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How do I apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after my studies in Canada?

✓ Verified answer Written from official pages, with checked citations and a verification date.

General information, not immigration advice. The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is for graduates of certain designated learning institutions. In general, you must have completed an eligible program of at least 8 months (900 hours for programs offered in Quebec), kept full-time student status and apply within 180 days of the confirmation that you passed your program. Depending on your program, IRCC may also require proof of language skills and a degree in an eligible field of study. The length of the permit depends on the length of your program and on the validity of your passport. These criteria change often: read the official page again before you apply.

Official page: Post-graduation work permit (IRCC) ↗

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Key facts

Deadline to apply: Up to 180 days after the confirmation that you passed your program. If your study permit expired before your application: up to 90 days after the permit expired, to apply for the PGWP and restore your student status.
Length of the permit: Program of less than 2 years (and at least 8 months): at most the length of the program. Program of 2 years or more: 3 years. In all cases, no longer than the validity of your passport. Special rules exist, for example for a master's degree or if you completed more than one program.
Language: For most applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024: Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, other university program) or 5 (other college or non-university program), in all 4 skills. Test results must be less than 2 years old.
Documents: Proof that you completed your studies, proof of full-time studies, proof of language skills and of an eligible field of study (if applicable), proof of an upfront medical exam (if applicable).
Fees: $255 for the PGWP according to the IRCC page at the date of its last update. Other fees apply in some cases (restoring student status, biometrics): check IRCC's fee list, which can change.
Criteria that change: The PGWP criteria have been changed several times (for example on November 1, 2024). Read the IRCC pages again before you apply.

Steps

Check that your institution and program are eligible for the PGWP: graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically make you eligible. IRCC publishes the list of institutions.
Check the general criteria: a program of at least 8 months (900 hours in Quebec), full-time student status during all semesters (part-time is allowed in the last semester), and a study permit that was valid at some point during the 180 days after the end of the program.
Check the criteria for your type of program: proof of language skills (Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 for a bachelor's, master's, doctorate or other university program; level 5 for other college or non-university programs) and, for some programs, an eligible field of study.
Gather your documents: proof that you completed your studies, proof that you were enrolled full-time, your language test results (less than 2 years old) and proof of the eligible field of study, if applicable.
Make sure your passport is valid for the whole period you are entitled to: the permit will only be issued for the length of validity of your passport.
Apply online in your IRCC account, from Canada or from another country, and pay the fees. First read the instruction guide that matches your situation (inside or outside Canada).
In most cases, you have 180 days after finishing your program to apply. If your study permit expires before you apply, there is a 90-day period to apply for the PGWP and restore your student status, with additional fees.
While your application is processed, you may work full-time only if the conditions on the IRCC page are met (for example, a valid study permit when you applied and a completed program). Otherwise, wait until you have your permit.
If you want paid help with your application, check that the person is an authorized representative: a consultant who is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, or a lawyer or notary who is a member of their law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. IRCC says not to use the services of a representative who is not a member in good standing. This page gives general information, not advice on your situation.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.

Sources

Permis de travail postdiplôme (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Permis de travail postdiplôme : Au sujet du PTPD (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Permis de travail postdiplôme : Qui peut présenter une demande (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Permis de travail postdiplôme : Obtenez les documents requis (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Permis de travail postdiplôme : Comment présenter une demande (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Permis de travail postdiplôme : Après avoir présenté une demande (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Vérifiez si votre représentant est autorisé (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))

Checked on October 5, 2026. Rules, deadlines and fees can change: always confirm on the official page above. Demande au Québec is an independent website, not a government site.