Post-Graduation Work Permits

Canada Work Permits | Temporary Residence Canada

Looking to work in Canada after your studies? The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to qualify for a Canadian work permit and to gain valuable Canadian work experience, without having to first find a job offer or apply for a Labour Market Opinion.

Do You Qualify?

To obtain a Canadian work permit after your graduation, you must meet the following requirements.

• You have studied full time in Canada in a program of study that lasted at least eight months from one of the below qualifying post-secondary institutions:
  • a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, university or CEGEP (in Quebec); or
  • a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify); or
  • Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees (only if you are enrolled in one of the programs of study leading to a degree).
• You have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that you are eligible to obtain your degree, diploma or certificate; and
• You currently hold a valid Canada study permit.

When To Apply

You must apply for a Canadian work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your academic program. As your study permit must still be valid at the time that you apply, it is important to apply as soon as you receive this notification (for example, a transcript or an official letter).

For How Long is a Post-Graduation Canadian Work Permit Valid?

A Canadian work permit granted pursuant to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program, up to a maximum of three years. For example, if you graduate from a four-year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit if you meet the criteria. If you graduate from an eight-month certificate program, you would be eligible for a work permit that is valid for no more than eight months.