The PGWP is an open work permit issued under the International Mobility Program to graduates of eligible designated learning institutions. It lets you work for almost any employer in Canada, and the skilled experience you gain is often what qualifies you for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class or for a provincial nomination. For most international students it is the bridge between a study permit and permanent residence.
Eligibility is stricter than it used to be. In general, you must have completed a full-time program of at least eight months at an eligible institution, held a valid study permit during your studies, and apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that you completed the program. Recent rule changes added a language proficiency requirement.
The length of the permit depends on your program. As a general rule it matches the program length up to a maximum of three years, with graduates of eligible master’s programs typically receiving the full three years regardless of program length. Getting the length right, and keeping your status right while you wait, both matter for your longer-term plans.
Who this is for
- International students finishing a diploma, degree or graduate program at an eligible Canadian designated learning institution
- Recent graduates who have received their final transcript or completion letter and are inside the 180-day application window
- Graduates whose study permit has expired or is about to, and who need to restore or maintain status before applying
- Students unsure whether their institution, program or field of study qualifies under the current rules
What we do
- Confirm your program, institution, study permit history and completion date against the current PGWP eligibility criteria
- Check the language test and field-of-study requirements that apply to your credential level
- Calculate your application deadline and the permit length you should expect
- Prepare the application with your completion letter, transcripts, language results and study permit history
- Advise on working full-time while the application is in process, and on restoring status if your permit lapsed
- Plan the next step: Express Entry, a provincial nomination or a bridging open work permit once you are eligible
How it works
- 1
Eligibility review
Before anything is filed, we check whether your institution, program length, study permit history, language results and field of study meet the rules in force on the day you apply.
- 2
Timing and status
We confirm your 180-day window, whether you can work in the meantime, and whether restoration of status is needed first.
- 3
Application
We assemble and submit the online application, including the confirmation of completion, transcripts and supporting documents, and draft explanations for anything unusual in your record.
- 4
After approval
We review the permit conditions and expiry, and map your route to permanent residence so the work experience you gain counts.