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International programs & student supports

Post-graduation work permit: How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare your application for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after completing your UVic program.

Application process overview

Here are a few steps to take before you start your application:

  1. Check to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a PGWP
  2. Decide when and where you will submit your application
  3. Complete an approved language test, if you do not already done so in the two years before applying
  4. Review this guide, and IRCC's instruction guides for work permit applicants:
  5. Consult with an ICS immigration practitioner if you have any questions before you apply

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

You must have an IRCC secure account to start an IRCC application online. If you don't yet have an IRCC secure account or if you can't access your previous account, register for a new account using either GCKey or Sign-In Partner.

Create your document checklist

in your IRCC secure account, click “Apply to come to Canada” in the "Start an application" section at the bottom of your main account page. On the following page, click "Visitor, study and/or work permit" under "I do not have a personal reference code." You will then be directed to complete an eligibility questionnaire to generate your personalized application checklist for a PGWP. 

Your checklist will be saved in your IRCC secure account for 60 days and you can return to add or update items before you submit the application.

Learn how to answer the eligibility questionnaire

You will be required to complete, validate, and upload a work permit application form. Additional forms may also be required depending on your individual circumstances.

Learn about the application forms

You will also be required to upload supporting documents as proof of your eligibility for a PGWP.

Learn about supporting documents

Once you have uploaded all required forms and documents, you can proceed with payment and submission of your application.

Learn what happens after you apply

Check your eligibility

Before you apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), make sure you understand the eligibility requirements.

To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • you have completed a program of study that was at least 8 months long and led to a degree, diploma or certificate
    • if you've completed a diploma or certificate program at UVic and you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, your diploma or certificate must be in an eligible field of study identified by IRCC
  • you maintained full-time registration in all regular academic sessions throughout your UVic program, with the exception of:
  • you have completed at least 50% of your program in person in Canada
    • depending on when you started your program, you may be eligible to complete more than 50% of your studies online due to a temporary COVID-19 policy
  • you meet IRCC's minimum language requirements and provide valid language test results with your application
  • you apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final grades
  • your study permit was valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application
  • you have not previously received a PGWP

Review full PGWP eligibility criteria on the IRCC website.

PGWP length

The length of your PGWP will depend on the length of the program you have completed in Canada. You may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP if you completed:

  • a master's degree of at least 8 months in length, or
  • another PGWP-eligible program of at least 2 years in duration

In most cases, time spent studying outside Canada will not be counted toward your program length for the purpose of calculating your PGWP length. Your PGWP also can't be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport or your biometrics.

You can review how PGWP length is calculated on the IRCC website.

Contact an ICS immigration practitioner before submitting your PGWP application if:

  • you cannot determine your eligibility after reviewing the criteria above, or
  • you do not meet all the PGWP eligibility requirements, for example:
    • you took a leave from your studies for more than 150 days
    • you studied part time at any point other than in your final term

When and where to apply

You can apply for a PGWP after receiving written confirmation (in the form of a degree completion letter) that you have successfully completed your UVic credential. 

You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime, regardless of how many credentials you complete in Canada. Please keep this in mind when making your decision of when to apply.

You may submit your application online from inside or outside Canada, depending on your location at the time you apply. Regardless of where you make your application, your study permit must be valid at some point during the 180 days after you receive your final grade from UVic and before you submit your PGWP application. 

Work eligibility during your final term

If you meet the eligibility criteria to work on and/or off campus during your last term at UVic, you may continue working under the same conditions until you receive your final grade. Please note that you must still limit your off-campus work to a maximum 24 hours per week while you await your final grade, even if you are no longer in classes.

You must stop working immediately when your final grade is published on your administrative transcript. You can only resume working after you submit your PGWP application if you meet certain eligibility criteria.

Applying inside Canada (recommended in most cases)

You must be physically in Canada to submit an in-Canada application.

Your study permit will become invalid on the expiry date printed on the document or 90 days after you receive your final grade from UVic, whichever comes first. To maintain your legal status in Canada while waiting for a decision, you should apply for a PGWP within the first 90 days after receiving your final grade and before your study permit expires. In most cases, we recommend applying as soon as possible after you receive your final grade.

Contact an ICS immigration practitioner as soon as possible for advice if:

  • your study permit has expired;
  • you are holding maintained status in Canada when you complete your UVic program; or
  • more than 90 days have passed since you received your final grades

Applying outside Canada

If you are outside Canada, you can apply for a PGWP within the first 180 days after you receive your final grade from UVic. If you apply from outside Canada, we recommend waiting until your PGWP application is approved before returning to Canada.

Please note

Your graduation (convocation) ceremony date has no relation to the timeline in which you must apply for a PGWP. The timeline is calculated starting from when you receive your final grade. 

Do not wait for your ceremony before you apply for a PGWP as this may cause you to miss the application period and/or lose status in Canada.

Create your application checklist

Answer the questions in the eligibility questionnaire to create your online application checklist. Your answers should be accurate based on your personal circumstances and tailored to the document you are applying for (PGWP).

Inside-Canada applications

The following guidelines will help you answer the eligibility questions to generate the correct checklist for an in-Canada PGWP application:

Question Answer Additional information
What would you like to do in Canada? Work  
How long are you planning to stay in Canada? Temporarily - more than 6 months even if your long-term goal is to stay in Canada permanently, you are currently applying for a temporary document
What is your current country or territory of residence? Canada answering "Canada" will prompt the system to generate an in-Canada application checklist
What is your current immigration status in Canada? Student you must select "Student" as your status for the system to recognize that you may be eligible for a PGWP
Do you plan to work on campus? No you must answer "No" for the system to proceed in allowing you to create a checklist
Are you a full-time student at a participating post-secondary institution and want to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week? No answer "No" as you are applying for a PGWP
Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months? Yes you must answer "Yes" for the system to generate a PGWP checklist
Is your work an essential part of your studies (for example, a Co-Op or internship program)? No answer "No" as you are applying for a PGWP and not a co-op work permit
Do you have a written job offer? No a job offer is not required for a PGWP application
Do you have an official letter from your school that confirms you've completed your study program, as well as a copy of your final transcript? Yes a degree completion letter and final transcript from UVic will be required for your application
In the past 10 years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for an application to come to Canada? Yes or No
  • your PGWP cannot be issued beyond the validity of your biometrics
  • if you gave biometrics more than 7 years ago, you may wish to give them again to avoid receiving a shorter PGWP -- contact an ICS immigration practitioner for advice

Outside-Canada applications

The following guidelines will help you answer the eligibility questions to generate the correct checklist for your PGWP application from outside Canada:

Question Answer Additional information
What would you like to do in Canada? Work  
How long are you planning to stay in Canada? Temporarily - more than 6 months even if your long-term goal is to stay in Canada permanently, you are currently applying for a temporary document
I have a job offer and my employer gave me an offer of employment number or LMIA number (or proof of that your employer applied for an LMIA). No a job offer is not required for a PGWP application
Do you plan to work on any of the following work permit exempt categories? No answer "No" because you are applying for a work permit, not a work permit exemption
Will you be coming to Canada under an active public policy or special measure announced by IRCC? No answer "No" because the PGWP does not fall within these categories
Are you a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child of a person who has or is applying for a work permit? Not all family members of workers are eligible. No answer "No" because your PGWP eligibility is not dependent on your family members' status
Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months? Yes answer "Yes" as this will prompt the system to generate a PGWP checklist
Are you a spouse or common-law partner of a person who holds a study permit. No answer "No" because your PGWP eligibility is not dependent on your family members' status 
Do you have an official letter from your school that confirms you've completed your study program, as well as a copy of your final transcript? Yes  a degree completion letter and final transcript from UVic will be required for your application
In the past 10 years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for an application to come to Canada? Yes or No
  • your PGWP cannot be issued beyond the validity of your biometrics
  • if you gave biometrics more than 7 years ago, you may wish to give them again to avoid receiving a shorter PGWP -- contact an ICS immigration practitioner for advice

Complete the application form

The application form you use will depend on whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada. Access the most up-to-date version of the application form by clicking the link to the form in your online application checklist.

If you're applying online, do not sign the PDF application form. Instead, complete the form electronically and validate it. When the form is successfully validated, you will see a series of barcodes on the final page. You can then save the validated form and upload it to your online application checklist.

IMPORTANT

Your application form is a legal document and you are required to answer all questions honestly and accurately. If information is missing or incorrect, your application may be refused.

In-Canada applications: IMM 5710

In-Canada PGWP applicants must complete the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]. If you are using this form, you must be physically in Canada at the time you submit your application, even if you're applying online.

Refer to IRCC’s step-by-step instructions to download, save, open and complete the IMM 5710 form. 

Outside-Canada applications: IMM 1295

PGWP applicants outside Canada must complete the Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada [IMM1295] .

Refer to IRCC’s step-by-step instructions to download, save, open and complete the IMM 1295 form.

How to complete the application form: Frequently asked questions

While IRCC provides comprehensive instructions on how to complete the application forms, we've included a few additional tips below.

We recommend selecting "Apply for a work permit for the first time or with a new employer."

A national identity document is an identity card issued by your home country's government. It may also be referred to as an "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card." It is not the same as your passport.

Not all countries issue a national identity document. If you do not have one, you can answer "No" to the question "Do you have a national identity document?" on your application form, and leave the rest of this section blank.

The document number appears near the top right-hand corner of your study permit, underneath the large red number. Study permit document numbers begin with the letter F.

In-Canada applications (IMM 5710)

The post-graduation work permit is an open work permit, so you should leave the employer and occupation information blank even if you have a job offer.

For question 5 (Duration of expected employment) enter dates to reflect the duration of PGWP you are eligible for. For example, if you are eligible for a three-year PGWP, enter "From" the date you are submitting your application and "To" a date that is three years later.

Outside-Canada applications (IMM5710)

Select "Open Work Permit" as the work permit type. For question 2a (Name of Employer), enter “Post Graduate Work Permit.” Leave the remaining employer and occupation information blank even if you have a job offer.

For question 5 (Duration of expected employment) enter dates to reflect the duration of PGWP you are eligible for. For example, if you are eligible for a three-year PGWP, enter "From" the date you are submitting your application and "To" a date that is three years later.

 

In-Canada applications (IMM 5710)

Per IRCC's instructions, PGWP applicants aren't required to provide information in this section. However, to validate the form you will need to include your current activity or occupation. 

  • If you're currently employed, include information about your current employment
  • If you aren't currently working, you can indicate your current activity (for example, "recent graduate," "not working," "seeking employment," etc.)

Outside-Canada applications (IMM 1295)

Include your last 10 years of employment history, including any periods of unemployment and/or studies. If you need additional space, you can upload more employment history in the "Client Information" field along with your language test results and any additional documents you are providing in that section.

You must answer all questions on the form truthfully, including the Background Information questions. Read these questions carefully to ensure you're answering them accurately.

In questions 1 and 2 of this section, you will need to disclose:

  • any physical or mental conditions that would require social and/or health services other than medication;
  • any periods when you remained in Canada beyond the validity of your status (for example, if you allowed your study permit to expire at any point, even if you successfully applied for restoration);
  • any periods of unauthorized study or work (including if you exceeded the allowable hours of off-campus work);
  • any time you have been refused a visa or permit, denied entry or ordered to leave any country (including Canada); and
  • any previous applications you have made to enter or stay in Canada (for example, your previous study permit applications)

If you answer "yes" to any of questions 3 to 6, consult with an ICS immigration practitioner for advice before submitting your application.

IMPORTANT

Even if you have answered "No" to all the other background questions, remember to answer "yes" to question 2(c) ("Have you previously applied to enter or remain in Canada?") and provide details of your previous applications.

Upload documents

In addition to the completed application form, you will need to provide supporting documents for your PGWP application.

Your online application checklist will include a list of required and optional documents. IRCC also provides instructions for each document, which you can view by clicking the question mark (?) next to the applicable item in your checklist.

Documents all PGWP applicants need

IMPORTANT

Due to IRCC system limitations, the document checklist will not include a space for you to upload language test results. However, language test results are required and your application may be refused if you apply without them. 

To avoid a refusal, upload your language test results in the field provided for "Client information" in the Optional documents section of your online application checklist.

You must include your final UVic transcript with your application. The IRCC officer who processes your application will review your transcript to confirm that you've met the PGWP eligibility criteria by successfully completing your program, and by studying full time in all academic sessions.

You can submit either an administrative transcript or an official transcript from UVic. Your transcript must include all of your final grades; please do not request or download it before your final grade is posted.

  • to request an official transcript, visit UVic Online Tools > Request official transcript
    • there is a $10 fee to order an official transcript, and it will take a few business days to process your request
    • you must upload a copy of your official transcript that is not password protected
  • to download an administrative transcript, visit UVic Online Tools > Administrative transcript
    • when viewing your administrative transcript online, click 'Print' at the top right corner of the page to generate a PDF copy

In some cases, you may also need to include transcripts from other post-secondary institutions you attended in Canada. For advice on whether to provide additional transcripts, consult with an ICS immigration practitioner. 

Your degree completion letter from UVic will confirm you have successfully completed your program requirements.

Request your degree completion letter via UVic Online tools > Tools and forms > Online request forms. There is a $10 fee for this letter. Once you receive your degree completion letter, upload it in the space provided for a Completion of studies letter in your online application checklist.

Please note

You should request your degree completion letter to be issued only after your final grade has been posted. In the online request form, select "Please issue a post-graduation work permit degree completion letter when all degree requirements have been met".

You must include a legible copy of your currently valid passport with the following pages:

  • the bio-data page (this page includes your passport number, issue and expiry dates, name, date and place of birth, and photo), and
  • any other pages with photos, stamps, visas, signatures, or any other markings

Please note

Your PGWP cannot be issued beyond your passport validity. If your passport will expire soon, consider renewing it (if possible) before you apply for a PGWP. If your PGWP duration is shortened due to your passport expiry, you may be allowed to extend your PGWP for the remainder of your eligibility after renewing your passport. Refer to the IRCC website for more information.

Refer to the instructions in your online application checklist for photo specifications, including file format, image size, composition and dimensions.

IMPORTANT

Due to IRCC system limitations, the document checklist will not include a space for you to upload language test results. However, language test results are required and your application may be refused if you apply without them. 

To avoid a refusal, make sure to upload your language test results in the field provided for "Client information" in the Optional documents section of your online application checklist.

As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must prove that they meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique Canadians (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas by completing an acceptable general language proficiency test.

You must provide your language test results with your PGWP application. Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit the application.

For detailed information about proof of language proficiency and how to book your language test, visit the IRCC website. The IRCC website also includes information on how to find your language level based on your test results.

Other documents you may need

Depending on your individual circumstances, including where you have been living and the type of work you are hoping to do, an immigration medical exam (IME) may be required. For more information, review the Medical exam requirements information on our Working in Canada page.

You may also visit the IRCC website for information about medical exam requirements.

If you do not complete an immigration medical exam and do not meet the requirements for an exemption, you will be restricted from working in certain jobs or settings.

Please note

If you're applying from inside Canada, you may be exempt from medical exam requirements under a temporary public policy if you meet certain criteria. The temporary policy exempting certain applicants from medical exam requirements is in place until October 5, 2029. For more information and to see if you qualify for the exemption, visit the IRCC website.

In some cases, you may need to include a letter of explanation with your application. A letter of explanation can help provide additional information or context that could be relevant for the officer processing your application, and can also be a way to address potential deficiencies.

Below are some examples of situations where we recommend adding a letter of explanation and relevant supporting documents:

  • if you took a leave during any of your regular academic sessions during your program
  • if you were unable to meet certain requirements during your studies
  • if you have not met all PGWP eligibility criteria (for example, you studied part time) and would like to explain any extenuating circumstances you'd like an officer to consider
  • if you had a period of unauthorized study or work during your time in Canada
  • any other unusual situations that you may need to explain or clarify for an officer

Relevant supporting documents may include:

  • medical documentation
  • documents from UVic showing your leave was authorized
    • see below for more information about authorized leave documentation from UVic
  • UVic COVID-19 impact letter, if your enrolment was impacted by COVID-19
  • any other documents that can serve as evidence of the issue you are explaining

If you are including an explanation and supporting documents with your application, upload these in the space provided for "Client Information" in the Optional documents section of your online application checklist.

Please note

You can only upload one file in the Client Information field, so you will need to merge your explanation letter and supporting documents together with your language test results and any other items you are adding to your application, before uploading.

If you have multiple documents to merge together, we recommend adding a cover page with a table of contents so that the officer can easily see what you've included.

Most students do not need to complete this form. However, if you have answered “Yes” to questions: 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the “Background Information” section of your application form (IMM 5710 or IMM 1295), you must fill out this form. 

Please note

If you've answered “Yes” to any questions in the “Background information” section other than 2(c), and you are not working with an authorized immigration representative to submit your application, you should connect with an ICS immigration practitioner to discuss your application.

Depending on your personal circumstances, a Family Information Form (either IMM 5707 or IMM 5645) may appear on your checklist. If it does, please follow the instructions and complete the form accurately.

Under the current PGWP guidelines, students may take an authorized leave of no more than 150 days from their study program without impacting PGWP eligibility.

Undergraduate students

If you took an authorized leave (fewer than three consecutive terms at UVic) during your regular academic sessions, you can request an authorized leave letter from UVic. This letter can only be requested after your leave has concluded.

UVic's authorized leave letter will confirm that UVic considers your leave to be authorized, but will not state the reason for your leave. We also advise including your own explanation and supporting documentation detailing why you needed to take a leave -- see "Letter of explanation" above for more information.

For guidance on how to request an authorized leave letter from the Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Management, contact an ICS immigration practitioner.

Graduate students

If you took an authorized leave during your graduate program, the leave will be documented on your administrative or official transcipt. Additionally, you should also include your own explanation and supporting documentation regarding the reason/s for the leave  -- see "Letter of explanation" above for more information

You can also include any additional proof that the leave was approved by UVic. For example, if you received an email confirming that your leave request was approved, we recommend including it with your application.

Please note

Including an authorized leave letter from UVic with your application does not guarantee PGWP approval. If you do not meet the PGWP eligibility criteria (for example, if your leave was more than 150 days in duration excluding scheduled breaks), IRCC may still refuse your PGWP application.

Submit your application

Once you have uploaded all the necessary forms and documents, click "Continue" at the bottom of your checklist page. On the following page, you will be prompted to electronically sign your application by typing your full name as it appears on your passport. You can then proceed to pay the fees and submit your application online.

IRCC fees 

Here are some of the fees you can expect to pay when you submit your PGWP application:

  • PGWP application fee (includes $155 application fee and $100 open work permit holder fee): $255 CAD
  • Biometrics fee (if applicable): $85 CAD
  • Additional fees will apply if your study permit has expired and you need to restore your status in Canada. In this situation, you should contact an ICS immigration practitioner for support.

Refer to the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information on fees. 

Other fees

In addition to paying fees to IRCC when you apply, you may need to budget for additional third-party fees.

Language test fees: If you do not already have valid results from an IRCC-approved language test taken in the past two years, you will need to take a new language test before applying for your PGWP. Language test fees vary depending on the test you will complete. You must pay the applicable fee to the test provider.

Medical exam fees: If you require an immigration medical exam for your application, you'll need to pay all fees related to the medical exam directly to the provider at the time of the exam. Medical exam fees may vary, and are not reimbursable under most health insurance plans.

After you apply

While you wait for a decision

Monitor your IRCC secure account

It is important to watch for messages in your IRCC secure account after submitting your application.

  • If more information is needed to process your application, IRCC will send you a request via your secure account and will give you a strict deadline to respond. Failing to respond by the deadline may result in your application being refused.
    • contact an ICS immigration practitioner as early as possible if you need advice on how to respond to a request from IRCC
    • when responding to requests from IRCC, make sure you have upload and transmitted any additional documents they have requested via your application checklist in your secure account - you will need to re-sign your application to complete this process
  • If you are required to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), you will receive a biometrics instruction letter after paying the biometrics fee and submitting your application. IRCC will only start processing your application after you submit your biometrics.
  • You will also receive a notification in your IRCC secure account when a decision is reached.

Working while you wait for a decision

You may be eligible to work full time in Canada while IRCC processes your PGWP application if you

After submitting your application, you may receive a letter in your IRCC secure account confirming your eligibility to work after you submit your application. However, you must still ensure you meet the criteria above in order to work.

Visit the IRCC website for more information on work eligibility while you await processing, including details on how to prove to prospective employers that you're eligible to work.

Travelling while you wait for a decision

If you apply for your PGWP from inside Canada and would like to travel outside Canada before receiving a decision, you'll need to ensure you have a valid entry document (i.e. a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization) for your return. If you met the eligibility criteria to work while you await processing of your PGWP application, you can still work full time after re-entry even if you are still waiting for a decision.

Visit the IRCC website for more information about travelling after applying for your PGWP.

If your application is approved

In-Canada applications

If your in-Canada application is approved, your PGWP will be mailed to the Canadian mailing address you provided on your application form. If you need a new eTA, your new eTA will be automatically issued and encoded to your passport.

If you require a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter or re-enter Canada, you will not receive a new TRV automatically with your in-Canada PGWP approval. You must apply for a new TRV separately after your PGWP is approved, if needed. Please note that your previous TRV will remain valid for travel until the expiry date printed on the visa counterfoil, even if you are no longer studying.

You will also need to renew your health insurance (BC MSP) and your social insurance number after receiving your PGWP.

Outside-Canada applications

If your PGWP application is approved outside Canada, you will receive a digital work permit approval letter (also called a letter of introduction or port-of-entry letter). If you require an entry document such as an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or temporary resident visa (TRV), the eTA or TRV will be issued to you automatically. Please note that if you require a TRV, you will need to submit your passport to IRCC for the visa to be issued before you travel to Canada -- make sure to allow additional time for this step.

With your approval letter and entry document, you may then return to Canada. Your PGWP will be issued at the Canadian port of entry when you arrive and present your port-of-entry letter to an officer.

Once you arrive in Canada and receive your PGWP, make sure to renew or reinstate your health insurance (BC MSP) and social insurance number.

If your application is refused

In the event of a refusal, you will receive a letter from IRCC outlining the reason/s your application was refused. Your options for next steps will depend on several factors, including the timing and reason/s for the refusal, as well as your location when you receive the refusal decision. In this situation, please contact an ICS immigration practitioner for advice as soon as possible.

Information session recording

For some additional tips, you can also review our most recent PGWP information session recording below.
Download the presentation slides
2.14MB PDF file

Please note

The information in this presentation is accurate as of July 23, 2025. Policies and programs may change without notice. For the most current information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Information on this page has been reviewed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors in compliance with the Government of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This page was last updated on October 8, 2025.

Information can change without notice. For the most current information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.