Get the right documents
You need these documents to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP):
- proof that you’ve completed your studies
- proof that you were enrolled in full-time studies for a program that was 8 months or longer
- for applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, proof of language ability (if applicable)
- for graduates who apply for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024, proof that you graduated in an eligible field of study (if applicable)
- proof of upfront medical exam (if applicable)
We may request other documents once we receive your application.
Proof that you completed your studies
When you apply for your PGWP, you need one of the following to prove you’ve completed your studies:
- a degree or diploma
- an official letter from your school
- an official transcript or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website
Your proof must be from a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI) and program, and you meet all program requirements for PGWP eligibility.
Proof that you were enrolled in full-time studies
When you apply for your PGWP, you must prove that you were enrolled in full-time studies. You can prove this by submitting
- an official transcript issued by your DLI
- a copy of your official transcript from your DLI’s website
Proof of language results
Most applicants who apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, must provide proof of English or French language skills. Only graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools are exempt from this requirement.
Your language score requirement is based on your program of study.
Language tests should be taken in person. You must demonstrate your skill in each of the following abilities:
- reading
- writing
- listening
- speaking
Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application. We accept language test results from these tests:
| English | French |
|---|---|
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
|
|
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
|
|
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
|
If you aren’t able to complete one or more sections of your language test because of a disability
If you can’t have all 4 language abilities assessed due to a disability, you can still be eligible for a PGWP. However, if you submit incomplete proof of language results without additional information, your application may be refused for not meeting the language requirement.
If you have a disability and you aren’t able to complete one or more sections of your language test and the testing organization didn’t give you a nationalized (averaged) score you must
- get your averaged scores through our language averaging tool for the abilities you weren’t able to complete (if the language organization didn’t give you averaged scores directly)
- upload a document with your results from the language averaging tool and an explanation of why you weren’t able to complete all sections of your language test in the “client information” section of your application
Proof that you graduated in an eligible field of study
If you have to meet a field of study requirement for your study program , you must include proof that you graduated in an eligible field of study when submitting your PGWP application. Eligible fields of study are based on Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes.
You can prove this by submitting evidence that your program meets the description of eligible CIP.
Proof of upfront medical exam
If you want to work in an occupational setting that requires a medical exam, you also need to complete an upfront medical exam.
If your application includes valid medical exam results, your PGWP won’t have a condition that limits the jobs you can work.
Learn more about medical exams for temporary residents.
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