How to Get a Work Permit in Canada After Completing Studies?
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To get a Canada PGWP within 180 days of completion from an eligible DLI, you need to first submit essential documents to prove full-time studies. Scroll through to find a complete guide on how to get a work permit in Canada after completing studies.
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Table of Contents
- What is a Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
- Required Documents for Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
- How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
- How Long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada Valid?
- Work Permit Options in Canada Post-PGWP
- Applying for Canada PGWP? Seek ÿմ Expert Help
The way to get a work permit in Canada after completing studies is to generally apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of program completion. To prove that you graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a full-time, eligible program, you need certain documents to submit. However, the journey doesn’t end here.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada has a duration, and you need to know what to do after your PGWP expires.That being said and understood, it's important to know all the ins and outs of and after PGWP Canada for Indians. In this article, we have jotted down the required documents, steps to apply, post-PGWP work permit options, and more.
What is a Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada is a work permit for Indian or any international students to work for any employer for up to 3 years and gain work experience. It is an open work permit, which means no Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed, and the duration depends on the study programme's duration, with recent changes (late 2024) introducing new language and field of study requirements for eligibility.
To be eligible for PGWP Canada, you need:
- From an eligible DLI in Canada.
- Must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months.
- At least 50% of the program must have been studied in Canada.
- Must have been valid within the 180 days before applying.
- Added requirement includes specific language (English/French) and field of study rules applying, though university grads often have simpler requirements.
Before you move ahead, check the10 Reasons Your Canada PGWP Application May Be Refused in 2026to avoid pitfalls like incomplete documents or ineligible DLIs during application.
Required Documents for Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
To get a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you need the following documents:
- Passport:A valid passport, including the bio-data page and all pages containing stamps or visas.
- Official Letter of Program Completion:A letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming you have met all graduation requirements.
- Official Transcript:Evidence of your grades and proof of full-time enrolment throughout your program.
- Diploma or Degree:Your official graduation certificate.
- Digital Photo:Recent photos that meet specific IRCC requirements.
- Language Proficiency Results:Proof of English or French skills (such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) for applications submitted after November 1, 2024.
- Form IMM 5710:The "Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada" form.
- Form IMM 1295:For those applying from outside of Canada.
- Document Checklist IMM 5583:Specifically for paper-based applications.
- Form IMM 5476:"Use of a Representative" form, if you are using an immigration consultant or lawyer.
- DLI Eligibility Confirmation:Proof that your school and program are on the PGWP-eligible list.
- Proof of Timing:Documentation showing you are applying within 90 days of receiving final grades or completion confirmation.
- Valid Study Permit:Documentation proving you maintained a valid study permit for the duration of your studies.
How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
Given below is a step-by-step guide to getting a work permit in Canada after completing studies:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you tickmark all the below eligibility requirements:
- Completed a full-time programme (8+ months) at a DLI leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Applied within 180 days of receiving final marks/completion letter.
- Your study permit was valid at some point within those 180 days.
- For applications after Nov 1, 2024, show proof of language (CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college).
Step 2: Gather all the Required Documents
Essential documents include an official transcript & letter of completion from your school, valid passport pages, a digital photo, a study permit copy, and maybe an upfront medical exam if required.
Step 3: Complete the Work Permit Application Form
Access your IRCC secure account. Choose "Apply to come to Canada" for post-graduation work permit, complete forms like IMM5710. Attach your documents, pay application fees online, keep your confirmation page
Step 4: Wait For Approval
You can work full-time if your study permit is still valid when you apply; otherwise, wait until approved.
How Long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada Valid?
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is valid for 8 months and goes up to 3 years. But this duration may differ if you’ve graduated from a master’s degree programme; the length of your permit will depend on the length of the study programme you completed in Canada.
For master’s degree programs
You can apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if your master’s program was less than 2 years, as long as
- Your program was at least 8 months old
- If you meet all other eligibility requirements
Note:The duration for a certificate or diploma is not the same.
If your program is 2 years or more
may give you a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.
If you have completed more than 1 program
Each of the programs you completed must be
- PGWP eligible and
- at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length
Also Read:6 Best Courses in Canada for PR
Work Permit Options in Canada Post-PGWP
Obtaining a work permit after studying in Canada is important if you plan to stay and work there. PGWP can be one option, but the duration of PGWP is limited; don't worry, this is not the end. Here are work permit options post-PGWP.
|
Work Permit Option |
Description |
Key Requirements |
|
Employer-Specific (LMIA) |
Employer proves no Canadian available; ties you to one job/employer. |
Positive LMIA, job offer in eligible occupation, proof of qualifications. |
|
LMIA-Exempt (like Global Hypergrowth, CUSMA) |
No LMIA needed for high-growth firms, intra-company transfers, or trade agreements. |
Offer from approved employer, specific role eligibility (TEER 0-3), benefit to Canada. |
|
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) |
Open permit while PR application processes after PGWP expiry. |
Valid PR application (Express Entry/PNP/CEC), current PGWP or implied status. |
|
Spousal Open Work Permit |
Open permit if spouse has valid work permit or PR status. |
Proof of relationship, spouse's valid status document. |
|
Express Entry (PR Pathway) |
Use PGWP experience for CEC/FSW; it leads to PR without a work permit. |
CRS score via Canadian work experience, language, education and ITA invitation. library |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
Province nominates based on local needs; this often leads to PR. |
Job offer or in-province ties, work experience matching stream, library |
Applying for Canada PGWP? Seek ÿմ Expert Help
Securing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is key to gaining Canadian work experience after studies, amid 2024-2026 changes like language tests, field requirements, and stricter DLI checks. Professional support ensures eligibility compliance, complete documentation, and higher approval odds.
Contactÿմfor end-to-end guidance on PGWP, post-PGWP options, and PR pathways customized for Indians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a work permit in Canada after study?
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