Get a post-graduation work permit: If you can’t apply online

Most people have to apply online to get their post-graduation work permit (PGWP). However, there are some people who may not be able to apply online.

To get a paper application, tell us why you can’t apply online.

Why can’t you apply online?

  • I can’t apply online because of a disability
  • There’s a problem with the online application
  • I need to extend my PGWP or change its conditions

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Apply on paper for your post-graduation work permit (because of a disability)

Follow the steps below to apply on paper for your post-graduation work permit.

Step 1: Get the application package

This package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide before you fill out the application form:

Tips for downloading and completing the forms

  • You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
  • You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • You must also turn JavaScript on.
  • Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
  • Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?

Documents

If you have questions about the forms, find answers to your questions in the Help Centre.

Step 2: Prepare your application package

Make sure you submit all the pages of the form.

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
    • This makes sure that you answered all the questions in the form and will help you avoid processing delays.
  2. A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your form.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
    • Use a laser printer.
  4. Place the barcode page at the top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Find out more about the barcode form.

Third party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

If you need either of these services, you’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.

Step 3: Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

You’ll need to pay your fees online before you submit your application. Make sure you pay both the open work permit holder fee and the work permit fee. To do this:

  1. Go to pay your fees online.
  2. Select Temporary Residence for a list of fee options.
  3. Select both the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete your payment. Save a copy of your receipt to your computer.
  5. Print and attach a copy of your receipt to your completed application.

Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you and show you how to pay them.

COVID-19: Changes to biometrics requirement for in-Canada temporary residence applicants

As a temporary measure, if you’re in Canada and applying to work, study or stay temporarily in Canada, you do not need to give your biometrics. Learn more about the exemption.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

Track your application

If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.

Link your application to an online account

For some paper applications, you can get detailed application status and your messages online. You can do this by linking an application to an online account.

Alternate formats

If you can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, you can ask for other formats including large print and braille. Contact the Client Support Centre (in Canada only) or submit a Web form for other formats.

Apply on paper for your post-graduation work permit (problem with the online application)

Follow the steps below to apply on paper for your post-graduation work permit.

Step 1: Get the application package

This package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide before you fill out the application form:

Tips for downloading and completing the forms

  • You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
  • You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • You must also turn JavaScript on.
  • Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
  • Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?

Documents

If you have questions about the forms, find answers to your questions in the Help Centre.

Step 2: Prepare your application package

Make sure you submit all the pages of the form.

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
    • This makes sure that you answered all the questions in the form and will help you avoid processing delays.
  2. A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your form.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
    • Use a laser printer.
  4. Place the barcode page at the top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Find out more about the barcode form.

Third party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

If you need either of these services, you’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.

Step 3: Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

You’ll need to pay your fees online before you submit your application. Make sure you pay both the open work permit holder fee and the work permit fee. To do this:

  1. Go to pay your fees online.
  2. Select Temporary Residence for a list of fee options.
  3. Select both the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete your payment. Save a copy of your receipt to your computer.
  5. Print and attach a copy of your receipt to your completed application.

Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you and show you how to pay them.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

Track your application

If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.

Link your application to an online account

For some paper applications, you can get detailed application status and your messages online. You can do this by linking an application to an online account.

Alternate formats

If you can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, you can ask for other formats including large print and braille. Contact the Client Support Centre (in Canada only) or submit a Web form for other formats.

Apply on paper for your post-graduation work permit (extend your PGWP or change its conditions)

You can only extend your PGWP or change its conditions under the following circumstances:

  • If you were eligible for a longer PGWP than what was issued to you because of the expiry date of your passport, you can apply to extend your PGWP using your new passport.
  • If your PGWP was issued with a condition that you can’t work in certain occupations, you can apply to change that condition after you have completed a medical exam.

Follow the steps below to apply on paper to extend your PGWP or change its conditions. We recommend you also include a letter of explanation clarifying the situation along with your extension application.

Step 1: Get the application package

This package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide before you fill out the application form:

Tips for downloading and completing the forms

  • You can fill it out and save it using a computer.
  • You’ll need Adobe Reader 10 or higher.
  • You must also turn JavaScript on.
  • Filling out the form on a computer is easier than filling it out by hand.
  • Having trouble downloading the form? See, “How do I download and open a PDF form?

Documents

If you have questions about the forms, find answers to your questions in the Help Centre.

Step 2: Prepare your application package

Make sure you submit all the pages of the form.

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
    • This makes sure that you answered all the questions in the form and will help you avoid processing delays.
  2. A new page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be added at the end of your form.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
    • Print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper.
    • Use a laser printer.
  4. Place the barcode page at the top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Find out more about the barcode form.

Third party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

If you need either of these services, you’ll pay these fees directly to the third party.

Step 3: Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

You’ll need to pay your fees online before you submit your application. Make sure you pay both the open work permit holder fee and the work permit fee. To do this:

  1. Go to pay your fees online.
  2. Select Temporary Residence for a list of fee options.
  3. Select both the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete your payment. Save a copy of your receipt to your computer.
  5. Print and attach a copy of your receipt to your completed application.

Our instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you and show you how to pay them.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

Track your application

If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.

Link your application to an online account

For some paper applications, you can get detailed application status and your messages online. You can do this by linking an application to an online account.

Alternate formats

If you can’t apply online or use the forms above because of a disability, you can ask for other formats including large print and braille. Contact the Client Support Centre (in Canada only) or submit a Web form for other formats.

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