If you have interest to relocate to Canada, then going through the Education system is a very good means to relocate. To work in Canada after Education, it is necessary to have a work permit, through this means of acquiring a job, there’s a high possible chance to secure a permanent residence. Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). If you’re not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence.

About the PGWP

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a good means of securing a work permit in Canada. Graduating from designated learning institution (DLI) can make you eligible for work in Canada.

Graduation from a DLI doesn’t automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. Check the DLI list below to find out which schools have eligible programs.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) List

In order to apply for a study permit in Canada, it’s essential to obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs are educational establishments authorized by provincial or territorial governments to welcome international students. All primary and secondary schools across Canada automatically qualify as designated learning institutions and are not included in the DLI list.

If you’re planning to pursue post-secondary education, it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen institution appears on the designated learning institutions list. If, during your studies, the institution you’re enrolled in loses its DLI status, you’re permitted to continue studying until your study permit expires. However, there may be circumstances where you’ll need to apply to a new DLI.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is contingent upon the DLI you attended, regardless of where your credentials were earned from another PGWP-eligible DLI.

Refer to the list below to verify if the DLI you attended is eligible for the PGWP, or explore curriculum licensing agreements for further information.

It’s important to determine your eligibility for post-graduation work after completing your studies. Not all designated learning institutions or programs of study automatically qualify you for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

In addition to graduating from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution, you must fulfill all other criteria to obtain a post-graduation work permit.

The list provided below indicates whether your designated learning institution offers programs that meet the requirements for a post-graduation work permit.

List of Designated Learning Institutions by Province/Territory

Step 1: Select the province or territory where your school is located.

Step 2: Enter relevant keywords such as the school name, city, etc.

Step 3: Identify the DLI number and include it in the “Details of intended study in Canada” section of your study permit application.

Duration For Post-graduate work permit validity

Master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (8 months minimum) may be eligible for a 3 year PGWP. The length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

It is important to make sure that your passport is valid for the entire length of time you should be eligible. If your passport expires during the cause of the program:

• we’ll only issue you a PGWP that’s valid until your passport expires
• we’ll tell you if you need to extend it to get the full validity

Normally, you can only apply to extend a PGWP if we tell you to do so. If this happens, you have to apply on paper to extend your PGWP so it will be valid for the full length it should be.

How to Apply

You have the option to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) either from inside Canada or from another country, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

You’re allowed up to 180 days after your graduation date to submit your PGWP application.

When applying, you must confirm the following details:

• Attendance and completion of your program.
• Name and duration of your program.

You can confirm these by providing any of the following documents:

• Degree or diploma certificate.
• Transcript.
• Official letter from your school.

If your study permit is set to expire before you receive your marks, you have two options:

1. Apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada.
2. Leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from outside the country.

If your study permit expires before you apply for the PGWP:

• You have a 90-day grace period to apply for the PGWP and restore your student status.
• To restore your student status, you must apply online for the PGWP and pay the required fee ($255), along with the student status restoration fee ($379).
• Due to system constraints, you must pay the student status restoration fee online and attach the receipt to your PGWP application. There’s no need for a separate application to restore your student status.
• You are not permitted to work until both your study permit and work permit have been approved.

If you fail to apply within the 90-day window or if the 90 days have already passed, you must leave Canada.

Before applying for a PGWP, ensure you have one of the following documents to prove completion of your studies:

• Degree or diploma certificate.
• Official letter from your school.
• Transcript.

Additional documents may be requested once your application is received.

In most cases, you’ll need to apply for the PGWP online. However, if you’re extending or changing the conditions of your PGWP, you must apply on paper. You can only extend your PGWP if your passport expired before your PGWP’s validity period, as indicated in a note on your initial PGWP.

If you require a medical exam for employment in a specific field, you can undergo an upfront medical exam no more than 90 days before applying. This will prevent your PGWP from having job restrictions based on medical conditions.

Applying online offers several advantages, including instant application submission, quicker processing times, the ability to ensure completeness before submission, easy submission of additional documents if required, and real-time updates on your application status through your online account.