Post-Graduation Work Permit — From Graduate to Permanent Resident
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is the most important open work permit in Canadian immigration — for many international students, it is the first concrete step toward Canadian permanent residency. It allows you to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, for up to three years after graduation. But eligibility rules are strict, the application window is short, and a single misstep can disqualify you for life.
An Open Permit Built for International Graduates
The PGWP is an open work permit available only to graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Because it is open, you are not tied to a specific employer — you can work full-time, part-time, in any TEER category, anywhere in Canada. The duration of your PGWP mirrors the length of your study program, capped at three years.
The PGWP is also a one-time-in-a-lifetime permit — you cannot apply for a second PGWP after a second degree. That makes it critical to time the application correctly and use the full duration strategically: most graduates use their PGWP to build the year of Canadian work experience required for Canadian Experience Class, then transition into permanent residency through Express Entry.
Recent PGWP rule changes
IRCC has tightened PGWP rules significantly in recent years. New restrictions affect field of study eligibility (for college programs other than degree-granting), language proficiency requirements for new PGWP applicants, and the timing of when you must apply (now within 180 days of receiving your final marks). Our team stays current with these rule changes so your application is filed correctly under the rules that apply on your specific application date.
Make Your PGWP Count Toward PR.
Our RCIC team treats every PGWP application as the foundation of a permanent-residence strategy — not just a temporary work permit.
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