Applying for a post-graduation work permit
As an international student, you may apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after you finish your studies. This process is simple and straightforward. Here are the things to keep in mind.
Are you eligible?
To obtain a PGWP, you must:
- Have been studying full-time in Canada on a continuous basis.
- Hold a diploma in an eligible field of study or a degree. Check the list of eligible programs.
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Take a language test and obtain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks level of 7.
These criteria may change at any time. Regularly consult the government website during your application process.
Working while you wait
- Even before you apply for a permit, you can work up to 24 hours per week.
- Once you’ve applied online for a work permit, you will be allowed to work full-time, on the condition that you hold a valid study permit..
- If your study permit has expired and you have not yet received your work permit, as long as you live in Canada, you will be living with what’s called implied status. That means you can continue to work in Canada until a decision is made. Find out more about what happens if you leave Canada.
Before applying for your permit
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You must have a valid study permit at the time you submit your application if you wish to work in Canada while waiting for your PGWP.
- Work permit eligibility may extend to your partner or spouse. Find out what steps to take.
Gather Required Documents
You will need certain documents to apply for a PGWP, including:
- A proof of graduation letter and your final transcript, which you can request via the online form.
- Will you receive them before your current study permit expires? If not, important precautions must be taken: Contact Zone Info.
- Proof of your language skills.
- Proof of an eligible field of study, if required.
Please note that due to IRCC system limitations, you will need to upload the last two proofs in the “Client Information” section of your account. If you need to upload more than one document in this section, you must combine them into a single file.
Check the full list of required documents on the government website.
Do you need to provide your biometrics?
Biometrics are valid for 10 years. Use this tool to find out if yours are still valid.
Applying
You can apply online from Canada or abroad.
Please note that it is no longer possible to apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (airport, land, or sea border).
You can check processing times by providing the following answers in the tool:
- Select an application type. Temporary residence
- Which temporary residence application?
- Work permit from inside Canada if you are applying from within Canada.
- Work permit (from outside Canada) if you are applying from outside Canada.
Applying from within Canada
This application requires a fee: check the list of fees.
Step 1: Log in to your IRCC account or create a secure account.
Step 2: Click on the link “Apply to come to Canada.”
Step 3: The system will guide you by asking a series of questions. Your answers should look like this:
- What would you like to do in Canada? Work
- Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for wich your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months? Yes
- Do you have a written job offer? No
Step 4: At the end of the questionnaire, you will need to upload the required documents.
- The Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number for HEC Montréal is O19359011058.
- You will need to complete and submit form IMM 5710, but you will not need to sign it.
After you receive your permit
- You will be covered by the Quebec Health Insurance Plan for as long as your post-graduation work permit is valid.
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or renew the one you already have.
- If needed to enter Canada, your temporary resident visa (TRV) can be renewed.
- Find out about your tax obligations.