Post-Graduation Work Permit

Most PGWP applicants must prove their language skills and show documents that prove their studies. If you prepare these early, you avoid last-minute stress. Missing proof is one of the easiest reasons for an application to run into trouble.

Good to know: This page is general information only. Always check IRCC's "Get the right documents" page for the latest list.

Language proof

If you apply on or after 1 November 2024, you must give proof of English or French language skills. The only exception is graduates of a PGWP-eligible flight school.

Which test?

For English, IRCC accepts:

• IELTS General Training (not IELTS Academic)
• CELPIP-General
• PTE Core

For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

Language tests should be taken in person. They must cover all four abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Watch out: The IELTS Academic test, which many students take for college or university admission, is not accepted for the PGWP. Check that you book the General Training version. See the accepted-tests table below.

Which score?

IRCC uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). The level you need depends on your program:

• Bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university programs: CLB 7 in all four skills
• College, polytechnic and other non-university programs: CLB 5 in all four skills

Here is what that means on each test:

IELTS General Training

• CLB 7: 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
• CLB 5: Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0

CELPIP-General

• CLB 7: 7 in each skill
• CLB 5: 5 in each skill

PTE Core

• CLB 7: Reading 60, Writing 69, Listening 60, Speaking 68
• CLB 5: Reading 42, Writing 51, Listening 39, Speaking 51

You must reach the level in every skill. A high score in one skill does not make up for a low score in another. There is no overall score.

How recent must the test be?

Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application. If you take your test very early in a long program, your results could be too old by the time you apply.

Tip: Plan to take the test in your final year, early enough to retake it if needed. Your Syllabize mentor can help you prepare for IELTS General Training, which has different Reading and Writing tasks from the Academic test.

If you cannot complete a test section

If a disability means you cannot complete one or more parts of the test, you can still be eligible. IRCC explains that you may need averaged scores and an explanation. Do not submit incomplete results without extra information, as that may lead to a refusal.

Other documents

IRCC lists the following. Which ones apply depends on your situation.

1. Proof that you completed your studies. This can be a degree, diploma or certificate from a credit-earning program, an official letter from your school, or an official transcript (or a copy from your school's website).
2. Proof of full-time enrolment for a program of 8 months or longer, such as an official transcript.
3. Proof of language results, as above.
4. Proof that you graduated in an eligible field of study, if your program has that requirement. Eligible fields are based on CIP codes.
5. Proof of an upfront medical exam, if you want to work in an occupational setting that requires one. IRCC says a valid medical exam in your application means your permit will not have a condition limiting the jobs you can work.

IRCC may also ask for other documents after you apply. All proof must come from a PGWP-eligible DLI and program.

Good to know: Your document checklist may list proof of language results as "optional". You must still include it if it applies to your program.

Start early

• Ask your school how and when it confirms that you completed your program, and how long official letters and transcripts take.
• Keep a digital folder with your transcripts, your language results, your CIP code information and your passport.
• Check that the names and dates match across all documents.

Mistakes to avoid

• Booking IELTS Academic instead of General Training
• Reaching the overall level but missing one skill
• Using a test result that will be more than 2 years old on the day you apply
• Forgetting that your program has a field-of-study requirement
• Waiting until after graduation to ask the school for letters and transcripts

Applying for your PGWP is mostly about timing. Many problems come from waiting too long, or from letting your study permit expire without a plan. This page explains the main timing rules so you can plan ahead.

This page is general information only. It is not advice on your own application. Check the IRCC pages before you act.

The key deadline: 180 days

IRCC says you have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP. In Stage 2 we explained that your study permit must also have been valid at some point during that time.

Tip: Do not treat 180 days as a target. Apply as soon as you have your documents, because your permit may expire sooner than that.

Your study permit matters too

Your study permit has its own expiry date, and it may arrive before your 180 days are over.

IRCC says your study permit must be valid (not expired) on the day you submit your PGWP application if you want to be eligible to work while you wait for a decision.

If your study permit expires first

IRCC explains that if you do not change your status to visitor and your study permit expires:

• you have up to 90 days after it expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student
• you must pay a fee to restore your status, on top of the PGWP fee
• you cannot work until your work permit has been approved
• if you do not apply within those 90 days, or 90 days have already passed, you must leave Canada

Watch out: Letting your study permit expire adds fees, restrictions and risk. If your permit will expire before your final marks arrive, speak to your international student office or a licensed professional early.

Can I work while I wait?

You can work full-time until IRCC decides on your application, but only if all of these are true:

• you had a valid study permit when you submitted your application
• you completed your study program
• you were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying, and you did not work more hours than allowed

If these do not all apply to you, you must wait until your work permit arrives before you start a new job. It is illegal to work in Canada without authorisation.

If your application is refused, you must stop working the day IRCC tells you.

Watch out: Working more than the allowed hours during your studies can affect this rule later. See "From day 1: protecting your PGWP" in the Study in Canada journey.

How applications are made

IRCC says that, in most cases, you must apply online. You can apply from inside or outside Canada, as long as you are eligible.

• IRCC publishes guides for each situation, and asks you to read the right guide before you apply.
• Paper applications are only allowed in limited situations, such as when a disability prevents you applying online, or the online system has a problem.
• Extending a PGWP or changing its conditions is done on paper.

Fees

IRCC's page, as updated on 28 August 2026, lists:

• PGWP fee: CAD $255. IRCC says you must pay both the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee.
• Biometrics fee: CAD $85 for one person, in most cases paid when you submit your application. You usually give your biometrics only once every 10 years.
• Possible extra costs paid to others, such as medical exams, police certificates and language tests.

Watch out: Fees change. Always check IRCC's fee list on the day you apply.

Things that can delay or change your permit

• Missing language proof. IRCC's document checklist may show proof of language results as "optional", but you must include it if your program requires it.
• Missing field-of-study proof. If your program needs it, IRCC has special instructions for submitting it. Read them before you apply.
• Passport expiring soon. A PGWP can only be issued up to your passport's expiry date. A shorter permit may be issued, and extending it later is a separate paper process.
• No medical exam. If you did not have an immigration medical exam, your PGWP may have restrictions on jobs that involve close contact with people (like healthcare, child care and some schools) or certain agricultural jobs. These can be removed later after a medical exam and a paper application.

If you travel after you apply

• If you are in Canada and leave, you need a valid visitor visa or eTA to return. You may be refused entry without one, even if you hold a valid PGWP.
• Leaving and re-entering Canada after you apply does not stop you from working full-time while you wait, if you met the conditions above.
• If you applied from inside Canada and need a visitor visa, IRCC does not issue a new one with your PGWP. You apply for it separately.
• When you come back, a border services officer checks that you meet the basic entry requirements, including a valid medical exam if you needed one.

Your family

If your PGWP is approved, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. IRCC has a short tool on its website to check.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last few weeks of the 180 days
• Letting your study permit expire without a plan
• Starting a new job before you meet the conditions to work while waiting
• Forgetting to include language or field-of-study proof
• Applying with a passport that will expire soon
• Travelling without the right visa or eTA
• Trusting someone who promises approval, or who asks you to hide information

Who can help

Advice about your own application must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Before paying anyone, check that they are licensed. Your school's international student office can also explain deadlines for your program.

Getting your PGWP is a big step. This page explains what to check on your permit, how to protect yourself at work and what to keep in mind as the end date gets closer.

Good to know: This page is general information only. Your permit may have its own conditions, so always read it and check the IRCC website.

What your PGWP allows

The PGWP lets graduates gain Canadian work experience. IRCC treats it as an open work permit, which means it is not tied to one employer. IRCC describes open work permit holders as people who may work for any eligible employer anywhere in Canada.

That gives you freedom to:

• choose your own job
• change jobs without a new permit
• work in different provinces

But "open" does not mean "no rules". Your permit may still have conditions.

Read your permit carefully

As soon as you receive your PGWP, check:

1. Your name, date of birth and passport number. They must match your passport.
2. The start and end dates. Put the end date in your calendar now.
3. Any conditions. For example, IRCC says that if you did not have an immigration medical exam, your permit may stop you from working in jobs with close contact with people (such as healthcare, child care and some school settings) or in certain agricultural jobs.
4. The length. IRCC says your permit is only issued for as long as your passport is valid. If it is shorter than you expected, check whether your passport is the reason.

If something is wrong, speak to your international student office or a licensed professional straight away.

Watch out: Working in a job your permit does not allow is a breach of your conditions. If you are unsure, ask before you accept the job.

Finding and keeping a job

• Tell employers your permit end date. Many employers will want to know how long you can work.
• Keep your documents ready. Employers may ask to see your permit and your passport.
• Know your rights. Employment rules, such as pay and working conditions, are set by each province. Look up your province's government information for workers.
• Be careful with job offers. Do not pay anyone for a job, and be wary of offers that seem too good, ask for money upfront or ask you to work without a contract.

Watch out: A genuine employer does not ask you to pay for a job offer. If something feels wrong, stop and ask a trusted adviser before you go further.

Keep a work record

Good records protect you and help later. Keep, in a safe folder:

• your contract or job offer
• a letter from each employer that shows your job title, duties, hours per week and dates
• your pay slips and tax documents
• your permit and passport copies

These will help if you later apply for another permit or for permanent residence. Different programs look at different things, such as the type of job, the hours you worked and whether you worked with permission. We cover this in the next journey.

Planning for the end date

Your PGWP has a fixed end date. IRCC says you can only extend it in one case: if your passport expired earlier than the full period you were eligible for. This is explained in Stage 1 and happens through a paper application after you get a new passport.

For everyone else, the permit cannot be extended, so you need to plan early:

• Check what other permits or programs may apply to you. IRCC has an online tool to explore options for living in Canada permanently.
• Think about timing. Some options take months to prepare, such as language tests, work experience letters and documents.
• If you do not have another option in place, you must leave Canada when your permit ends.

Tip: Start planning at least a year before your permit expires. Our next stage covers what to do as your PGWP is ending.

If you travel

• If you leave Canada, you need a valid visitor visa or eTA to come back, depending on your nationality. IRCC says you may be refused entry without one, even if you have a valid PGWP.
• If your passport will expire soon, renew it before you travel.
• Carry your permit and passport with you.

Your family

IRCC says your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if your PGWP is approved. IRCC has a short tool on its website to check what applies to your family.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not reading the conditions on the permit
• Working in a job the permit does not allow
• Losing track of the end date
• Assuming the permit can be extended
• Throwing away pay slips or employer letters
• Paying someone for a job offer
• Leaving planning for the last few months

Where to get advice

Advice about your own immigration situation must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Before you pay anyone, check that they are licensed.

Your PGWP has an end date. The most important thing to know is this: it usually cannot be extended, so you need to plan your next step well before the date arrives.

This page is general information only. It does not tell you what to do in your own case. For advice on your own situation, speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

Why you cannot just extend it

IRCC says you can only extend a PGWP in one situation: if your passport expired earlier than the full period you were eligible for. In that case you apply on paper after getting a new passport.

For everyone else, the PGWP ends on the date shown on your permit. After that date, you do not have permission to work in Canada under it.

Tip: Start thinking about your next step at least a year before your permit expires. Some options need months of preparation.

The main options to think about

1. Apply for permanent residence

If you want to stay in Canada permanently, you may be able to apply through one of the permanent residence programs. We cover these in the Permanent Residence journey. IRCC has an online tool to explore your options.

If you have already applied for permanent residence, you may be able to apply for a bridging open work permit. This is a work permit that lets you keep working while you wait for a decision.

IRCC lists conditions for this permit. For example, for Express Entry applicants, you must:

• live in Canada when you apply for the bridging permit
• have a valid work permit, or an expired one with maintained status, or be eligible to restore your status
• be the main applicant on your permanent residence application
• have submitted a complete permanent residence application and passed the completeness check
• have your acknowledgement of receipt letter

Watch out: IRCC says that submitting a profile to the Express Entry pool is not the same as applying for permanent residence. A profile alone does not give you a bridging permit.

2. Get another work permit

You may be able to apply for a different type of work permit, for example one linked to a specific employer. This usually needs a job offer, and sometimes the employer must complete extra steps, like a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Rules differ by job and situation.

Be careful: IRCC's guidance about "maintaining your status by extending your work permit" does not usually apply to a PGWP, because a PGWP can only be extended in the passport case above.

3. Study again

You can apply for a new study permit, but a student cannot keep working while waiting for a decision:

• IRCC says you can keep working only until your work permit expires.
• You cannot start your studies until a decision is made, unless you are authorised to study without a permit.

4. Stay as a visitor

You may be able to apply to extend your stay as a visitor (a visitor record). IRCC says you can keep working only until your work permit expires. You cannot work while you wait for a decision.

5. Leave Canada

If you have no other status, you must leave Canada when your permit ends. Some people later return under another program.

Why timing is so important

IRCC says that if you apply to extend or change your work permit before it expires, you can usually stay in Canada while it is processed. This is called maintained status. But it depends on what you apply for and your situation, and you cannot assume it applies to you.

If you apply after your permit has expired, you may be able to apply to restore your status, but this is limited, has its own fees and conditions, and you cannot work until it is approved.

Watch out: Do not wait until the last month. If you are unsure which situation applies to you, speak to a licensed professional early.

Other things to check

• Your SIN. IRCC says your Social Insurance Number expires on the same date as your work permit. You can only update it after you receive a new permit.
• Your province's documents. IRCC says that on maintained status, you usually cannot renew documents such as a driver's licence or health card. Make sure they are valid before your work permit expires.
• Travel. If you leave Canada after your permit expires, you may not be able to work when you return until a new permit is approved. For a bridging permit applicant, IRCC says leaving after your permit expires means you cannot work until your new application is approved.
• Family. Your spouse or partner's permit may depend on yours. Check how your own plans affect theirs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the PGWP can be extended
• Waiting until the last few months to plan
• Assuming an Express Entry profile is the same as an application
• Working after the permit has expired
• Leaving Canada without checking how it affects your status
• Following advice from friends or social media about "loopholes"
• Paying someone who is not licensed

Where to get help

Advice about your own immigration situation must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Before you pay anyone, check that they are licensed. Your international student office can also point you to official information, but it cannot give immigration advice about your case.

What comes next

Your PGWP is a step, not an end. The next journey in this pathway looks at building your experience and planning your long-term route.