🇨🇦work Visa

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Canada

Last updated: December 21, 2025

Duration

3 years

Visa Fee

$255

Time

6-7 months

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

A PGWP lets you work in Canada after finishing school. You graduate from a Canadian college or university, and this permit lets you stay and work for up to 3 years. You can work for any company, any job, anywhere in Canada. You don't need your employer to approve you first. This is one of the easiest ways to get work experience in Canada and move toward becoming a permanent resident. This permit is for international students who graduated from eligible Canadian schools. It's special because you can work without restrictions—no job limits, no specific employer, no paperwork needed from your boss.

Key Benefits

  • Work for any employer in Canada without restrictions
  • No permission needed from employers
  • Spouse can get a work permit too
  • Move toward permanent residency easily
  • Work experience counts toward permanent resident application
  • Can travel out of Canada and return anytime permit is valid
  • Access provincial health insurance after arrival

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Graduated from eligible Canadian school (DLI-designated)
  • Program was at least 8 months long
  • Attended full-time each semester (part-time allowed only in final semester)
  • Haven't already received a PGWP before (one-time only)
  • Speak English (CLB 5-7) or French (NCLC 5-7) depending on program level
  • For college graduates: Program was in eligible field (agriculture, healthcare, trades, STEM, education, transportation)
  • For degree holders: No field restrictions
  • Not studied part-time except final semester
  • No criminal record
  • Did not work illegally while studying (no more than 20 hours per week during school)

Financial Requirement

None. You don't need to prove you have money saved.

Documents

  • Completion letter or diplomaFrom your school showing you graduated
  • Official transcriptShowing all your grades and completed courses
  • Valid passportAll pages with any stamps or markings
  • Language test resultsCELPIP, IELTS, or PTE (English) OR TEF/TCF Canada (French)
  • Proof of identityYour biometric information (fingerprints, photo)

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.