Canada Post Study Work Permit: Stay and Work After You Graduate
The Canada post study work permit, officially the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), is an open work permit for eligible international graduates of Canadian colleges and universities. You usually have 180 days after your program ends to apply. As of October 2026, you need a language test and, for many college programs, an eligible field of study.
Your PGWP checked before your deadline, not after
You usually get one PGWP in your lifetime, so mistakes are costly. Our RCIC, licensed by CICC, checks your program, school, language results and dates before you apply, and tells you plainly if something could be a problem. Fees are agreed in writing, and we never promise a decision only IRCC can make.
Graduating should feel like a win, not a race against deadlines. This service is for international students in their final term and recent graduates who want to stay and work in Canada. PGWP rules have changed a lot since 2024, and one wrong step can cost you your only chance. We check your eligibility early and help you submit a strong, complete application on time.
What’s Included in Your PGWP Application
How We Prepare Your Post Study Work Permit Application?
Program, school, field of study and language checked against current rules.
Your 180-day window and study permit expiry mapped from day one.
We plan your PGWP with your future PR pathway in view.
Post Study Work Permit Rules at a Glance
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Application window | Within 180 days of your completion letter or final transcript; your study permit must be valid at some point in that time |
| Language test | CLB 7 for university degree graduates; CLB 5 for college and other non-degree graduates |
| Field of study | Required for most non-degree programs (list frozen for 2026); bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates are exempt |
| Permit length | Usually matches program length, up to 3 years; master's graduates can get 3 years |
| How often | Generally once in your lifetime |
| Government fee | $255 ($155 processing + $100 open work permit holder fee) |
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an open work permit for international students who graduate from an eligible Canadian program. You can work for almost any employer, full-time or part-time, and change jobs without a new permit. Many people call it a Canada post study work visa.
You have 180 days from the date your school confirms you’ve completed your program, usually by completion letter or final transcript. Your study permit must have been valid at some point in that window. Apply before your study permit expires if you can, so you keep your status.
Yes, as of October 2026. University degree graduates need CLB 7, and college or other non-degree graduates need CLB 5, in all four skills. Results must come from an approved test and still be valid when you apply. Book your test before graduation to avoid delays.
It depends on your school, program length and field of study. Your school must be PGWP-eligible, and your program is usually at least eight months long. Most college and non-degree programs must also be in an eligible field of study, while degree programs are exempt. We’ll check yours.
Usually as long as your program, from eight months up to three years. Master’s graduates can get a three-year permit even after a shorter program, if it meets the minimum length. The permit can’t run past your passport’s expiry date, so renew your passport early if needed.
Often, yes. If you apply before your study permit expires and you met your work conditions while studying, you can usually work full-time while you wait. If your study permit has already expired, you can’t work until the PGWP is approved.
Generally, no. The PGWP is usually a one-time permit that can’t be extended. If you’ve applied for permanent residence, you may qualify for a bridging open work permit or another type of work permit. Planning your PR pathway early helps you avoid a gap in status.
Skilled Canadian work experience gained on your PGWP can make you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class and some Ontario nominee streams. It also adds points to your Express Entry score. One year of skilled, full-time work is a common target, but rules differ by program.
Graduating soon?
Don’t let a deadline decide your future in Canada. Book a 30-minute call and we’ll check your PGWP eligibility before you graduate.