Canada•North America

Open

C43 — Post-Graduation Work Permit

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

7–9 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $255

Stay Duration

8 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Open work permit for international graduates of qualifying Canadian institutions, valid up to 3 years.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a Canadian open work permit for international graduates of qualifying post-secondary Designated Learning Institutions. It requires no job offer and lets holders work for any employer in Canada, with duration matching study length — from 8 months up to 3 years.

Applicants must apply within 180 days of written graduation confirmation. The PGWP is issued only once per lifetime. Since Nov 2024, most applicants need language proof (CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college) and must have graduated in a qualifying field. It bridges to PR via Canadian Experience Class.

This visa is ideal for international students who completed a Canadian post-secondary program and want to build Canadian work experience toward permanent residence.

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit feeCAD $155

Open work permit holder feeCAD $100

TotalCAD $255

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

ValidityIndefinite

Processing0 days – 6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at a qualifying Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Program must be at least 8 months in duration (or 900 hours for Quebec)

Must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during every academic session of the program

Must have graduated from a qualifying program of study

Must submit the application within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion

Must hold a valid study permit at some point during the 180-day qualification window

Must meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates)

Must not have previously been issued a PGWP

Must graduate from a qualifying field of study (only applies to graduates of college programs or certain shorter university programs who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Official letter of completion from the DLI

Official transcript from the DLI

Valid passport

Proof of language proficiency (test results)

Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710)

Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications

Biometrics (if not already provided in the last 10 years)

Proof of medical exam (if required for specific occupations)

Receipt of application fees

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Open work — any employer
Path to PR via CEC
Up to 3 years

Worth Knowing

Non-renewable
Must apply within 180 days
Only qualifying DLI programs

Application Process

Receive official confirmation of graduation

Obtain your official completion letter and final transcript from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Meet language requirements

Take an approved language test to prove English or French proficiency (CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates)

Verify field of study qualification

If you graduated from a college program and applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, ensure your program's CIP code is on the qualifying list

Create or sign in to account

Access your IRCC secure account online

Complete application forms

Fill out the IMM 5710 form (if applying from inside Canada) or IMM 1295 form (if applying from outside Canada)

Upload supporting documents

Upload your completion letter, transcript, passport, language test results, and other required documents

Pay fees

Pay the CAD 155 work permit fee and CAD 100 open work permit holder fee (total CAD 255)

Submit application

Submit your application online within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion

Receive decision

Wait for processing and receive your work permit in your online account

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker	—
Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada	—
IMM 5710 Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker	Fill online
IMM 1295 Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada	Fill online

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