Getting a post work permit in Canada (called PGWP) depends a lot on your course and its duration. A work permit under the PGWP is usually issued for the length of the study program. The maximum length of the post work permit is of three years. It means if your post-graduate course’s duration is two years, you get a three year PGWP visa.

A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program. The course duration must be a minimum of eight months in length. 

The PGWP allows international students graduating from a participating post-secondary college/university to gain Canadian work experience. In the long run, Canadian work experience gained through PGWP helps international graduates qualify for PR (permanent residence) in Canada through Express Entry.

Eligibility criteria for PFWP

• You must have studied full time in Canada and your course duration should be at least eight months.
• You must apply for a work permit within 90 days of completing your course. You must have a written proof from the college/university indicating the same. For example, a transcript or an official letter.
• You must have a valid student visa when you apply for the PGWP.

Duration

If the official length of your program of study is:

• Less than eight months: you are not eligible for the PGWP program
• Less than two years but more than eight months: you will get work permit for a period equal to your course duration
• Two years or more: you will be granted a work permit three years

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