How to Apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit?

You can apply for a post-graduation work permit online 

Important Notice: PGWP application at the border no longer possible
As of June 21st, 2024, international students can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. Students should instead apply online. For the full news release, please see the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Applying Online

Students may apply online either from within Canada or from outside Canada. Please note that processing times (Work permit extension (new employer)) will vary by country.

1. Determine your eligibility to apply online for the PGWP by completing the online eligibility questionnaire.
2. Once approved for online application apply through your IRCC Secure account
3. Assemble your documents according to your personalized IRCC document checklist, and follow the subsequent steps.

Once you have applied from inside Canada and are waiting to receive your PGWP, you can begin to work full-time only if:

• you hold or held a valid* study permit at the time you applied for your PGWP, and
• you maintained a full-time student status every semester with the exception of your last term

*IMPORTANT! Your study permit becomes invalid 90 days after completion of studies or the day on which it expires, whichever comes first, as per section 222 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

If you have applied using the outside of Canada application (IMM1295), you will receive a Letter of Introduction when your PGWP is approved. You must bring your Letter of Introduction with you upon returning to Canada so that your PGWP can be issued at the port-of-entry. If you are inside Canada when you receive your Letter of Introduction, you can flagpole at the US/Canada border (by appointment) to be issued the PGWP at the port-of-entry.