Post-Graduation Work Permit

Transition from international student to Canadian professional.

Your journey in Canada doesn't have to end after graduation. Our immigration services provide the expert support you need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), ensuring a smooth transition from student to working professional. We are committed to simplifying this critical step in your immigration journey.

 

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Transition from international student to Canadian professional.

Your journey in Canada doesn't have to end after graduation. Our immigration services provide the expert support you need to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), ensuring a smooth transition from student to working professional. We are committed to simplifying this critical step in your immigration journey.

 

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have completed a program at an eligible Canadian learning institution to gain valuable work experience. It's an open work permit, which means you don't need a job offer and can work for almost any employer in Canada.

 
Flexible Work Experience

With a PGWP, you can work for any employer in any location across Canada, providing immense flexibility to explore job opportunities. Our team helps you understand how this freedom can be used to advance your professional and immigration goals.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The Canadian work experience you gain on a PGWP is a crucial factor for many permanent residency programs, particularly the Canadian Experience Class. We help you strategically leverage this work experience to build a competitive profile for your long-term immigration plans.

General Requirements

  • You must have maintained full-time student status for each academic session of your program in Canada. We help you confirm that you meet this requirement and have the necessary documents to prove it.


  • Your program of study must have been at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and be at least 8 months long. Our services ensure your program and school meet these specific criteria before you apply.


  • You must apply for the PGWP while your study permit is still valid or within a 180-day window after your final grades are issued. We provide guidance to ensure your application is submitted within the correct timeframe to maintain your legal status.

Important Considerations

Length of Your PGWP

The length of your permit depends directly on the length of your program, with a maximum of three years for programs of two years or more. We help you accurately determine your eligible PGWP duration to avoid issues.


Meeting Recent Policy Changes

New regulations may affect eligibility, especially for certain college or diploma programs that now require a specific field of study. We stay up-to-date on all regulatory changes to help you meet the most current requirements.


Passport Validity 

Your PGWP will not be issued for a period longer than your passport is valid. We help you plan ahead to ensure your passport is valid for the full length of your intended stay, so you receive the longest permit possible.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

Express
Consultation

Speak with an immigration expert to get answers to questions and concerns

$49.99 (CAD)

30 minutes with an expert

Answers to basic question

Overview of immigration pathways

Key information on requirements

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Premium Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

In-depth analysis, eligibility assessment & tailored strategy

$149.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Customized plan to maximize success

Eligibility review, CRS score, and best pathways

Guidance on required documents

Get more details

Self-Managed Application Support Consultation

Speak with an immigration expert to discuss your self-prepared application.

$199.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Tips to strengthen your application

Answers to questions on forms, and requirements

Guidance on next steps after submission

Get more details

Get the help you need to succeed.

Personalized assessment

We evaluate your unique situation and outline the best options for your PGWP application.

Strategic planning

Tailored advice ensures your application meets all program rules and requirements.

Application support

Our team manages forms and documentation from start to finish for a smooth process.

Ongoing guidance

We provide timely updates and expert direction throughout your application journey.

Applying After Graduation

The time between completing your studies and applying for your PGWP is critical. You can work full-time after submitting your application, but only if you meet specific conditions, such as having a valid study permit.


If your permit is about to expire, we can help you apply for a visitor record to stay legally in Canada while you prepare your PGWP application. It is crucial to be aware of the 180-day window from the date your school issues your final marks, not your graduation ceremony, to submit your application. We provide a clear timeline and checklist to ensure you meet all deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting an incomplete application is a common pitfall. Missing a crucial document, such as a completion letter from your school, can lead to delays or outright refusal. Another frequent error is not maintaining full-time student status or not having a valid study permit at the time of application. Our team conducts a thorough review of your application to catch these mistakes before they are submitted. We also help you prepare for common issues, such as a gap in your studies, by ensuring you have all the necessary explanatory documents.

How to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada

A PGWP is often the first step toward becoming a permanent resident. The work experience you gain in a skilled occupation while holding a PGWP can significantly boost your score under the Express Entry system.


We can help you understand how different occupations are classified and how your work experience can make you a more competitive candidate for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This strategic planning from the outset can save you time and greatly improve your chances of securing permanent residency.

Paths to Permanent Residency

Express Entry

Express Entry operates on a points-based system that assesses candidates' profiles based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience, inviting those with the highest scores to apply for permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

These programs allow each region to nominate individuals whose skills and experience meet specific local labour market needs or economic development priorities. Many PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry, offering a significant boost to a candidate's profile within the federal pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

Consult with an immigration expert

licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

Consult with an immigration expert

licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.

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