Post Graduate Work Permit
The Government of Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible international students work in Canada after finishing their program. It’s an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer, anywhere in Canada — often for up to three years.
This page explains who qualifies, how long your permit might be valid and how to apply.
Need extra help? Contact ECU International Student Advising.
PGWP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a PGWP, you must have:
- Completed an academic program of at least 8 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Studied full-time (12 credits per term) in Spring and Fall semesters
- Exceptions: part-time in your final semester, an authorized leave under 150 days
- Completed at least 50% of your program in Canada
- Applied within 180 days of completing your program, and your study permit is valid (or was valid) within the last 180 days
- Demonstrate English or French language skills at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French, in all four language areas
Graduate students: Enrolling in 9 or more credits per term counts as full-time. All ECU graduate programs follow a full-time credit load, except the MDes Interdisciplinary part-time stream.
How to Apply
You must submit your application within 180 days of receiving your completion letter, transcript or degree. If you have difficulties that prevent you from applying online, you can apply on paper.
Important Notes:
- Stop working once you complete your program until you have submitted your PGWP application.
- ECU considers your studies complete on the date you are notified by receiving any of the following: completion letter, transcript or degree
- After submitting your PGWP application, you may work full-time if all of the following are true:
- You had a valid study permit when you applied
- You completed your program
- You were eligible to work off campus as a student and did not exceed your permitted hours
Learn More + Stay Updated
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is part of the Government of Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs.
PGWP rules can change. Always confirm the latest information directly with IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Length of the PWGP
If your program is:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree → Up to 3 years
- Less than 8 months → Not eligible
- 8-month certificate → Up to 8 months PGWP
Post-Graduate Work Permit FAQs
Can I apply for a Post-Graduate Work Program (PGWP) if my program was less than 8 months?
No. Programs shorter than 8 months are not eligible.
What happens if my study permit expires before I apply?
You must still apply within 180 days of completing your program, but you will need to apply for a different status (such as visitor status) or restore your status before applying for the PGWP.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the PGWP?
No. The PGWP is an open work permit, so you do not need a job offer to apply.
Can I travel while my PGWP application is in process?
Yes, but you must have a valid passport, visa (TRV or eTA), and study permit or maintained status to re-enter Canada. If your application is approved while you’re outside the country, you may need to wait until you return to begin working.
What if I worked too many hours off-campus while studying?
If you exceeded the permitted work hours as a student, you may be ineligible for the PGWP. IRCC reviews each case individually, but unauthorized work can lead to refusal.
How long does it take to get a PGWP?
Processing times vary, but typically range from 2 to 6 months. Check IRCC for the latest updates.