Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) [R205(c) - C43] – International Mobility Program

As of November 1, 2024, eligibility criteria will be dependent on when the student submitted their study permit application and when they applied for their PGWP, with the exception of flight school graduates whose criteria remain unchanged. The changes vary based on level of study and include language proficiency requirements and, in some cases, requirements based on field of study.

In these instructions, the term “officers” refers to employees of both Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.

The instructions on this page should be reviewed with the following:

• Open work permit – General processing and issuance
• Conditions and validity period on work permits

The Minister designated as necessary the work performed by foreign nationals who have graduated from an eligible program and designated learning institution in Canada for public policy reasons related to the competitiveness of Canada’s academic institutions or economy, under subparagraph 205(c)(ii) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) category allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience if they

• have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions and
• meet the specific requirements of the category

On this page

• Receipt of application
  • 180-day period
• Place of application
• Eligibility
  • Ineligible applicants
  • Curriculum licensing agreements
  • Special measures for study outside Canada between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2024
• Documentary evidence
• Application assessment
  • Authorized to study in preceding 180 days
  • Full-time studies
  • Part-time status for final academic session
  • Applicants impacted by a DLI strike or unforeseen closure
  • Leave from studies
  • Majority of studies in person in Canada
  • Completed eligible program at an eligible DLI
  • Program stacking
  • Transfers between educational institutions
  • Programs with an overseas component
  • DLIs that lose their designation
  • Flight school graduates
• Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec
  • Procedures
• Final decision
  • Approval
  • Determining the PGWP validity
  • Passport validity
  • Program length
  • Accelerated studies
  • Determining the validity period in light of distance or online learning
  • Refusals
• Family members of post-graduation work permit holders

Receipt of application

Foreign nationals who held a study permit and completed a program that made them eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI) may apply for an open work permit under subparagraph R205(c)(ii), administrative code C43 – post-graduation work permit (PGWP) category.

180-day time period

The PGWP application must be received within 180 days of the foreign national obtaining written confirmation from the DLI indicating that they have met the requirements for completing their program of study.

Calculation of the 180 days begins on the earliest of either

• the day the final marks for the program were issued or
• the day the applicant receives formal written notification that they have completed the program
  • The applicant should provide proof of the date they receive the official letter of completion or transcript. Officers may also confirm this date with the DLI.

Place of application

Foreign nationals may apply for a work permit in the post-graduation category

• in Canada, if eligible (section R199) or
• outside Canada (section R197)

In Canada – study permit is valid

Study permits are generally issued for 90 days longer than the expected end date of the program. However, international students are provided 180 days from the completion of their studies to apply for a PGWP. Applicants must maintain their status in Canada and their ability to apply in Canada under section R199.

Applicants may apply for a PGWP in Canada if their study permit is still valid (not expired) or if they meet one of the other requirements of section R199 at the time they submit their application.

Applicants who apply for their PGWP while their study permit remains valid may be authorized to work without a permit pending a decision on the work permit application under paragraph R186(w).

In Canada – study permit becomes invalid or is expired

Applicants whose study permit becomes invalid or expires before they apply for a PGWP may not be eligible to apply from in Canada because they would no longer meet the requirements of section R199, even if they have maintained their temporary resident status as a visitor. In these cases, the applicant must submit their PGWP application under section R197 for processing outside Canada.

However, if the applicant is eligible for restoration under section R182, they can restore their status as a temporary resident with authorization to study by applying for a study permit. They must meet all the regular study permit requirements, including that they hold a valid letter of acceptance from the DLI where they intend to study. They may also concurrently submit a PWGP application.

If the study permit is approved and issued, then the requirement of section R199 for the submission of the work permit application in Canada would be met. Therefore, the concurrent work permit application can be processed.

Instructions for the applicant are available here: Work in Canada after you graduate: How to apply

Port of entry

In accordance with the ministerial instructions that took effect on June 21, 2024, border services officers are not to process PGWP applications made on entry to Canada.

Outside Canada

An applicant who no longer has the ability to apply for a work permit in Canada in accordance with section R199, may submit their application electronically for processing outside of Canada under section R197. They may remain in Canada as long as they maintain their temporary resident status, or they may leave Canada and wait for a decision on their PGWP application. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the category and apply within the 180-day period.

Eligibility

Officers must review the submission date of both the study permit application and the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application to determine eligibility criteria. To obtain a PGWP, on the date of receipt, the applicant must meet the applicable criteria below.

A PGWP applicant must

• have not previously held an open work permit issued under subparagraph R205(c)(ii), administrative code C43 – post-graduation work permit category
• have had authorization to study in Canada within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from their DLI that they had completed their program when applying for a PGWP , through
  • a valid study permit
  • authorization to study in Canada without a study permit under paragraphs R188(1)(a) and or (b)
• have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI) and program
  • Programs delivered on behalf of a PGWP-eligible institution through a curriculum licensing agreement are not eligible unless the enrolment timeline meets the criteria for one of the exceptions below.
• have completed an eligible academic, vocational or professional training program in Canada that was a minimum of 8 months in duration and led to a degree, diploma or certificate
• have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs completed, with exceptions made only for the following:
  • leave from studies
  • final academic session
  • special measures between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2024
• have received confirmation of completion of their program of study from the eligible DLI by obtaining one of the following:
  • an official letter confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study
  • an official transcript issued by their DLI
  • a transcript copy from their DLI’s website
  • an education credential from the DLI
• have met the additional language and field of study requirements, if applicable

Additional eligibility criteria for PGWP applications

Language requirement

For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, applicants must

• demonstrate they meet the minimum language level in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) in English or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) in French for each of the 4 language skill areas.
  • all university level graduates, CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
  • college level graduates, CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French

If the applicant is unable to complete all sections of the language test due to disability

• If an applicant is unable to be tested in all 4 skill areas, IRCC exempts applicants from providing evaluation results in up to 3 of the 4 language skill areas. Instead, IRCC will accept averaged scores calculated by the language averaging tool that is used by permanent residence applicants. The language evaluation results, both those that could be completed and the averaged scores, must be considered in the same manner as any other language evaluation results.

Field-of-study requirement

For PGWP applicants who submitted their initial study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024, the applicants must have completed one of the following eligible programs:

• university bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree program from a university in any field of study
• college program or any other university program such as those resulting in a diploma or certificate, in an eligible field of study

Officers must consult the eligible field-of-study list to determine eligibility. 

If at the time of submission of the study permit application, the applicant was enrolled in an eligible field of study that changed at the time of the PGWP application, they remain eligible for the PGWP.

Exemption note: For study permit extension applications used to complete the same program of study as the study permit application made before November 1, 2024, there is no field-of-study requirement for the PGWP. 

No language or field-of-study requirements

The language or field-of-study requirements are exempt in the following situations:

• PGWP applications submitted before November 1, 2024
• applications submitted by flight school graduates

Ineligible applicants

Foreign nationals who studied at a DLI are ineligible if they

• are submitting their application at a port of entry on arrival in Canada
• have previously been issued a PGWP
• completed more than 50% of the credits toward the completion of their program of study by distance learning
  • Various special measures related to distance learning were implemented between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2024 .
• completed only
  • a course or program of study in English or French as a second language
  • general interest or self-improvement courses
  • a course or program of study at a private career college, including programs presented under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public institution unless the enrolment timeline meets the criteria for one of the exceptions below.
• have received funding or a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada that specifies the requirement for recipients to return to their home country after graduation
• completed a program of study delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of their length of stay in Canada
• completed a course or program of study at a DLI that is not PGWP-eligible
  • This includes programs delivered on behalf of a PGWP-eligible institution through a curriculum licensing agreement, unless you meet the criteria for one of the exceptions below.

Curriculum licensing agreements

Curriculum licensing agreements allow students to graduate from a program that was delivered by a private career college on behalf of a public PGWP-eligible institution. These programs are not PGWP-eligible unless a student meets the criteria for one of the exceptions below:

Exception 1: Curriculum licensing agreements between provinces and territories (cross-jurisdictional)

• Students who began a program of study at a private college being delivered on behalf of a public college in another province/territory on or before January 31, 2023, may be eligible for a PGWP. They must also meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.
• For example, a student enrolled in a cross-jurisdictional curriculum program on September 1, 2022, and finalized their program in May 2024. They would remain eligible for a PGWP because they were enrolled before January 31, 2023.
• Students who have completed their cross-jurisdictional program and submitted an application for a PGWP on or before January 31, 2023, continue to be eligible if they also meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.
• For example, a student completed their program under a cross-jurisdictional curriculum program on October 31, 2022. They must have applied for their PGWP on or before January 31, 2023, to be eligible.
• Students beginning these cross-jurisdictional programs on or after February 1, 2023, are not eligible for a PGWP.

Exception 2: Curriculum licensing agreements in the same province or territory

• Students who began a program of study at a private college being delivered on behalf of a public college in the same province before May 15, 2024, may be eligible for a PGWP. They must also meet all other program PGWP eligibility criteria.
  • For example, a student who began a program of study under a curriculum licensing agreement program on May 14, 2024, may be eligible for a PGWP.

No exceptions: Students beginning curriculum licensing agreement programs on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a PGWP.

There are now distinct DLI numbers for private career college programs delivered as part of a curriculum licensing agreement. The DLI and program should be reviewed to ensure the applicant is eligible for a PGWP.

Officers have the discretion to request additional documentation, if needed, in support of the applicant’s attendance in an eligible DLI or program of study.

Special measures for study outside Canada between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2024

Special measures were put in place to facilitate students who were unable to study in Canada as a result of travel restrictions. Details are provided for the different requirements for these special measures including part-time status between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2024.

Special measures between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022

The “full-time student status in Canada” requirement is waived for any foreign national who

• was in one of the following situations
  • had a valid study permit
  • was approved for a study permit
  • had submitted a study permit application before beginning their program online that eventually received a positive final decision
• between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022, they
  • were enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program
  • started a PGWP-eligible program
• applied for a work permit in the post-graduation category within 180 days of completing their PGWP-eligible program

Special measures between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024

On September 1, 2022, as there were no further travel restrictions, the special measures were changed. The “reduced facilitation measures” were in effect between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024, for international students who began PGWP-eligible programs between those dates.

To be eligible for the facilitation measures in the validity period, these students must meet one of the following requirements:

• have a valid study permit or
• have been approved for a study permit and have yet to arrive in Canada between the dates or
• have submitted a study permit application before beginning their program that was approved before August 31, 2024

All students who started a program of study between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024, are required to complete at least 50% of their program (or programs) of study in Canada.

• For the above group of students, time spent studying outside Canada will be counted toward the overall length of the PGWP only if it constitutes less than 50% of the program.

Students who graduate while outside Canada and meet the eligibility requirements of the reduced facilitation measures described above do not need to hold or to have held a valid study permit within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion when applying for a PGWP. To be eligible to apply, these graduates

• must either have a study permit or have held a study permit and
• must apply within 180 days of receiving written notification from their DLI that they completed their program

Up to 100% of their program can be completed online while outside Canada.

Part-time status between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020

Students in Canada or outside Canada may have been required to put their studies on hold or become part-time students due to course cancellations that were the result of public health measures at DLIs. For the winter, spring and summer semesters of 2020 only (that is, between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020), if a student’s status changed from full-time to part-time because of changes in course delivery at a DLI, their eligibility for a PGWP will not be impacted.

Documentary evidence

Officers will need to review the submission dates of the study permit application and the PGWP application to determine which documentary evidence is required. With the application for a work permit in the post-graduation category, officers should be satisfied that they have sufficient evidence of all of the following to decide if eligibility criteria are met:

• evidence that the program or programs of study have been completed, which is generally an official letter confirming completion of the program of study issued by the designated learning institution (DLI)
• for a study permit application and PGWP application submitted on or after November 1, 2024, evidence that the applicant has completed one of the following eligible programs
  • university bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree program
  • other university programs such as university diploma or certificate in an eligible field of study
  • college program in an eligible field of study

• evidence that the applicant was enrolled in full-time studies in a program of study that was 8 months or longer, which will generally be their list of classes and marks in the form of
  • an official transcript issued by their DLI
  • a transcript copy from their DLI’s website
• for PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, evidence demonstrating that they meet the minimum language level in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) in English or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) in French for each of the 4 language skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
  • all university level graduates, CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
  • college graduates, CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French

a language test result from an IRCC-approved test that is less than 2 years old on the date of PGWP application

If the applicant is unable to complete all sections of the language test due to disability

• If an applicant is unable to be tested in all 4 skill areas, IRCC exempts applicants from providing evaluation results in up to 3 of the 4 language skill areas. Instead, IRCC will accept averaged scores using the language calculator tool that is used for permanent resident purposes. The language evaluation results, both those that could be completed and the averaged scores, must be considered in the same manner as any other language evaluation results.

The transcript or the letter of completion of studies can be used on its own to assess the requirements referred to above if the applicant provides all the information needed. For example, if the letter of completion indicates the program details—that the applicant attended full-time and completed the program—then a copy of the transcript would not be required. However, if the evidence provided does not prove to the officer that the eligibility criteria are met, the officer can request additional documents before making the final decision.

Application assessment

When officers are reviewing the work permit application in the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) category, the following factors should be reviewed:

• no previously issued work permit in the post-graduation category
• authorization to study in Canada within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from their designated learning institution (DLI) that they completed their program when applying for the PGWP
• full-time studies
• a majority of studies completed in person while in Canada, unless special measures apply
• a PGWP-eligible program completed at a PGWP-eligible DLI
• within 180 days of the notification of program completion

Application received within 180 days of the completion of studies

To begin the assessment of the application, officers should confirm through an integrated search that the applicant had not previously been issued a work permit under subparagraph R205(c)(ii), administrative code C43.

In addition, officers can use the search result to confirm that the applicant was authorized to study in Canada within 180 days of receiving notification of program completion but before the application received date. Officers should also review all supporting documents to confirm that the evidence provided by the applicant matches the search results.

Full-time studies

Officers can review the transcripts to confirm that the applicant was enrolled in full-time studies in their program. The term “full-time” is defined by the individual DLI, but in general it means 3 to 5 classes per semester.

There are specific situations where an applicant may not be attending full-time classes but will still be eligible for a PGWP.

Part-time status for final academic session

Applicants must maintain full-time student status during each academic session of the program or programs of study they complete, and this status is required for their PGWP application. However, if the applicant meets all the eligibility requirements, with the exception of full-time status during their final academic session (that is, they have part-time status only in their final academic session), they are still considered eligible for the PGWP.

Applicants impacted by a DLI strike or unforeseen closure

Applicants who are impacted by a strike or unforeseen closure affecting a DLI in Canada are considered to be studying full-time during the strike period. The period of time in which the students are not attending class due to a school strike does not impact their eligibility under the PGWP. Applicants impacted by a school strike must meet all other eligibility requirements under the PGWP.

An example of an unforeseen closure could be that the DLI is affected by a wildfire or flood.

Leave from studies

If the applicant remained in Canada while they were a student and took leave from their studies during their program, the officer must determine if the applicant was compliant with the conditions of their study permit, as outlined in Assessing study permit conditions. If the applicant took a period of leave that was authorized by their DLI at any time during their studies, they must include, with their application, documentation that proves the leave was authorized by the DLI. Officers may request additional documents to complete their assessment. To comply with subsection R220.1(1), students must

• be enrolled at a DLI
• remain enrolled at a DLI
• be actively pursuing their course or program of study

If the officer determines that the applicant actively pursued studies during their leave, the applicant may still be eligible for the PGWP category.

If the officer determines that the applicant did not meet the conditions of their study permit, they may be prohibited from being issued a work permit for 6 months from the date they stopped their unauthorized study or work, as per subparagraph R200(3)(e)(i).

Majority of studies in person in Canada

Foreign nationals are required to complete the majority of their studies in person while in Canada with authority to study. Officers should be confirming that the applicant was physically in Canada and attending classes in person full-time.

Distance or online learning

Distance learning can be considered online learning, but applicants who complete a program of study exclusively by distance learning (outside or within Canada) are not eligible for a PGWP.

Officers should use the following guidelines to assess an applicant’s PGWP eligibility when the applicant has taken courses by distance learning in Canada at an eligible DLI:

• If more than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning, the program may reasonably be considered a distance-learning program, and the applicant is ineligible for a PGWP.
• If less than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning, a PGWP may be issued. The validity should be based on the length of the program, as confirmed by the eligible DLI, including credits earned from both in-class and distance-learning courses.

Distance learning while in Canada

If a student’s courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time the student spent studying online in Canada until August 31, 2024, still counts toward the length of the PGWP. However, students are highly recommended to attend in-class options when offered.

The temporary policy change for in-Canada students studying online ends on August 31, 2024.

Completed eligible program at an eligible DLI

Officers should confirm that the applicant provided evidence that the program or programs of study taken met all of the criteria below. They were

• in Canada
• a minimum of 8 months in duration
• at an eligible DLI, such as
  • a public post-secondary institution, such as
    • a college
    • a trade or technical school
    • a university
  • a Canadian, private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees, and the applicant was enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree, such as
    • an associate degree
    • a bachelor’s degree
    • a master’s degree
    • a doctoral degree

Program stacking

Program stacking is when students complete more than one PGWP-eligible program from a PGWP-eligible DLI. To qualify for program stacking in relation to PGWP duration, both PGWP-eligible programs must

• be a minimum of 8 months in duration and
• be completed at a PGWP-eligible DLI within 2 years of the completion of the first program

Exemption note: For distance learning facilitation measures to apply until August 31, 2024, eligible students must

• have graduated from 2 eligible programs of study, where both programs were either in progress in March 2020 or were started between March 2020 and August 31, 2022
• have completed 100% of both programs outside Canada and
• be able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a PGWP in the future

Students who started their second program on or after September 1, 2022, are not eligible for the special measures even if their first program was in progress in March 2020 or began between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.

Program stacking for study permits obtained on or after November 1, 2024

Example 1: Completing 2 PGWP-eligible programs

On or after November 1, 2024, if a student completes 2 consecutive programs that are PGWP-eligible within 2 years of completion of the first program, then when they apply for a PGWP, the duration of the PGWP could be based on the duration of both programs.

Example 2: Completing a first program that is not PGWP-eligible and a second one that is PGWP-eligible

On or after November 1, 2024, if a student completes 2 consecutive programs where the first is not PGWP-eligible, they would not benefit from program stacking when the duration of the PGWP is determined. The duration of the PGWP would be based only on the duration of the PGWP-eligible program.

Example 3: Completing a first PGWP-eligible program and a second one that is not PGWP-eligible

On or after November 1, 2024, if a student completes 2 consecutive programs where the first is PGWP-eligible, and the second is not, they would not benefit from program stacking when the duration of the PGWP is determined. The duration of the PGWP would be based on the duration of the PGWP-eligible program, and the applicant would have to apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation that they have completed the PGWP-eligible program.

Transfers between educational institutions

In cases where a student has transferred between eligible Canadian DLIs, the combined length of study must be at least 8 months to qualify for a PGWP.

In cases where a student graduated from an eligible DLI after having transferred from an ineligible institution, only time spent at the eligible DLI counts to qualify for a PGWP. They must have spent at least 8 months at the eligible institution.

For further information please see Study permits: Designated learning institutions.

Programs with an overseas component

If a student completes a program of study in Canada that has an overseas component, they are eligible for the PGWP, as long as they earn a Canadian educational credential from an eligible DLI. However, the length of the PGWP is based on the length of time they studied in Canada. Officers may contact the DLI to confirm that the studies have taken place in Canada.

DLIs that lose their designation

Applicants whose DLI loses its designation status before the completion of their program may transfer to another program or remain at the institution that has lost its designation status to complete their program of study. These applicants may be eligible for a PGWP if they meet all other program requirements and have continued to meet the conditions of their study permit (for example, be enrolled and actively pursuing studies).

Flight school graduates

To obtain a PGWP, flight school graduates must submit clear evidence that they meet the basic requirements for a permit and have done either of the following:

• They have completed a flight training course at a DLI training centre and obtained a Canadian commercial pilot’s licence.
• They have obtained or are in the process of obtaining an instructor’s rating and have received an offer of employment as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training centre in Canada.

Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec

See the guidelines for determining the length of the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) for the validity periods of PGWPs issued to graduates of Quebec vocational programs.

In Quebec, vocational and professional training programs can be delivered at the secondary or post-secondary level. The provisions of the Canada–Quebec Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the entry of certain temporary foreign workers outline when international students are eligible for a PGWP. To be eligible for a PGWP, the student must graduate from a recognized secondary institution in Quebec with one of the following diplomas:

• DVS
• AVS

The diploma must be issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) (Department of Education and Higher Education).

Procedures

Eligible applicants

Applicants who have graduated from Quebec vocational institutions with a DVS or an AVS must fulfill all of the following criteria:

• They are 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• They have completed a full-time vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Quebec.
• They have been in a program of study that was a minimum of 900 hours (equivalent to 8 months) in duration.
• They have submitted an official letter from the institution outlining the duration of the program of study (in hours or months) to facilitate the processing and issuance of the PGWP and to confirm the duration of the work authorization.
• They include one of the following in the work permit application:
  • the credential
  • an official attestation of program completion
  • an official transcript from a Quebec school board or private institution recognized by the MEES in support of the work permit application

Eligible institutions

Officers should verify Quebec public and private secondary schools through Inforoute: Vocational and technical training in Quebec.

Eligible applicants who have changed institutions during their training program must have a combined total of at least 900 hours (equivalent to 8 months) of courses at eligible institutions located in Quebec.

Final decision

Approval

The work permit will be issued under the authority of subparagraph R205(c)(ii), administrative code C43.

In the Global Case Management System (GCMS) under the Application screen, officers should enter or confirm the information below in the specified fields.

Determining the PGWP validity

A work permit in the post-graduation category may be issued for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of 3 years.

When determining the length of a PGWP, officers may consider the duration of the program of study in Canada and confirm it with supporting documents. Regularly scheduled breaks (for example, scheduled winter and summer breaks) should be included in the time that counts toward the total validity period. Passport validity must be considered as well when determining the validity period of a work permit (see below).

Passport validity

The validity period may not go beyond the applicant’s passport validity date. If the applicant’s passport expires before the validity period allowed, based on the length of the applicant’s eligible program(s), the officer should note this reason in the User remarks field and in the Notes tab in the GCMS.

If this notation exists in the User remarks field or in the Notes tab, the applicant may apply for a work permit extension upon the renewal of their passport to receive the full validity of their PGWP.

PGWPs can be extended only when the length of the permit could not be provided when the application was approved, due to the expiry date of the applicant’s passport.

Program length

Accelerated studies

If the applicant completed their studies in less time than the normal length of the program (that is, they have accelerated their studies), the PGWP should be assessed on the length of the program, not the length of studies.

For example, if the student is enrolled in a program of study that is normally 1 year in duration, but the student completes the requirements of the program of study within 8 months, they may be eligible for a PGWP that is valid for 1 year.

Determining the validity period in light of distance or online learning

If less than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning the validity period should be based on the length of the program, as confirmed by the eligible DLI, including credits earned from both in-class and distance-learning courses.

If the distance-learning courses are completed while the applicant is outside Canada, those courses must be excluded from the time that counts toward the length of the PGWP.

Refusals

If an officer is not satisfied that all the requirements of section R200, including the assessment under subparagraph R205(c)(ii), are met, they must record their reasons and outline the rationale underlying the decision, as well as the facts and elements considered. They must also provide an explanation for the decision in a case note.

Refusal reasons should clearly indicate which criteria or what requirement of section R200 was not met and explain how the conclusion was reached. For assistance, officers can follow the steps in Decision making: Standard of review and process for making a reasonable decision.

Return to On this page.

Family members of post-graduation work permit holders

Spouses and common-law partners of post-graduation work permit holders may be eligible to apply for an open work permit as a family member of a work permit holder.