Post-Graduation Work Permit
PGWP
The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible programs at eligible Canadian designated learning institutions. It lets graduates work for almost any employer in Canada. How long it lasts depends on the program's length. A person can only ever get one PGWP.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Money
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Working in your field Members
Whether you need a licence or registration to work in your field here
Who it’s for
International students who have finished an eligible program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible DLI in Canada.
Eligibility
Eligible program and school
Complete a program of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible school (DLI) in a PGWP-eligible program.
Minimum program length
- Most programs
- 8 months
- Some Quebec programs
- 900 hours
Official wording
You must complete a program of at least 8 months (900 hours for some Quebec programs) at a PGWP-eligible DLI, in a PGWP-eligible program.
Full-time study
You need to have studied full-time in Canada in each semester.
- Part-time study is allowed only in the final semester
- Authorized leave of up to 150 days may be allowed
Official wording
You must have been a full-time student in Canada in each semester. Part-time study is allowed only in the final semester. Authorized leave of up to 150 days may be allowed.
180-day deadline
Apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your program.
180 days
Deadline · of completion confirmation
- You must have held a valid study permit at some point in those 180 days
Official wording
You must apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your program, and you must have held a valid study permit at some point in those 180 days.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementLanguage test (most applicants)
- Document checklistProof of program completion
- FeesWork permit processing fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 7 documents
- 4 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Canada
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- IRCC: PGWP - Who can apply (modified 2026-06-24)
- IRCC: About the PGWP (modified 2026-03-09)
- IRCC: PGWP - Get the right documents (modified 2026-06-24)
- IRCC: PGWP - How to apply (modified 2026-08-28)
- IRCC Help Centre: Working while waiting for a PGWP (modified 2026-09-28)
- IRCC fee list (modified 2026-09-21)
Other routes to Canada
- Visit & tourismSuper visa for parents and grandparents
- StudyStudy permit
- Skilled migrationExpress Entry
- Permanent residenceProvincial Nominee Program
- FamilySponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
- Status in-countryRestoration of temporary resident status
Work permits in other countries
- Central African RepublicLong-stay visa (visa long séjour, 45-90 days) for work, business and other purposes
- Republic of the CongoOrdinary resident card (carte de résident ordinaire), including for salaried workers
- SwitzerlandWork and residence permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals
- ChileResidencia Temporal – subcategoría Extranjeros que desarrollan actividades lícitas remuneradas
- CameroonEmployment: MINEFOP-approved (visé) work contract, long stay visa and carte de séjour
- ChinaZ (work) visa with Foreigner's Work Permit and work-type residence permit
