PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)

FAQ regarding PGWP

How can I show a potential employer I’m allowed to work while I wait for my post-graduation work permit?

• You can show a potential employer you’re allowed to work by giving them a copy of all of the following documents:
• proof that you completed your program(s) of study, such as
  • the official letter from your school that confirms you’ve completed your study program or
  • an official transcript or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website
• a copy of your study permit
  • To be allowed to work right away, your permit should say: “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w); must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria”
• a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt from your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application, if you applied online
  • To be allowed to work right away, the acknowledgement of receipt must have been received before your study permit expired
• a copy of your WP-EXT for PGWP (IMM 0127 E) letter (if you received one) to prove you’re authorized to keep working, even if the 120-day validity period has expired
  • If you need proof of authorization to continue working, you can ask for it by using our web form.
• You can use these documents to work only until a decision is made on your application.

Can I submit an unofficial final transcript when I apply for PGWP?

• As per IRCC instructions, you may provide an official transcript issued if available. Alternatively, you may also provide a transcript copy from the MITT website (i.e., an unofficial final transcript from the student portal). Note that your unofficial final transcript must indicate your final grades (and completion of work practicum if your program has the mandatory practicum). The transcript, along with the Confirmation of Completion letter, is used to assess the requirements referred to above. If you’d like, you may submit IRCC the official transcript via web form after submitting your PGWP application with an unofficial final transcript from the portal. Keep checking your IRCC account regularly in case IRCC send updates or request additional documents regarding your application.

I need to apply for PGWP as soon as possible as I received a job offer from an employer. My study permit is expiring soon. Can I get a rushed completion letter?

• If you have a job offer, OR if your study permit expires within a month, you may request a rushed completion letter by contacting csr@mitt.ca AFTER you finish your program. Note that you need to submit the final transcript as well when you apply for PGWP.

When can I start working full-time after applying for PGWP?

• Graduates who applied for a PGWP in Canada before the expiry of study permit are eligible to work full-time without a work permit while waiting for a decision on their application. Please note that you need to submit the Confirmation of Completion letter AND final transcript when you apply for PGWP.

When should I apply for PGWP while I am in Canada?

• Applying for your PGWP within 90 days from your program end date is recommended.

Can I continue to work before I receive my graduation documents?

• If you were eligible to work off-campus in the last term of your study program, you may continue to work up to 20 hours per week until you receive your final grades while your study permit is still valid. Note that you must stop working after receiving your final grades. Confirmation Completion letter is issued once your final grades appear in the student portal. Accordingly, you are not allowed to work upon receiving the Confirmation of Completion letter.

When can I start working full-time?

• You may start working full-time if you have submitted your post-graduation work permit application before your study permit expires. Note that you must meet the PGWP eligibility requirements. You can work full-time while waiting for your PGWP to be approved.
• Please keep the IRCC proof of the PGWP application submission letter, which confirms your eligibility to remain in Canada and work.

Can I remain in Canada after applying for PGWP? My study permit will expire before I receive my PGWP.

• If you have applied for PGWP before your study permit’s expiry, you can remain in Canada while waiting for your PGWP.

Can I apply for PGWP after my study permit expires?

• You have up to 90 days after your study permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student. To restore your status as a student, you must apply online for your PGWP and pay the correct fee ($255) and pay the fee to restore your status as a student ($350). Because of system limitations, you must pay the fees to restore your status as a student online and attach a copy of the receipt to your PGWP online application. You don’t need to make a separate application to restore your status as a student. Note that you can’t work until your study permit and work permit have been approved.
• If you don’t apply for PGWP (or another visa or permit) within the 90 days from your study permit expiry, or if the 90 days have already passed, you must leave Canada.

Can I apply for a PGWP from outside of Canada?

• You can apply for PGWP from outside Canada. Make sure to apply within 180 days from your program end date.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit if you:

• have continuously studied full-time in Canada in a study program at least eight months long
• have a document from your school (transcript, official letter, certificate, etc.) that confirms you completed and passed all your program requirements
• have graduated from a public post-secondary school such as a college, trade/technical school or university or a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree) but only if you are enrolled in a study programs leading to a degree as authorized by the province

Visit this link to find out if you are eligible to apply: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html

Documents required (If you apply in Canada)

• Application to Change condition, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]
• Document Checklist [IMM 5583]
• Photocopy of passport pages
• Photocopy of current and valid study permit
• A final transcript AND Confirmation of Completion letter:You may use an unofficial final transcript printed from the portal, but a final transcript must indicate all final marks and work practicum has been completed if your program has mandatory practicum. Confirmation of Completion may be requested at csr@mitt.ca or General Office on your campus, but Confirmation of Completion cannot be issued until final marks are updated on the portal.
• Proof of fee payment $255 ($100 open work permit holder fee plus $155 work permit processing fee)
• For more information, refer to canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/apply.html

Processing time

Note: Processing time can change according to IRCC’s schedule. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, IRCC cannot process applications normally and provide accurate processing times. This processing time doesn’t include the time it takes to send an application between a VAC and IRCC office and the time you need to give your biometrics.

Visit this link for weekly updated application processing time. cic.gc.ca/english/information/times

Duration of work permit

A post-graduation work permit may be valid anywhere between eight months and up to three years, depending on the length of the program of study completed in Canada. The permit cannot be valid for longer than the length of the program of study completed in Canada. For example:

• If you graduate from a one-year program, you could be eligible for a one-year work permit.
• If you graduate from a two-year program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit, if you meet program requirements.
• For more information, refer to the IRCC website: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html

Disclaimer: The content on this website is only a guide for MITT students, not official legal advice, and information on this website may change without notice. Students are entirely responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all IRCC regulations at all times during their studies and while they are in Canada, including requirements for permit and visa. We recommend students to refer to IRCC website at www.canada.ca or contact IRCC Client Support Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to obtain the most-up-to-date information.