Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
A work-permit under the PGWPP may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility
- Were continuously-enrolled at a post-secondary institution
- Studied full-time in Canada (except in final term)
- Completed a program of study that lasted at least eight months in length
- Completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that you are eligible to obtain your degree/certificate
- Ideally have a valid study permit at the time of application
Review the full PGWP eligibility criteria on the IRCC website.
How long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid?
The length of a work permit is always determined at the discretion of the assessing officer. In most circumstances, a PGWP cannot be valid for longer than the length of your studies in Canada.
| Length of eligible studies | Work Permit Length |
|---|---|
| less than 8 months | not eligible for a work permit |
| 8 months, but less than 2 years | may be eligible for a work permit that is valid for up to the same length as your study program |
| 2 years or more | may be eligible for a work permit that is valid 3 years in length |
| completed more than 1 program | may be eligible for a work permit that combines the length of each program. Each of the programs you completed must be PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months in length. |
| accelerated programs | if program completed in less time than the regular length of the program, may be eligible for a work permit that is valid for the full length of the program |
| Masters and PhD programs at least 8-month in length | may be eligible for a work permit that is valid 3 years in length |
When should I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
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 program 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
NOTE: The 90-day or 180-day period begins when your program 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.
When will I obtain my program completion letter?
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. If you complete your studies during a summer term, you will have to wait until your degree is audited in September to obtain your completion letter and apply for PGWP.
How do I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
Visit our "Apply for PGWP" webpage to find a step-by-step application tutorial.
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.