Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — Step-by-Step Guide

🔔 What changed recently As of November 2024, IRCC updated eligibility rules for students who completed part of their program online. If any portion of your studies was remote, verify your eligibility directly on the official IRCC eligibility page before applying. Check current eligibility rules ↗

01 Who this page is for

✓ Likely applies to you if

You graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Your program was at least 8 months long
You were a full-time student for most of your program
You had a valid study permit when you graduated
You are within 180 days of receiving your final marks

✗ May not apply if

Your DLI is not on the PGWP-eligible institutions list
Your program was entirely online (check COVID exceptions)
You have held a PGWP before
You studied on a visitor visa, not a study permit
More than 180 days have passed since your final marks

Always verify your eligibility directly with IRCC before starting an application. This page cannot determine whether you qualify.

02 Before you start — what to have ready

Official completion letter or transcript — from your institution's Registrar confirming you have met all graduation requirements. A degree or diploma certificate alone is generally not sufficient.
Valid passport — must be valid for the length of permit you are requesting. IRCC will not issue a permit longer than your passport's validity period.
Copy of your current study permit — including all pages and any extensions you received.
Digital photo — meeting IRCC photo specifications: 35mm × 45mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
IRCC secure account credentials — GCKey or Sign-In Partner login. If you applied for your study permit online, you already have an account.
Payment method — credit or debit card for the $255 CAD fee. The fee is non-refundable.
Your school's DLI number — found on your study permit or your school's website. Confirm your institution is on the PGWP-eligible DLI list before applying.

03 Application steps — in order

01

Confirm your school and program are eligible

Not every DLI qualifies graduates for a PGWP. Use the official IRCC eligibility page to confirm your institution and program are eligible before doing anything else.
PGWP Eligibility — IRCC DLI List — IRCC
02

Request your official completion letter from the Registrar

Contact your institution's Registrar office as soon as your final grades are submitted. Request an official letter confirming completion of all graduation requirements. This is different from your degree certificate. Processing times vary by school — typically 5 to 15 business days.

⏱ Request this early. Waiting until after convocation may reduce your time within the 180-day application window.
03

Log into your IRCC secure account

Sign in using your GCKey or a Sign-In Partner account. If you applied for your study permit online through IRCC, you already have an account linked to your immigration history.
IRCC Secure Account
04

Start a new application and select Work Permit

Inside your IRCC account, select "Apply for a visitor visa, study and/or work permit." Answer the eligibility questions — the system will route you to the appropriate application form based on your answers.
05

Complete Form IMM 1295

Fill in your personal information, study history, and passport details. Key fields include your DLI number, study permit number, and program completion date. Your name must match your passport exactly.
Application Guide IMM 5487 — IRCC
⚠️ Follow the instructions on the IRCC form carefully for each field. Some fields may require "Not Applicable" — follow the form's own guidance on how to handle fields that do not apply to you.
06

Upload your documents

Upload your completion letter or transcript, all pages of your current study permit including any extensions, your passport bio page, and your digital photo. Files must typically be PDF or JPEG format under 4MB. Review file quality before uploading — unclear scans can cause delays.
07

Pay the CAD $255 application fee

Pay using a credit or debit card. Save your payment receipt — the fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
IRCC Fee Schedule
08

Submit and save your application number

After submitting you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt with an application number. Save this immediately — you will need it to check your status and communicate with IRCC.
09

Biometrics — if requested

IRCC may send a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) by email. If so, book an appointment at a Service Canada location or authorized VAC. Biometrics are valid for 10 years — if you provided them for a previous application, you may not need to repeat. Follow the instructions in your BIL.
Biometrics Guide — IRCC
10

Track your application status

Check your application status through your IRCC account. Review the official IRCC processing times page for current estimates — processing times change frequently.
Check Application Status Current Processing Times
ℹ️ If you applied before your study permit expired, you may be on implied status while waiting. Work authorization during this period depends on your specific situation. Verify directly with the official IRCC guidance on implied status before making any decisions.
Implied / Maintained Status — IRCC
11

Receive your PGWP

If approved, you will receive an approval letter and a Port of Entry (PoE) letter of introduction. If you are in Canada, your physical permit will be mailed to your address on file. If you travel outside Canada before receiving the physical permit, present your PoE letter at the border.

04 Things people commonly miss

Waiting for the degree certificate instead of the completion letter

You do not need your degree or diploma to apply. An official completion letter from the Registrar is the required document. Waiting for convocation can reduce your time within the 180-day window.
Misunderstanding when the 180-day clock starts

The 180 days begin from the date on your official completion letter or transcript — not your convocation date and not the date you receive the document. Verify the exact start date of your window carefully.
Passport expiry limiting permit length

IRCC issues a PGWP no longer than your passport's remaining validity. If your passport expires in 14 months, your PGWP will be 14 months regardless of what your program length would otherwise allow. Renew your passport before applying if it is expiring soon.
Uploading incomplete permit documents

Upload every page of your study permit including the back page and any extension documents. Incomplete uploads are a common reason for processing delays or requests for additional information.
Leaving Canada while the application is pending

If you leave Canada after submitting your PGWP application, your situation changes significantly. Review IRCC's official guidance on travelling outside Canada while a permit application is pending before making travel plans.
Not saving the acknowledgment of receipt

The acknowledgment email contains your application number. Without it you cannot track your status or respond to IRCC requests. Save it immediately after submitting.

05 Official government links

This page is for educational and navigational purposes only.
It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. All steps link directly to official Government of Canada sources. Immigration rules change — always verify current requirements with IRCC directly before submitting any application. For advice specific to your situation, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer.