A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada and work full time after completing an eligible certificate, diploma or degree program of at least eight months in length. You don’t need a job offer to apply and can work in any occupation, anywhere in Canada.

Note: You cannot work in jobs that put you at risk of exploitation. Certain jobs are restricted and require a medical exam before you can be authorized to work.

The PGWP is a valuable way to build your career and gain Canadian work experience once you’ve completed your studies. It can also help you qualify for certain permanent residency programs that require at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

The length of your PGWP depends on the official duration of your full-time program and can range from eight months to three years.

You can check the official duration of your uOttawa program by visiting the Programs webpage and selecting your program of study.

Undergraduate students: The duration of your program is indicated by the number of units listed under the “Program Requirements” tab. It takes about four years to complete 120 units.

Graduate students: The duration of your program is listed under either the “Overview” or the “Program Requirements” tab.

You can also combine the lengths of two PGWP-eligible programs, as long as you complete your second program within two years of completing your first program.

Your PGWP cannot be issued for longer than your passport’s validity. It can only be extended if the full permit length could not be granted initially because your passport was set to expire sooner. You must apply on paper for a PGWP extension.

Please note: The immigration officer reviewing your application will make the final decision on your eligibility and determine the length of your PGWP.

To be eligible for a PGWP, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You’ve completed a program of study that was at least eight months long and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • If you are enrolled in a diploma or certificate program and apply for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, your program must meet a field of study requirement.
  • If you are pursuing a university-level undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, you are not required to meet the field of study requirement.
• You’ve been actively pursuing studies and have been enrolled full-time throughout your program of study.

  • You may study part time during your final academic term and still be eligible for the PGWP. 

    Learn more about how changing your student status affects your immigration status.

    • You may study part time during a regularly scheduled break and still be eligible for the PGWP.
• You have a valid study permit, or your study permit was valid at some point during the 180 days after you received official confirmation of completing your program. You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days from the date your program completion letter first became available.
• You’ve completed at least 50% of your program (or programs) of study in class in Canada (exceptions apply if you started your program before September 1, 2024). Any time spent studying online outside of Canada will be deducted from the length of the PGWP.
• You’ve met the language requirement.

You can only apply for your PGWP once you have received written confirmation that you have completed all the requirements of your study program. This written confirmation can be a diploma, an official final transcript or an official letter confirming completion of studies. Please see the Important academic dates and deadlines page to determine when your final grades and academic standing will be available.

Before you apply 

If you are eligible to work during your final term, you can continue working on campus (full time) and off campus (up to 24 hours per week) until you receive official written confirmation that you’ve completed your program.

You must stop working as soon as you receive official confirmation that you have completed your program.

Note: You can continue working if you are starting a new program of study within 150 days of receiving official confirmation that you completed your previous one and meet all the eligibility requirements to work during this time.

After you apply

You can begin working full time after submitting your PGWP application if you meet all the IRCC conditions.

If your study permit expires after you’ve applied for the PGWP but before a decision is made, you can remain in Canada and continue working (if you’re eligible) while you wait for a decision on your application.

You may receive a letter from IRCC confirming that you’re allowed to work while your application is being processed. The expiry date on that letter doesn’t affect your right to work, but if you require an updated confirmation, you can request one through IRCC’s web form.

Note: If you are on maintained status when you submit your PGWP application, this does not count as having a valid study permit, and you will not be authorized to work while waiting for a decision.

If you have applied for a PGWP from within Canada and plan to travel outside Canada while your application is being processed, make sure you have a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Without a valid visa or eTA, you won’t be able to return to Canada.

Travelling outside Canada and returning doesn’t affect your ability to continue working full time while waiting for a decision on your PGWP application.

If your application is approved, the PGWP will be mailed to the Canadian mailing address you provided in the application.

If you have applied for a PGWP from outside Canada and your application is approved, the visa office in the country where you applied from will send you an approval letter, called a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, along with a visa or an eTA (if needed). Wait until you receive your Letter of Introduction before booking travel to Canada. When you arrive, show this letter to the border officer to receive your printed work permit.

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). While we aim to keep it accurate, it could change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.