After graduation
Post-Graduation Work Permit
The PGWP is a once-per-lifetime permit — and the rules now include field-of-study requirements for many college graduates and language thresholds for everyone. A program choice or filing mistake can cost the entire benefit. We verify eligibility, time the application correctly, and plan the work period so it actually converts into a PR pathway.
Who it's for
- Final-year students confirming their program still qualifies under the current rules
- New graduates inside the 180-day application window
- College graduates checking their credential against the field-of-study requirements
- Graduates needing CLB 7 (university) or CLB 5 (college) language evidence
- PGWP holders planning the CEC/Express Entry conversion before the permit runs out
- Students whose study permit expired or who took leave and need eligibility assessed
Common scenarios
Graduating this term
Your marks are in and the 180-day clock starts when your final results are released. We confirm eligibility, gather the completion evidence, and file while your status allows you to work.
Unsure the program qualifies
You're mid-program at a college and the field-of-study rules changed after you enrolled. We check your credential and CIP code against the current list and the grandfathering rules for earlier applicants.
PGWP running, PR not yet secured
You have one or two years left and need Canadian experience to count. We build the Express Entry or PNP plan now, while there's runway to fix gaps.
Evidence checklist
- Letter of completion or final transcript showing the program is finished
- Study permit history proving full-time enrolment (with recognized exceptions)
- The credential level and program length driving permit duration
- Language test results meeting CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates)
- Program CIP code verification against the field-of-study list, where it applies
- Passport valid beyond the expected permit duration
- Evidence of authorized leaves or program changes, explained
- Proof of status at the time of application — student, visitor, or maintained status
Exact requirements vary by program and profile — treat this as a planning baseline, not advice on your specific file.
Process overview
Eligibility audit
We verify institution, program level, CIP code, enrolment history, and language evidence against the current PGWP rules — before the application is drafted.
Timing strategy
We map the 180-day window, your work rights while waiting, and passport validity so no avoidable factor shortens the permit.
Application filing
We prepare and file the PGWP application with completion evidence and explanations for any enrolment irregularities.
PR runway planning
We design the post-graduation work period around Express Entry categories and provincial streams, so the experience you gain is the experience that counts.
Risks & common mistakes
Enrolling in a program that no longer leads to a PGWP.
Field-of-study requirements apply to many non-degree programs, keyed to CIP codes. Check the current list before enrolling — and before transferring programs.
Missing the 180-day window or applying without final marks evidence.
The clock runs from when final results are available, not convocation. Get the completion letter early and file well inside the window.
Skipping the language test until the last minute.
CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates are hard requirements, and test seats fill up. Book the test before you graduate.
Unauthorized breaks or part-time terms during the program.
Full-time enrolment each semester (final semester excepted) is a core condition. Any leave must fit IRCC's authorized-leave rules — document it at the time, not after.
Related pathways
Frequently asked questions
Next step
You get one PGWP — plan it like it matters.
Every file starts with an honest assessment: what you qualify for, what the evidence needs to show, and what the realistic timeline looks like. We prepare the strongest possible application — and we're direct with you about risk, because the final decision on every application rests with the officer, never with us.
Tell us about your situation
We review every enquiry and reply within one business day.