Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit - Current Students

Tutorial: Applying for Post-Graduation Work Permit from within Canada

First, download this PGWP application guide
Next, review the self-guided application tutorial
If helpful, watch a previously recorded application tutorial webinar
Having difficulty opening the IMM5710 application form? Watch this video on how to open IMM application forms

Overview of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application process

ELIGIBILITY	Determine if you are eligible to apply for a PGWP.
PREPARE	Learn about the PGWP application process.
WHEN TO APPLY	Recommended: Apply from within Canada within 90 days of confirmation of program completion AND while your study permit is still valid. May be eligible to work after application submission if met all conditions. In this scenario, you need to ensure your study permit is valid until your program is audited at the end of May, September, or January (depending on your completion date). OR Apply within 180 days of confirmation of degree completion, have previously held a valid study permit, and one of the following: Applied for visitor status before your study permit became invalid Applied to restore your temporary resident status Apply from outside of Canada *In these 3 scenarios, an applicant may not work until their work permit application is approved and issued. NOTE: The 90-day or 180-day period begins when your degree is officially audited and approved in the Trent University Senate (date will be noted on unofficial transcript once approved) not the date of your convocation ceremony.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS	Completion of studies letter An official transcript/unofficial transcript obtained after degree is audited Valid passport (biographical page and any page with visas, stamps, markings) and copy of study permit Digital photo Biometrics if you have not submitted them within the last 10 years A medical exam in some circumstances (if you have lived in a Designated Country for more than 6 months in the last year/if you want to work in some medical/research fields) Application form IMM5710
WHEN WILL I OBTAIN MY COMPLETION LETTER AND FINAL TRANSCRIPT?	You must wait until your program is officially audited to obtain your completion letter and download your final unofficial transcript. These are the documents you require from Trent University to apply for PGWP. Degrees and Certificates are audited 3 times per year: the 2-3 week of May, September and January.
APPLICATION FEES	$255.00CAD for application $85.00CAD biometrics fee, if applicable
PROCESSING TIME	Refer to the IRCC website for PGWP application process times.
HOW TO APPLY	We recommend applying online through an IRCC Secure Account.
Working while IRCC processes application	Applicants can work full-time until IRCC makes a decision on their work permit application if they: had a valid study permit when submitted PGWP application (note: study permit only remains valid for 90-days after program completion) completed their study program were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying and did not work more hours than permitted If these conditions apply to you and you need to prove to an employer that you are permitted to work, provide the employer with a copy of all the required documents. If these conditions do not apply to you, you must wait until your work permit arrives to begin work. It’s illegal to work in Canada without authorization. If your application is refused you must stop working the day IRCC notifies you. Find more information on the IRCC website.
TRAVEL AFTER APPLICATION	If you have plans to travel outside Canada, learn about possible travel scenarios.
After OBTAINING WORK PERMIT	Apply for a temporary resident visa if required.

Tutorial: Applying for Post-Graduation Work Permit from within Canada

Refer to our self-guided tutorial on how to apply for a post-graduation work permit from within Canada.

Letter of Explanation

A letter of explanation is way to describe additional factors or include additional documents in your Canadian immigration applications. A letter of explanation is required to explain any gap in your studies, part-time studies, or anything unusual about your studies when applying for a study permit extension or Post-Graduation Work Permit. It can also be used to explain pending documents you intend to submit as soon as you have obtained them for an initial study permit application.

Upload your Letter of Explanation under 'Client Information' in the 'Optional Documents' section of your online document checklist on your IRCC Secure Account.

Find a template Letter of Explanation here.

Trent University's Designated Learning Institution Number

For Canadian immigration applications relating to your studies, IRCC will request Trent's Designated Learning Institution Number (DLI#) which is O19395164223. It starts with a O and not a zero.

Have additional questions?

Our Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) can support you through the study permit extension process.

Email our International Student Immigration Advisor at internationaladvising@trentu.ca
Book an appointment > Student Experience Portal > Appointment Bookings > Trent International > Immigration Advising

Disclaimer

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.