Apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) via the IRCC secure account

• Navigate to the IRCC website:
  • Visit the official IRCC secure account website

• Sign in (if you already have an account): 

  If you already have an account, sign in using your preferred method:

  • GCKey username and password or
  • Canadian Interac Sign-In Partner

If you do not have an account, please read our tutorial on how to register for an account.

After you log in, you’ll be directed to your dashboard, where you can:

• view submitted applications
• continue an unfinished application
• start a new application

To begin your PGWP application, select Apply to come to Canada in the Start an application section.

If you don’t have a Personal Reference Code, select Visitor visa, study and/or work permit under the I do not have a Personal Reference Code section.

You must now answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility. Here’s how to answer them:

• What would you like to do in Canada? Work
• How long are you planning to stay in Canada? Temporarily — more than 6 months
• Select the code that matches the one on your passport: For example, MAR (Morocco) for Moroccan citizens
• What is your current country or territory of residence? Select according to your situation (most likely Canada)

Note: If you’re outside Canada, the application procedure will be slightly different (for example, you’ll need to use a different application form). However, you can still follow this tutorial for most parts of your application.

• Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and is 18 years or older? Yes or No, depending on your situation
• What is your date of birth? Enter your date of birth.
• Are you a lawful permanent resident of the United States with a valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number? Yes or No, depending on your situation
• What is your current immigration status in Canada? Student
• Do you plan to work on campus? No
• Are you a full-time student at a participating post-secondary institution and want to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week? No
• Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months? Yes
• Is your work an essential part of your studies (for example, a Co-Op or internship program)? No
• Have you been told by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that you are approved in principle for permanent residence in Canada? No
• Have you submitted a permanent resident application in Canada? No
• Do you have a written job offer? No
• Do you have an official letter from your school that confirms you’ve completed your study program, as well as a copy of your final transcript? Yes
• What is your marital status? Choose the answer that best describes your situation
• What is your province or territory of destination? If visiting multiple provinces or territories, select the one in which you will be spending most of your time. Choose the answer that best describes your situation

Based on your answers, the system should determine that you want to apply for a post-graduation work permit.

Select Continue.

You must answer some questions to generate a personal checklist of documents you need to submit with your application.

Select Continue.

• Do you have an official letter from your school that confirms you’ve completed your study program, as well as a copy of your final transcript? Yes
• Have you had a medical exam performed by an IRCC authorized physician (doctor) within the last 12 months? Choose the answer that best describes your situation
• A medical exam is needed before you submit your application if you’re a foreign national who:
  • wants to stay in Canada for more than six months and has lived in one or more designated countries or territories for more than six months in the past year, or
  • intends to work in one of the following jobs:
    • Health sciences worker
    • Clinical laboratory worker
    • Patient attendant in nursing or geriatric homes
    • Medical student admitted to Canada to attend university
    • Medical elective and physician on short-term assignment
    • Teacher of primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children
    • Domestics worker, someone who gives in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
    • Day nursery worker
• Do you fit into one of these categories? Yes or No, depending on your situation
• Do you want to work in one of the following jobs?
  • Health sciences worker
  • Clinical laboratory worker
  • Patient attendant in nursing or geriatric homes
  • Medical student admitted to Canada to attend university
  • Medical elective and physician on short-term assignment
  • Teacher of primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children
  • Domestics worker, someone who gives in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
  • Day nursery worker

Yes or No, depending on your situation

• Do you want to submit an application for a family member? Yes or No, depending on your situation

Note: If you answer Yes, you will be asked additional questions about what your family member wants to do in Canada.

• Are you giving someone access to your application? Choose the answer that best describes your situation
• In the past 10 years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for an application to come to Canada? Choose the answer that best describes your situation (most likely Yes)

Note: This question specifically refers to fingerprints and photo (biometrics) given as part of an application to come to Canada — such as for a study permit, work permit, visitor visa or permanent residence.

If you’ve provided biometrics in the past to a different country or for a non-immigration-related process (for example, for a border crossing, police clearance or a passport application), that doesn’t apply here, so answer No.

Learn more about biometrics for Canadian immigration.

• There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt? Yes, I will be paying my application fees (most likely)
• Are you able to make a digital copy of your documents with a scanner or camera? Yes
• Will you be paying your application fees online? Yes

Review your answers and edit any if needed by selecting the little pencil button.

Select Continue.

You have now created your document checklist, which is the list of documents you need to submit to apply for your PGWP.

(*Note: If you apply from outside Canada, you’ll need to complete the IMM 1295 form)

1. Download and open the form by selecting the link in your document checklist.
   1. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version).
   2. Don’t use a mobile device — these can’t be used for IRCC forms.
   3. Save a copy of the form on your computer and open it from the location where you saved it. Don’t try to open it in a web browser (Chrome, Edge or Safari).
   4. If necessary, see the IRCC help centre.
2. Enable JavaScript (if needed).
   1. If you see a message about JavaScript being disabled, enable it in Adobe Acrobat:
      1. Go to Edit → Preferences → JavaScript.
      2. Select Enable JavaScript.

Completing the form

Complete all mandatory sections (marked with an asterisk *).

Make sure your information is accurate and matches your supporting documents (passport, study permit, etc.).

Tip: If you hover your cursor over a box, instructions to fill it out should appear.

Unique Client Identifier (UCI) (optional)

• If you’ve submitted an application to IRCC in the past, enter your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number.
  • Note: This isn’t mandatory. If this is your first application, leave this blank.

I want service in (language preference)

• Select either English or French. All future correspondence with IRCC for this application will be in the language you choose.

I am applying for one or more of the following

• Select Apply for a work permit for the first time or with a new employer.

1. Full name (required):
   1. Family name: if you have multiple last names (e.g., Garcia de Luna), include them all. Don’t abbreviate or leave out any part of your legal full name. Make sure it’s written exactly as shown on your passport or travel document.
   2. Given name (optional): If you have a given or first name, enter it here. If your passport doesn’t list a given name, leave this field blank.
   3. Note: If you go by multiple first names, use only the one(s) listed on your passport.
2. Have you ever used any other name (required):
   1. If you’ve ever used a different name (e.g., nickname, maiden name, etc.), select Yes.
   2. Provide details if applicable.
   3. Tip: Providing an accurate name history is essential to avoid delays or rejection during background checks.
3. Sex (required):
   1. Indicate your sex. Note that it should match what’s indicated on your passport (even if it differs from your identity).
4. Date of birth (required):
   1. Enter in YYYY-MM-DD format (must match official documents).
5. Place of birth (required):
   1. List the city/town and country or territory where you were born (must be consistent with your passport).
6. Citizenship (required):
   1. Select the country or countries where you hold citizenship.
7. Current country or territory of residence (required):
   1. Select Student as your status in Canada, and provide the start and end date of your study permit.
   2. Note: If you apply for your PGWP from outside Canada, you’ll need to choose where your application will be processed. You must select either your country of citizenship or your country of residence (if different).
8. Previous countries or territories of residence (required):
   1. List all countries you’ve resided in for more than six months during the past five years. For each country, provide your immigration status and the status start and end dates.
9. Current marital status (required):
   1. Choose the applicable marital status from the options: single, married, divorced, etc.
   2. Depending on your marital status, you might have to disclose additional details (date of your marriage or common-law relationship, name of your spouse, etc.).
10. Previous relationship status (required):
    1. If you were never married or in a common-law relationship before, select No.
    2. If you were previously married or in a common-law relationship, select Yes. You’ll need to provide details of your previous spouse or common-law partner (start and end date of your previous marriage or common-law relationship, name of your previous spouse, etc.)

1. Native language/Mother tongue (required): Select your native or first language from the drop-down list.
2. Are you able to communicate in English and/or French (required)? Select the option that best represents your language proficiency.
3. In which language are you most at ease? Select French or English, depending on your situation.
4. Have you taken a test from a designated testing agency to assess your proficiency in English or French (required)?
5. If you’ve taken the IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada or TCF Canada test, select Yes.

Passport

Provide the details of your current passport. Note that when you select the country or territory of issue, the form will grey out the non-applicable question fields (i.e., those about Taiwanese or Israeli travel documents).

National identity document

Do you have a national identity document (required)?

• Some countries issue national identity cards. If your country issues such a document and you have one, select Yes and provide the necessary information (such as document number, country of issue, issue date and expiry date).
• If you don’t have a national identity document, select No.

US PR Card

Are you a lawful permanent resident of the United States (required):

• If you’re not a lawful permanent resident of the United States, select No.
• If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United Stats, select Yes and provide details (USCIS number and expiry date).

1. Current mailing address (required):
   1. Provide the details of your current mailing address. This is the address where you want to receive official correspondence from IRCC. It can be your home or another location where you regularly receive mail. Make sure all information is accurate.
2. Residential address (required):
   1. If your residential address is the same as your mailing address, select Yes.
   2. If your residential address is different, select No and provide the details.
3. Telephone no. (optional):
   1. Even though it’s optional, we recommend that you enter your phone number, which may be used for contact if necessary.
   2. Select the country or territory associated with your telephone number: Choose Canada/US if your phone number is associated with one of these countries. Choose Other for a non-Canadian/US number.
   3. Telephone type: Choose the type of phone (e.g., cellular or landline).
   4. Country code: Enter the international dialing code for your country (e.g., 33 for France)
   5. Telephone number: Enter the rest of the number after the country code.
4. Alternate telephone no. (optional):
   1. Enter an alternate contact number if you have one.
5. Fax no. (optional):
   1. You very likely don’t have this and can leave the box blank.
6. E-mail address (optional):
   1. Even though this is not a mandatory field, we strongly encourage you to enter your email address. Ensure it’s correct.

1. Date and place of your original entry to Canada (required):
   1. Provide the date and location of your first entry to Canada.
   2. If you had a connecting flight to Ottawa upon your initial arrival, you must list your first point of entry into Canada, such as Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
2. The original purpose for coming to Canada (required):
   1. Choose the purpose of your visit when you initially entered Canada.
3. Date and place of your most recent entry to Canada (if not the same as original entry):
   1. Provide the date and location of your most recent entry to Canada.
   2. If you had a connecting flight to Ottawa upon your latest arrival, you must list your first point of entry into Canada, such as Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
4. If applicable, provide the document number of the most recent Visitor Record, Study Permit, Work Permit or Temporary Resident Permit issued to you (optional):
   1. Provide your study permit number, which is located on the top-right corner of your study permit. It typically consists of the letter “F” followed by nine numbers, e.g., F123456789.

1. What type of work permit are you applying for:
   1. Select Post Graduation Work Permit.
2. Remaining fields:
   1. Leave all other boxes in this part blank.
3. Have you been issued a certificate under the Provincial Nominee program?
   1. Answer this question based on your situation (most likely No).

Post-secondary education history (required):

• Select Yes and provide details on your completed studies at uOttawa.
   

Provide details about your employment or other activities for the past 10 years or since the age of 18.

Answer these questions based on your situation.

1. Medical background questions: This section will help assess whether you have any medical conditions that could pose a public health risk, require significant health services or affect your ability to work in certain occupations.
   1. Question a) deals with tuberculosis (TB), a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. Canada screens for this condition in foreign applicants to prevent the spread of the disease.
   2. Question b) requires you to indicate whether you have any physical or mental disorder that would require social and/or health services, other than medication, during a stay in Canada.
   3. If you answer yes to a) or b), you’ll need to provide the details.
2. Travel and immigration-related questions: This section ensures you have complied with past visa conditions and checks if you have a history of visa refusals or deportations that may raise concerns about admissibility. Read the questions carefully and answer all of them truthfully.
   1. A past refusal or overstaying doesn’t automatically mean rejection.
   2. If you answer Yes to any of these questions, provide a clear explanation in the textbox. You can also include supporting documents in the Client information section of your application to help clarify the situation if needed.
   3. Note: Providing false information could lead to a refusal or a ban on future applications.
3. Criminality and security: Declare if you’ve ever been involved in any criminal activities, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This information is critical to assess your admissibility to Canada. Answer these questions truthfully.
   1. This question is about any illegal activities you’ve been involved in. Even if you were never arrested or convicted, you must declare any criminal activity. This includes minor offences like shoplifting or serious crimes.
   2. If applicable, select Yes and provide details. Otherwise, select No.
4. Military or government service question: This section ensures that you have not been involved in activities that could pose a risk to Canada’s national security. It helps IRCC identify individuals who may have been part of organizations linked to human rights violations, war crimes or other security concerns.
   1. If applicable, select Yes and provide details. Otherwise, select No.
5. Criminality and security question: This question is focused on association with organizations that promote or engage in violence, extremism or terrorism. Even if you were a member of such an organization in the past but have left, you must declare it here.
   1. If applicable, select Yes and explain your situation. Otherwise, select No.
6. Have you ever witnessed or participated in ill treatment of prisoners or civilians, looting or desecration of religious buildings?
   1. This question is meant to assess your involvement in or knowledge of human rights abuses. If you’ve been directly involved in or witnessed these actions without reporting them, you must disclose this.
   2. If applicable, select Yes and explain the circumstances. Otherwise, select No.

Consent to be contacted by IRCC

The Government of Canada may want to contact you in the future to ask about the services you received during your application process or about your experience living in Canada.

You can choose whether to allow this by selecting Yes or No.

Signature

Type your full name as it appears on your passport or travel document. Don’t try to insert an electronic signature or print the form and sign it by hand. You will be asked to answer a security question when submitting the application, which will count as your digital signature.

1. Validate the form
   1. Scroll to the bottom of the form.
   2. Select the Validate button.
   3. If any required fields are missing, an error message will pop up.
2. Check for the barcodes
   1. After validation, barcodes will appear on the last page of the form.
   2. These barcodes contain encoded application data for IRCC processing.
3. Save the validated form
   1. Select File → Save As and save it as a PDF.
   2. Don’t print and scan the form after validation — upload the validated version directly.
4. Submit the form
   1. If applying online: Upload the validated PDF form to your document checklist in your IRCC account.

Recent education transcript

• You can request an official transcript from InfoService, either in person or online through your uoZone account, once your final grades have been posted.

Note: Refer to Important academic dates and deadlines to confirm when official final grades will be posted.

Completion of studies letter

• This letter confirms that you’ve completed your program of study at the University of Ottawa.
• You’ll need to contact your faculty to have your student file reviewed once all final grades have been posted, and to ensure that confirmation of program completion has been added to your file.

Passport/Travel document

• Upload a clear scan of the identification pages of your passport.
• This includes your passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and personal information such as name and photo.
• Also include any other page that has a visa or stamp or marking on it. Combine everything into one file.

Photo

• The photographs must be identical and taken within the last six months.
• See the Temporary Resident Visa application photograph specifications.

Language proficiency

• Most students graduating from the University of Ottawa are required to meet the CLB 7 threshold in reading, speaking, writing and listening. Your test results must be no more than two years old at the time of your PGWP application.
• Upload a clear scan of your language proficiency test results in the Client information section of your application.
• Use your test results to determine your CLB/NCLC level.

Medical exam (optional)

• We recommend that you complete an “upfront” medical exam and answer Yes to “Have you had a medical exam performed by an IRCC authorized panel physician (doctor) within the last 12 months?” in the eligibility questionnaire, so that the medical exam requirement is added to your document checklist. Learn when to get your medical exam.
• If you need to work in a job that brings you into close contact with people, you’ll need a medical exam even if you’re not from a country where one is normally required. Learn more about medical exam requirements.

Client information

• We recommend that you include a letter of explanation with your PGWP application. In this letter, you should explain to IRCC how you meet all the eligibility criteria for the PGWP. Learn more about PGWP eligibility.
• Upload your letter of explanation and your language proficiency test results as a single document in the Client information section of your application.

Once you’ve uploaded all required documents, review everything and ensure that the blue Next button appears at the bottom of the page.

Declaration

• This section informs you that the information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. It also explains that IRCC may verify your information with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or with your designated learning institution (DLI).
• The form states that failure to provide truthful information can result in a denial of your work permit.
• By signing electronically with your surname and given name, you confirm that all the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
• Read the Privacy Notice.

Once you complete this section, select the Sign button.

Summary

This section confirms the amount you need to pay and the application that you’ve just made.

Select Transmit and pay.

Checkout

Enter your payment details to process the fees.

Cardholder information

• Enter your full name as it appears on the credit card.

Card information

• Enter the credit card number, expiration date (MMYY) and CVV code (the three-digit number on the back of the card).

Order summary

• You’ll see the final amount to be paid and a confirmation that the payment will be processed immediately.

Select Checkout.

Submission and confirmation

Once the payment has been processed, you’ll receive a submission confirmation via email.

• Biometrics instructions (if applicable):
  • If you must submit biometrics, you’ll receive a letter with instructions on how to do so at a visa application centre (VAC). Book your appointment promptly.
  • If you aren’t able to book the appointment by the deadline specified in the letter, use the Update or ask about your application: Other form to tell IRCC why you need more time. Make sure you provide details about your situation. For example, tell IRCC the date of your appointment and include a screenshot of the confirmation. IRCC will consider extending your deadline if you have a reasonable explanation that shows how you’ve been affected (for example, if the biometrics collection site in your country or territory is closed).