Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Here are 10 important facts about Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that all international students should know:

The PGWP can contribute to obtaining permanent residence in Canada as it provides valuable work experience that is rewarded in various immigration pathways.
Eligibility for the PGWP requires full-time student status throughout the program, although some exemptions have been made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PGWP cannot be renewed, but it can be extended if its length was limited due to passport expiry. Each applicant can only apply for the PGWP once.
If eligible, international student graduates can extend their stay in Canada by obtaining a different work permit before their PGWP expires.
Maintained Status allows international students to remain in Canada legally while their PGWP application is being processed.
International student graduates who apply for a PGWP before their study permit expires can work full-time while their application is being processed, under certain conditions.
It is important to consider the validity of the study permit when applying for a PGWP. Study permits expire 90 days after program completion, and the PGWP application must be made within 180 days of obtaining proof of graduation.
It is possible to obtain a PGWP even with an expired study permit by either leaving Canada and applying overseas or submitting an application from within the country while maintaining visitor status.
The letter stating a 120-day validity period for work while the PGWP application is pending can be disregarded. If 120 days have passed without a decision, applicants can request proof of authorization to work.
The spouse or partner of a PGWP holder may be eligible for a work permit under certain conditions, such as the PGWP holder being authorized to work in Canada for at least 6 months and having a job classified under NOC 0, A, or B.