Learn more about the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Directly following an eligible program of study, you may apply for an open work permit called a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which may be valid for up to three years depending on the level and length of the program. Students must complete an eligible program of study and meet all IRCC's eligibility criteria.
Post graduation work permit application overview
When to apply? |
Apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires to be eligible to work while the application is being processed. You have up to 180 days after your final marks are posted to apply for a PGWP. Note: If you finish your studies earlier than expected, your study permit will expire on whichever date comes first: The date marked on your study permit or 90 days after the day you receive the letter of completion or final transcript, whichever is received first. |
How to apply? |
You must apply online, unless you cannot do so due to a disability or a problem with the online application form. Applicants who are outside Canada, please visit IRCC website for more instructions. Note: IRCC no longer allows flagpoling at a port of entry. |
What to do if your study permit expires?
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Contact the RRU Immigration Office immediately at immigration@royalroads.ca to discuss your options. |
Processing Time |
Processing times vary. Visit this IRCC page to check current processing times. |
Fee |
$255 CAD $85 CAD for Biometric (if required) Application fees vary. If required, you will pay fees online after you upload all the documents. |
Application form and IRCC guides for applicants applying in and outside of Canada
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In Canada Applicants: IMM5710 - Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a worker Guide 5580 - Applying for a Work Permit - Student Guide - online application inside of Canada Outside of Canada Applicants: Guide 5487 - Applying for a Work Permit - Student Guide - online application outside of Canada IRCC considers Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not local time, when assessing application deadlines. Be sure to account for this when submitting your PGWP application. |
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need a medical exam? A medical exam is generally not required unless you are seeking employment in roles where public health protection is essential or if required by IRCC. Visit the IRCC website for a list of example jobs.
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IRCC date and time of receipt of online application
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IRCC considers Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not local time, when assessing application deadlines. Be sure to account for this when submitting your PGWP application. If the application is received after midnight UTC on the expiry date, the applicant does not maintain their status under subsection R183(5), contact the RRU Immigration Team at immigration@royalroads.ca immediately. |
When do I need to stop working when I complete the program? |
Eligible students authorized to work on and/or off-campus may continue working until they receive their Letter of Completion or final transcript, whichever is received first. After receiving one of these documents, you must stop working immediately, as you are no longer considered a full-time student. Once you submit your PGWP application, you should receive an automatic Acknowledgment of Receipt and a work authorization letter from IRCC. If you meet these eligibility criteria, you can work full-time while your application is being processed. Note: If you do not have a valid study permit or have worked more hours than authorized, you will not be eligible to work while you wait for the decision, and you MUST STOP WORKING the day the final marks are posted and wait until the PGWP decision is made. If you have a study permit extension being processed, we strongly advise you to reach out to immigration@royalroads.ca. |
Steps to submit the post graduation work permit online application
Liability Disclaimer:
The immigration information on this webpage has been reviewed by Royal Roads' licensed Immigration Team in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Please note that this is not a legal document, and information may change at any time without notice. For the most updated information, please always refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.