Working After Graduation
Post-Graduation Work Permit
ճprovides graduating students with the opportunity to pursue Canadian work experience upon completion of an eligible program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
Most international students who graduate from ϳԹ are eligible to apply for a PGWP if they meet.The PGWP has a validity period of up to 3 years – the length of the PGWP given depends on the length of the student’s program of study. Please refer to the following Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for more information on.
IMPORTANT:
For PGWP applications from within Canada:It's important to applywithin90 daysof receiving confirmation of degree completion (e.g. a letter from the Registrar’s Office for undergraduate students, or a letter from Faculty of Graduate Studies for graduate students). It is also important to submit your PGWP application while your study permit is still valid. If your study permit is due to expire before the end of the 90-day PGWP application window, make sure to submit your PGWP application before your study permit expires.
For PGWP applications from outside Canada:it’s important to apply within180 daysof receiving confirmation of degree completion (e.g. a letter from the Registrar’s Office for undergraduate students, or a letter from Faculty of Graduate Studies for graduate students). Failure to do so will result in the loss of your PGWP eligibility until you complete another qualifying program.
If you miss the PGWP application period, or if you have questions about the PGWP application process, please consult with anInternational Centre immigration advisor.
NEW – Language proficiency requirement
For PGWP applications submitted on/after November 1, 2024, you must now provide proof of English OR French proficiency. For students graduating from university programs, the minimum requirement for English proficiency is set at Level 7 according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards. The minimum requirement for French proficiency is set at Level 7 according to the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). Test scores must beless than two years old. Approved English proficiency tests are: IELTS, CELPIP, and the PTE Core. Visit theon the IRCC website for more information.
How to Apply Online
Things to note:
PGWPs are issued only once in a lifetime, therefore, if you have plans to pursue further studies in Canada, you may wish to consult an International Student Advisor to discuss when to apply.
Working while you wait:
For PGWP applications from within Canada:Once you submit your PGWP application (refer to the steps and requirements above), you are eligible to work full-time* while you wait for a decision from IRCC about the status of your PGWP application. If your application is approved, you can continue working. If your application is denied, you must stop working and leave Canada unless you have obtained alternate legal status.
(*check to see if you meet thewhile waiting for IRCC to process your PGWP application.)
For PGWP applications from outside Canada:You must wait for a decision from IRCC about the status of your application before you can start working. For full details, including visitor visa or eTA requirements for return travel to Canada, visit theon the IRCC website.
Work Permit Conditions
Work permits issued by IRCC, such as internship/co-op, off-campus, and post-graduate work permits may be subject to restrictions. International students who were not required to undergo an immigration medical examination before coming to Canada may be subject to the following occupation/workplace restrictions that require an immigration medical examination:
- health care setting
- child care
- primary and secondary educational facilities
There is a complete list of occupations and on the IRCC website.