Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit granted to international students who study in Canada and meet the following conditions:
  • Studied in Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
  • Studied in a program that is at 8 months long and is eligible for PGWP

The length of the PGWP depends on your program length:
  • If you study in a one year program you will get a 1-year PGWP
  • if you study in a program that lasts between 1 and 2 years you will get a PGWP that equals your program duration
  • If you study in a program that lasts greater than 2 years then you will get a PGWP that is 3 years long

What is the purpose of the PGWP program?
From Canada’s economic perspective, International Students are a resource that contributes to Canada’s economy. They have been trained in Canada and given Canada’s demography and shortage of skilled labor, it is necessary to introduce these graduates into the workforce. Hence, the PGWP program provides employers in Canada with a steady stream of the highly trained workforce who are readily available to participate in the economy.

From the International Student’s perspective, this is a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable work experience in NOC 0, A, or B. Work experience gained in these NOC codes helps international students gain permanent residence in Canada.