PGWP Eligibility: For information on PGWP eligibility, you can visit the PGWP Eligibility webpage.
Application Timelines: If you want to remain in Canada after the end of your studies you must apply to extend your status as visitor, student or worker.
Your study permit becomes invalid 90 days after receiving a written confirmation that you have officially completed your program. This written confirmation can be an email from your Faculty, a Diploma, an Official Final Transcript or an Official Letter confirming Completion of Studies. Please consult Important Academic Dates and Deadlines to determine when your final grades and academic standing will be available.
To apply for a PGWP from inside Canada you must:
- Have a valid status in Canada (visitor, student or worker).
- Your study permit must be valid or must have expired in less than 180 days.
If you have lost your status you must apply for a restoration of status in addition to the PGWP.
If you graduate from outside Canada and wish to apply for a PGWP from there you:
- Do not need to hold or have held a valid study permit within 180 days of applying for the PGWP.
- Must either have a study permit or have received a study permit approval, and you must apply within 180 days of receiving a written confirmation that you have officially completed your program.
Application Process: You can apply online using your IRCC account. It is also possible to apply from inside Canada or from outside Canada, and there is an instruction guide available for each option.
Information session: We held an online information session on how to apply to PGWP which was recorded (it is video #18 on the playlist). We recommend that you consult it as it explains all of the steps and documents required in great detail.
PGWP length and documents to apply: According to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the validity period of the PGWP is determined based on the length of the program or programs of study. In order to apply for your PGWP you will need:
Before your degree is conferred:
- an official letter that confirms you’ve completed your study program (Undergraduate students may obtain this letter from their Faculty. Graduate students may obtain this letter from InfoService.); and
- an official transcript (requested from InfoService), or a copy of your unofficial transcript accessible through your uoZone account .
After your degree is conferred:
- an official enrolment verification letter (requested from InfoService) with the mention of “degree awarded” (When requesting the document, be sure to select “Include my Earned Degrees”.); and
- an official transcript (requested from InfoService), or a copy of your unofficial transcript accessible through your uoZone account (with mention of degree conferred).
When assessing your application, the immigration officer will determine the length of the permit based on the completion letter provided by uOttawa and your final transcripts. The wording that will be used to describe the duration of your program of study in the letter of completion issued by the University will be the same wording that is used to describe your program in its official description. You may consult the official duration of your program by visiting university programs and courses and clicking on your program of study. The duration can then be found on either the “Overview” tab or the “Program Requirements” tab. You may read more about how the length of a permit is determined on the IRCC website. There is no guarantee of how long the work permit will be as each immigration officer uses his or her discretion to assess the application.
Please note that the validity period of the PGWP may not go beyond the applicant’s passport validity date. PGWPs can be extended only when the length of the permit could not be provided at the time of the application, due to the expiry date of the applicant’s passport.
Flag poling: It is possible to travel to the border for the sole purpose of processing immigration documents (flagpole). However, we do not recommend this due to inconsistent student experiences. It is safest to apply online.
Work authorization: You are eligible to work full-time after you have submitted your application if you meet the conditions listed on IRCC’s website. This section of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (R186w) confirms the authorization to work without a permit until a decision is made on your application.