Extended Special Measures for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a significant program under the International Mobility Program (IMP), designed to allow international students who have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable work experience. The PGWP is critical for graduates aiming to transition to permanent residency, particularly through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), part of Canada’s economic immigration streams.

Recent Update: Extension of Distance Learning Flexibility

Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has extended the special measures allowing international students to count time spent studying online towards their PGWP eligibility until August 31, 2024. These measures were first introduced to accommodate students unable to enter Canada due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.

Who Does This Apply To? Students who began or will begin PGWP-eligible programs between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024, are allowed to complete up to 50% of their program online and still qualify for a PGWP.
What Does This Mean? This flexibility provides relief to international students who have faced disruptions due to travel restrictions or online study mandates, ensuring they can still apply for work permits and gain Canadian work experience despite these challenges.

Key PGWP Details for Applicants

The PGWP is designed to help international graduates gain Canadian work experience in TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories 0, 1, 2, and 3. This experience can be pivotal in helping them qualify for permanent residence under programs like the CEC.

Application Timeframe: International graduates must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving an official letter of completion or transcript from their DLI, confirming they have met the program requirements.
- Important: The 180 days are counted from the day final marks are issued or when the official notification of program completion is received.
Application Location: Starting from June 21, 2024, PGWP applications can no longer be submitted at ports of entry into Canada. Instead, all applications must be submitted either:
- From within Canada: If the applicant's study permit is still valid, they may apply online under section R199 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
- From outside Canada: Applicants can also apply online under section R197 of the IRPR if their study permit has expired or they are outside Canada.
Maintaining Status:
- Graduates applying from within Canada must ensure that their study permit is valid at the time of application.
- If their permit expires before they apply, they must restore their status as a temporary resident before they can apply for a PGWP.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have completed an eligible academic, vocational, or professional training program at a DLI in Canada.
- The program must be at least 8 months in duration and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Applicants must have maintained full-time student status in Canada throughout the duration of their studies, except for their final academic session.
- The majority of their studies must have been completed in person in Canada, though the current special measures waive this for students affected by the pandemic.

Special Measures Between March 2020 and August 2024

Since the pandemic, several special measures have been implemented to accommodate students affected by travel and study disruptions:

Between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022: Students were allowed to complete up to 100% of their studies online from outside Canada without affecting their PGWP eligibility.
Between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024: The special measures were relaxed but adjusted. Students can now complete up to 50% of their program online, provided they complete the remaining 50% in Canada.
- Example: A student enrolled in a 16-month program can complete 8 months of their studies online from outside Canada and still be eligible for the PGWP as long as they complete the other 8 months in Canada.

Ineligible Applicants

Some students are not eligible for a PGWP. These include:

Those who have completed more than 50% of their program through distance learning (outside Canada) beyond the allowed period.
Students who have already been issued a PGWP in the past.
Graduates who completed programs like general interest courses, English or French as a second language courses, or self-improvement programs.
Students applying at a port of entry (after June 21, 2024).

Work Permit Validity

The length of the PGWP is determined by the duration of the completed study program:

For programs lasting less than 2 years, the PGWP is generally issued for the same duration as the program of study.
For programs lasting 2 years or more, graduates may be eligible for a work permit valid for up to 3 years.
In cases of accelerated studies, where the student completes their program in less time than usual, the permit length is determined by the official program length, not the actual time taken to complete it.
- Example: A student completing a 2-year program in just 18 months due to an accelerated course load would still be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

Implications for Permanent Residency

Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP is vital for international graduates seeking permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Under the CEC, work experience in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 qualifies graduates to apply for permanent residency, contributing to Canada's goal of retaining skilled workers.

The PGWP is a key pathway for international graduates to build a future in Canada, and the recent extension of special measures provides added flexibility for those impacted by the pandemic. With the ability to gain Canadian work experience, graduates are better positioned to transition to permanent residency and contribute to Canada's economy and workforce.

For detailed information and application guidelines, visit the Work in Canada after you graduate page on our website.

Stay tuned for more updates on Canadian immigration policies and programs.