Are you one of the international students who just completed their studies in Canada?
Congratulations on your accomplishment and welcome to the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program! This article will provide a brief overview of the four different ways available for an international student to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students have four different options available to them when applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada. Depending on the individual’s situation, some may be preferable than others due to processing time or cost considerations. It is important for applicants to make sure that they understand all eligibility requirements and that they have all required documents ready before submitting their application.
5 steps of Applying for the PGWP from within Canada – online application
Step 1: Prepare Required Items for Application. You should have all the necessary documents ready in order to complete your application. This includes a valid study permit, proof of graduation, and a valid passport/travel document.
Step 2: Read Instruction Guide Before Starting Application. Reading the instruction guide can save you time and effort in completing your online application. It will also help you understand what is expected from applicants when completing the PGWP program application form.
Step 3: Prepare Answers for an Online Tool. The online tool is designed to make the application process easier. It will ask you a series of questions about your study and work history in Canada, and the answers you provide will help determine if you are eligible for the PGWP program.
Step 4: Understand Applicable Application Fees. Before submitting your online application, it is important to understand which fees may apply to your specific situation. These fees can include processing fees, an open work permit holder fee, a work permit fee, and/or a biometrics fee.
Step 5: Sign-In or Create Online Account. Once you have all the necessary documents, read through the instructions guide and prepare answers for the online tool, it’s time to create an online account or sign-in if you already have one. This will allow you to access and complete the PGWP application form.
4 steps of Applying for the PGWP from within Canada – paper application
Step 1: Get the Application Package – To get started, you’ll need to download the application package from Citizenship and Immigration Canada website or pick one up at your local visa office.
Step 2: Complete Application and Attach Required Documents – Next, complete all sections of the application form and attach any required documents that are listed in the document checklist. Supporting documents can include proof of completion of studies, immigration status documentation, passport photos and valid passport pages with your signature.
Step 3: Pay Application Fees – After you have completed the application form and collected all of the necessary documentation, you will need to pay the required application fee. Fees associated with the PGWP program can include any combination of processing fees, an open work permit holder fee, a work permit fee or biometrics fee (exempt as of the time of writing, but at some point it will be lifted). You may also need to pay third-party fees for medical exams and/or police certificates which are applicable in certain cases.
Step 4: Submit Application – Finally, submit your application package with all supporting documents and proof of payment either online or by mail. Once your submission is complete, sit back and wait for your results!

5 steps of Applying for the PGWP from outside Canada – online application
Step 1: Preparing for your PGWP application is the first step towards getting your work permit. Gather all required documents and have them ready to submit with your online application.
Step 2: Once you have all of the necessary information, it’s important to read through the instruction guide before beginning. This will ensure that you fill out everything correctly and provide the best possible chance of approval.
Step 3: The next step is to use the online tool on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to answer questions about yourself in order to determine if you qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. Make sure you answer truthfully and accurately!
Step 4: You’ll need to understand the applicable application fees associated with the PGWP program, which may include processing fees, an open work permit holder fee, a work permit fee and biometrics Canada.
Step 5: The final step is to sign in or create an online account on the IRCC website. Once you have completed this step, you can submit your application and wait for a response!
4 steps of Applying for the PGWP from outside Canada – paper application
If you’re applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from outside of Canada, here are the four steps you need to follow.
- Get the Application Package: The application package includes all of the forms and documents needed to apply for your PGWP.
- Complete Application and Attach Required Documents: Once you have downloaded the application package, fill out the application form and attach all of the required documents listed in the package instructions guide.
- Pay Application Fees: Check how much it will cost to submit your application and pay the fees as instructed.
- Submit Application: Mail the application to the address listed in the application package. Make sure you keep a copy of your documents for yourself and wait for your decision letter.
Having gone through these steps above, you are now on your way to achieving your dream of working in Canada after graduating.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from within Canada.
FAQ
Yes. You can leave Canada and return as long as your Visitor Visa, Temporary Resident Visa Record or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave.
Exception
There’s only one exception to this. You may be able to re-enter Canada with an expired visitor visa (not an expired eTA Canada) if:
you only visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and
you return to Canada before your study permit expires.
When you return to Canada
If your study permit is still valid, or your permit was extended while you were away, you may be able to enter as a student.
If your study permit extension is still under processing, you will be allowed to enter as a visitor. In this case, you can’t study until you get your extended study permit. The officer at the port of entry may also ask you to prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.
A border officer may have some questions for you when you arrive back in Canada. If the officer believes there’s reason to refuse your re-entry, you won’t be able to re-enter Canada. The officer may ask you for a copy of your extension application, the fee payment receipt, or any other document to prove you applied for an extension.
If you’re from the United States, Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon
You can re-apply for a new study permit and pay the fees at the port of entry if you’re a:
citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
resident of Greenland, or
resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Yes. However, your study permit is not a travel document. It doesn’t give you the right to travel to or enter Canada. Along with your permit, you may need:
a visitor visa/ TRV (temporary resident visa) or
an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Depending on where you’re from, you may only need your passport. Make sure you know which document you need to travel to and enter Canada.
Having the travel document you need also doesn’t guarantee you’ll be allowed back into Canada. You still must show the border services officer that you meet all the requirements before we’ll let you re-enter.
If you need a visitor visa to enter Canada
Make sure the one you have will still be valid when you return to Canada. If it won’t be valid, you must apply to extend it before you leave Canada.
Are you looking to apply for any type of visa to Canada?
We are offering a special promotion – apply now, pay later!
With this time-limited offer, there has never been a better opportunity to apply for any type of visa in Canada.
Don’t miss out – apply now and benefit from our apply now pay later promotion today!
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
***Please note government fees are to be paid at the moment of submitting the application. They are also non-refundable if the application is refused.