Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - Eligibility and Application
After graduating from an eligible Canadian college or university, you can get an open work permit for up to 3 years. We check your program, field of study and language results against the current rules and prepare the application within the 180-day deadline. Our fee is CAD 500, the IRCC fee is paid separately.
Graduating soon or already finished your program? Write to us - we will check your PGWP eligibility.
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What we do for your PGWP
The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs). Graduating does not make you eligible automatically. Since November 1, 2024, most applicants also need language test results, and many college graduates need a program from the eligible field of study list.
If one requirement is missed, IRCC refuses, and by then the 180 days may be over. So we check everything before you apply.
We check that your school and program are PGWP-eligible, that the program lasted at least 8 months, and that you studied full-time.
We compare your test results with CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on the program, and check your CIP code against the field of study list if it applies to you.
We prepare the online application with proof of graduation, transcript, language results and passport, and check how long your PGWP can be.
We explain when you can keep working full-time during processing, and what to do about a visitor visa if you plan to travel.
How long your PGWP can be
The length depends on the program level and length, and is limited by your passport expiry date. You can get a PGWP only once.
Common cases
Language CLB 7 in all four skills. No field of study requirement. A master's program of at least 8 months can give a 3-year PGWP.
Language CLB 5 in all four skills. If you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, the program must be in an eligible field of study.
The PGWP can be up to the length of the program. A program of 2 years or more can give a 3-year PGWP.
Not eligible for a PGWP. If you completed two eligible programs of at least 8 months each, their lengths can be combined.
How the PGWP application works
IRCC processing times change regularly, current ones are on the IRCC processing times page. The official rules are on the IRCC PGWP page.
If your study permit expired before you applied, you have 90 days to apply for the PGWP and restore your student status, with a separate restoration fee. You cannot work until the permit is approved in that case.
Common reasons PGWP applications are refused
Most refusals come from the program itself or a missed deadline. This is what we check before you apply.
Planning to stay permanently? Canadian work experience on a PGWP often leads to Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class.
Want to apply for your PGWP without surprises?
Discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer.
ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers. For almost 20 years we have supported clients in immigration matters and assisted with complex visa applications. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border control procedures.
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PGWP application cost
Our fee is CAD 500 per application. You pay IRCC fees directly. Prices for other services are on our prices page, study options are on the Canada study permit page.
IRCC fees are paid separately
| PGWP (work permit and open work permit holder fees) | 255 CAD |
| Biometrics, if IRCC asks for them (per person / family maximum) | 85 / 170 CAD |
* According to IRCC, checked in November 2026. Fees change, we check them again before you apply.
Why our services are not expenses, but an investment
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