increase CRS score in Express Entry
11. Why PGWP Is Important for PR
At Globexa Immigration, we provide:
Eligibility assessment
PGWP application filing
Implied status & restoration guidance
Complex case handling
PR pathway planning after PGWP
Our goal is to protect your work rights and future PR eligibility.
