A Guide to Post-Graduation Work Permits for International Students in Canada

Many international students who complete their post-secondary education in Canada aspire to remain in the country and gain valuable Canadian work experience. After finishing their studies in an eligible program at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution, international graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which enables them to work in Canada.

In its efforts to retain international students, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) administers the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Through this program, international graduates can obtain an open work permit valid for up to three years. This permit allows them to work for any Canadian employer in any industry without needing a job offer at the time of application.

It is important to note that international students can only receive one Post-Graduation Work Permit from IRCC, making it essential to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of Studies: Students must have completed their studies in Canada in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that lasts at least eight months at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Program Requirements: The study program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Full-Time Status: Students must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during every academic session of the program or programs of study included in their post-graduation work permit application. Some exceptions may apply for leaves of absence and the final academic session.
• Documentation: Students must provide a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study. Both the transcript and the official letter must be included in the post-graduation work permit application.

Graduates must have completed their studies at one of the following institutions:

• A public post-secondary institution, such as a college, trade or technical school, university, or CEGEP (in Quebec).
• A private post-secondary school in Quebec that operates under the same regulations as public schools.
• A private secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, resulting in a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP).
• A Canadian private school that can award degrees under provincial law (e.g., Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree), provided the student was enrolled in a program leading to a degree authorized by the province.

Note: Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec must meet additional criteria set by IRCC, depending on the type of diploma issued.

Deadline to Apply: 180 Days!

In 2019, the Government of Canada extended the application period for the Post-Graduation Work Permit from 90 to 180 days (six months) after receiving a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the program requirements have been met.

When applying, candidates must demonstrate that they either hold a valid study permit, previously held a study permit, or were authorized to study in Canada without needing a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Required Supporting Documents

While program officers may request additional documentation, two key documents required at the time of application are a letter confirming the completion of the program of study and an official transcript from the DLI.

Ineligible Applicants

International students are ineligible to apply if they:

• Have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit.
• Received funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
• Participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC.
• Obtained the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada–Chile.
• Participated in the Canada–China Scholars’ Exchange Program.
• Participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program.
• Completed the majority of the credits toward their program of study through distance learning.
• Completed a program of study delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of the length of stay in Canada.

Special Cases

There are specific circumstances under which international students may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if they have completed an accelerated or distance learning program or have requested a leave from their studies.