There are four distinct channels via which overseas graduates in Canada can submit their applications for work authorization. When international students complete their education at a school recognized by the Canadian government, they can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Learn more about how to apply for a PGWP.


Graduates of post-secondary institutions in Canada can stay in the country and begin making a life for themselves, thanks to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

Any Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) graduate can apply for an open work visa for up to three years and work for any employer in Canada, regardless of whether or not they have a job offer at the time of application.

Please consider that the length of the educational program from which the candidate finished will determine the actual length of the permit, which may be anywhere from one to three years.

How to Apply for Candian PGWP

A candidate for a PGWP may start the application procedure the same day they get their official transcript and letter of completion. A six-month (180-day) application window will open to all overseas students beginning today.

The first step for the applicant is to acquire the required documentation, which can be found on the Canadian government's website and will be submitted alongside the application. However, you will need the following documents below:

• A degree or diploma
• An official letter from your school
• An official transcript or a copy of your transcript from your school's website

When IRCC receives an application, they may ask for more information. After this, the process for applying to the PGWP will differ depending on whether the candidate is applying from within Canada or from outside the country. The application process will be mostly conducted online, while paper applications may be accepted in exceptional cases.

Online application for the PGWP from countries other than Canada

You may break this down into the following five steps.

First, gather all of the materials you'll need to apply.

Applicants will require a credit or debit card and a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of application materials.

Two, before you begin the application, read the instructions.

The Third Step Is to Get Ready to Use the Online Instrument

Before submitting an application, applicants can use the offered online tool to generate a custom checklist of all the supporting materials they need to send in.

The Fourth Step is to Learn About the Application Fees that may be involved, the PGWP program costs can include one or more of the following options:

• Administrative Costs
• Fee for open work permit holders
• Payment for a work license
• Payment based on biometric characteristics
• Payments to third parties for things like physicals, police clearances, and Visa application centre services (if an applicant uses one)

The fifth step is to log in or register for an account online. Paying application fees, submitting an application, and checking the status of an application all necessitate a login to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's system.

How to apply for the PGWP from within Canada – online application

All PGWP hopefuls within Canada must apply online in all but two circumstances.

The five steps involved in this process are as follows.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents for ]Application

Applicants will need a valid credit or debit card and a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of application documents.

Step 2: Read Instruction Guide Before Starting the Application

Step 3: Prepare Answers for the Online Tool

The online tool provided before submitting application forms will provide applicants with a personalized list of exactly which documents they will be required to submit with their application.

Step 4: Understand Applicable Application Fees

Fees associated with the PGWP program can include any combination of the following:

• Administrative Costs
• Fee for open work permit holders
• Payment for a work license
• Biometric Authentication Cost (exempt as of the time of writing, the exemption will be lifted at some point)

5. Either log in or make a new account online.

If you want to submit an application, pay the associated costs, and monitor its progress, you'll need an account with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

How to apply for the PGWP from within Canada – paper application

To apply for the PGWP program on paper, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Someone's physical impairment makes it hard to use the online application.
In case of technical difficulties with the online application system

Here are the four stages of this procedure. Initiate the Application Process by obtaining the required documents online, on the Canadian government's website here. Because applications are non-refundable, candidates should double-check their eligibility and review the application process before starting the application process.

In Step 2, Submit Your Application With All Necessary Materials

The applicant must ensure that their application is comprehensive by including all required papers (including all document pages).

Submit Application Fees (Step 3)

The PGWP program costs can include one or more of the following options:

• Processing fees
• An open work permit holder fee
• A work permit fee
• A biometrics fee (exempt as of the time of writing, the exemption will be lifted at some point)
• Third-party fees for medical exams and/or police certificates

To avoid confusion, note that (1) all third-party payments must be paid directly to the relevant third party. Applicants can find out which fees apply and how to pay them in the accompanying instruction manual.

4. Send in your Application

Your application will not be considered until it has been received at the designated address. Ensure you include proof showing that you paid any application costs together with your application materials.

Also read

* Cost of Living & Studying in Canada (2023)
* List of Countries With the Easiest Work Visa Process in 2023
* Canadian visa fees for students, temporary visitors, and others. How much is it?