To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the applicant must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). They must also submit clear evidence that they meet all of the following criteria:

• They have completed an academic, vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• They have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their post-graduation work permit application.
• They have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study.

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• They hold a valid study permit.
• They held a study permit.
• They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit.

If your program was less than 8 months

You aren’t eligible for a PGWP.

If your program was at least 8 months, but less than 2 years

You may be eligible for PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.

For example, if you completed a 9-month program, you may get a work permit for up to 9 months.

If your program was 2 years or more

You may get a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.

If you completed more than 1 program

You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program.

Each of the programs you completed must be

• PGWP-eligible and
• at least 8 months in length

You can’t get a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.