Post Study Work Visa in Canada 2025: Eligibility & Process
Canada is a popular choice for many students around the world. One reason is that Canada allows you to stay and work after you finish your studies. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this opportunity, let’s talk about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
PGWP is a visa that lets you work in Canada after you graduate. But it has some rules, and the process can seem like a lot of work. Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through everything step by step in this guide about the post study work visa in Canada.
Understanding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP is a type of work permit made just for students who graduated from a Canadian school. What makes it a little different is that it’s an open work permit. This means you can work anywhere in Canada for any employer without needing a job offer before applying.
What is the PGWP?
The PGWP lets international students who have graduated from a Canadian school stay and work there. It’s different from other work permits because it doesn’t tie you to a specific employer or job.
You can work full-time, part-time, or even start your own business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain Canadian work experience. It can help if you want to apply for permanent residency later.
Who is Eligible for the PGWP?
Not everyone can get a PGWP. Your study program must be at a public post-secondary school. For instance, a university, college, or private school that follows the same rules as public schools in Quebec. Also, to be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have studied full-time for at least 8 months in Canada.
- Have finished your program at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution ).
- Apply within 180 days (six months) of finishing your studies.
- Have valid status in Canada when you apply (or restore your status if it has expired).
Duration and Validity of PGWP
One of the most important things about the PGWP is how long it lasts. The length of your PGWP depends on how long your study program is. Here’s a breakdown:
Duration Based on Program Length
- If your study program was less than 8 months, you’re not eligible for a PGWP.
- If your study program lasted 8 months to 2 years, the validity of your PGWP will be the same as your program. For instance, if you finished a 9-month program, you could receive a work permit valid for a maximum of 9 months.
- If your study program was 2 years or more, you can get a PGWP for up to 3 years.
If you completed more than one eligible program, you might be able to combine them to get a longer PGWP. Each program must be at least 8 months long, and the combined length will determine your work permit’s length.
Special Cases
Sometimes, your passport might expire before your PGWP does. In this case, the government will give you a work permit that expires when your passport does. You can apply to extend the PGWP once you renew your passport, but you’ll need to follow the instructions carefully and apply on paper.
In most cases, the PGWP cannot be extended. However, if your passport expires before your permit’s validity period, you can extend it after renewing your passport. The government will let you know if you’re eligible to extend it.
Application Process for Post Study Work Visa in Canada
Applying for a PGWP might seem complicated. But it’s easier if you follow the process step by step. To help out with it, here’s a quick guide:
When and How to Apply
You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies. You can submit your application from within Canada or your home country. The important thing is that your study permit must still be valid when you apply.
Required Documents
To apply, you’ll need some documents to prove you’ve finished your program, including:
- A degree, diploma, or certificate from your school.
- An official transcript or a copy from your school’s website.
- An official letter from your school confirming that you’ve completed your studies.
Fees and Payment Methods
The fee to apply for a PGWP is $255. If you need to restore your status as a student (because your study permit expired), you’ll need to pay an extra $379. Payments can be made online.
Processing Times and What to Expect
The time it takes to process your application can vary, but it usually takes a few months. While waiting, if you applied while your study permit was still valid, you can work full-time until a decision is made.
It’s important to avoid mistakes or delays. So, make sure your application is complete and accurate, and double-check that all your documents are included. Missing documents or errors can slow down the process.
Working on a PGWP
As we said, the PGWP is an open work permit, so you don’t need a job offer to apply. Once you have your PGWP, you can start working! However, there are also some important things to know about working with this permit.
Full-Time Work Rights
If you’ve applied for your PGWP and your study permit is still valid, you can work full-time while your application is being processed. You don’t need to wait for the final decision before starting your job.
Flexibility to Switch Jobs
Since the PGWP is an open permit, you can switch employers or change industries without needing a new permit. If you like exploring different fields or want to try a new role, you can do so without additional paperwork.
Limitations and Conditions
In some cases, depending on the job, you might need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is mainly for positions that aren’t exempt from this requirement. Additionally, certain jobs, like those in healthcare or child care, might require a medical exam before you can start working.
Pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada
Getting a Canada work permit after study (PGWP) helps a lot if you want to become a permanent resident in Canada. A PGWP lets you work in Canada after you finish your studies.
With a PGWP, you can work in Canada for up to three years. You can build up the Canadian work experience you need during this time. Most PR programs, like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), ask for at least one year of work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is one of the easiest ways to apply for PR if you have Canadian work experience. You must work full-time for one year (or part-time, adding up to 1560 hours). Your work must be in a skilled job. After this, you can apply for PR through Express Entry. CEC applications are often processed within 6-8 months.
PGWP and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Another way to get PR is through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Every province in Canada has its own PNP, which looks for skilled workers. If you have work experience in a province and your job is in demand, that province might nominate you for PR. This adds a big 600 points to your Express Entry profile.
Steps to Apply for PR While on PGWP
- Work for at least one year in a skilled job.
- Create an Express Entry profile.
- Apply through the CEC or PNP programs.
- Get invited to apply for PR.
- Submit your documents. For instance, your work experience and language test results.
- Wait for approval and get your PR status.
Not all jobs count for PR. You need to have a job that’s considered skilled under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Your job should be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories. These are jobs that require skills and training. The more skilled your job is, the better your chances of getting PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the post-study work visa for Canada?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can last from 8 months to up to 3 years. The length depends on the length of your study program. If your program is two years or longer, you may get a three-year PGWP.
Who is eligible for PGWP Canada College?
To be eligible, you must have completed a program at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) in Canada. Your program must be at least 8 months long, and you must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
How long does it take to approve PGWP?
It usually takes around 80 to 180 days for a PGWP application to be processed. You can work while waiting for your permit as long as you apply before your study permit expires.
How do I know if my program is eligible for PGWP Canada?
Your program is eligible if it’s from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and is at least 8 months long.
How long is PGWP valid?
A PGWP is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. For example, a two-year study program might make you eligible for a three-year PGWP.
What is the procedure for PGWP in Canada?
First, complete a study program at a DLI. Then, apply for your PGWP within 180 days after you get your final marks. Make sure you have all the required documents, like proof of graduation and a valid passport.
How long can I stay after PGWP expires?
Once your PGWP expires, you can stay in Canada if you apply for a new permit or PR before it expires. If not, you must leave the country. You can also extend your stay by getting a visitor visa.
How many times can I apply for a PGWP?
You may only submit one application for a PGWP in your lifetime. Make sure to apply for the maximum length if you are eligible.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a PGWP?
No. The PGWP allows you to search for a job after you finish your studies.
Conclusion
Working in Canada with a PGWP is more than just a job. It can be a great opportunity to build your future. So, if you’re nearing the end of your studies in Canada, it’s time to start planning your next steps and begin your application for the post study work visa in Canada.