Post-graduation work permit
You may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if you meet eligibility requirements criteria. As an international student, it is your responsibility to follow and meet all eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for post-graduation work permit
- You must have completed a program that lasted at least 8 months and led to a diploma or certificate
- You must have maintained full-time student status each academic session throughout the program (excludes the regularly scheduled break) with the following exceptions:
*You studied part-time in your final semester only
*You took an authorized leave for less than 150 days - You must have completed the majority of a study with in-class format, not online.
You must check IRCC Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility criteria.
When to apply
Your study permit will become invalid 90 days after your completion letter is available, or the study permit expiration date, whichever comes first.
- If you have a valid study permit, apply within 90 days after your completion letter becomes available
- If you applied for visitor status, applied to restore your temporary resident status, or left Canada, apply within 180 days after your completion letter becomes available
Please visit IRCC website to know more about How to apply.
Working after you apply for PGWP
You can start working full-time while you are waiting for a PGWP decision if:
- you have a valid study permit at the time of the PGWP application
- you have completed your program
- you met the requirements for working off-campus (that is, maintained full-time student status throughout the program)
- you did not exceed the allowed hours of work during your study
You must stop working as soon as you are notified by IRCC that your application for a work permit is refused.
Attending a Post-Graduation Work Permit session at Bow Valley College.
Please check weekly student Enews and sign up for regular sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here to obtain information on how to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. It is illegal to work without a required work permit.
Please refer to IRCC requirements section "Full-time students with a part-time course load in their final academic session" here.
To read about transitioning from Off-Campus Work Permits to Post-Graduation Work Permits please click here:
- PGWP program. See Notes.
- Paragraph 186. See item (w).
- Transition from off-campus work permit to PGWP
Some students have to provide proof of medical exam when they apply for a work permit (Coop, Off-Campus, Post-Graduate). Please read the information found on Immigration and Citizenship website:
When you receive your Post-Graduate Work Permit, please request your SIN if you currently do not have one.
The following information has been extracted from Employment and Social Development Canada's website, and it may change any time without notice.
3.3 Social Insurance Number
International students who want to work in Canada must get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Employment and Social Development Canada. By law, employers must see the SIN within three days of the student starting work. Students should apply in person for a SIN. It may take 10 working days to get the SIN card in the mail. The SIN card expires on the same day as the permit.
Note: Students with a work permit do not need a contract from their employer. Students with a study permit who are working on campus need a valid contract with an on-campus employer. The period it states they will be working must fall within the period of the permit.
You may apply for permanent residency if you meet the requirements for Canada's immigration programs. Please click here for further details.
In addition, review the requirements to immigrate to the province of Alberta here.
