Overview of the process
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility requirements | Visit the Post-graduation work permit page. |
| When to apply | Apply within 90 days of when your Letter of Completion first becomes available AND when your study permit is still valid Apply within 180 days of when your Letter of Completion first becomes available, have previously held a valid study permit, and one of the following:
|
| Cost | $255.00 CAD and $85.00 CAD for biometrics, if applicable |
| Processing time | IRCC processing times vary widely. Check typical processing times for your country on the IRCC website. |
| How to apply | It’s recommended to apply online through the IRCC website. If you are considering applying outside of Canada, flagpoling or applying by paper, please contact an International Student Advisor. |
| Application form | Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM5710] To avoid delays with your application, always download the most current form from the IRCC website. |
First, create your document checklist
- If you’re applying online, create a MyCIC account on the IRCC website.
- Complete the questionnaire to generate a list of required forms and documents.
- After completing the questionnaire, you will be guided to a screen titled “Your document checklist”.
Gather your required documents
You’ll need to prepare your transcript, Letter of Completion, a copy of your passport, and more.
Complete the application form
Your application form is a legal document and is an important part of your application. Missing or incorrect information can lead to a refusal. Learn five steps to help create a comprehensive application.
After you’ve applied
You may begin working full-time immediately after submitting your Post-Graduation Work Permit application while you are waiting for a decision from IRCC if, at the time you submitted your application, you met all of the following requirements:
- You had a valid study permit and applied within 90 days of your Letter of Completion first becoming available
- You completed your program of study
- You were eligible to work off campus without a work permit during your studies
- You did not work off campus for more than 24 hours per week during academic sessions (or more than 20 hours per week before Nov 8, 2024, unless you were eligible to work more under the temporary policies).
If you plan to work in a job which requires a medical exam, you cannot start working in that position until you’ve received your work permit with the correct conditions. However, if you meet the above criteria, you can work in other jobs which don’t require a medical exam while you are waiting for your PGWP.
If you plan to travel, visit travel scenarios for more information to review your options.
After you receive your work permit
Check your work permit
Once you receive your post-graduation work permit, check the length of the work permit to make sure it was issued correctly:
- If your program of study was at least eight months and less than two years in length, your work permit should match the length of your program
- If your program of study was two years or more in length, or a graduate program that was 16-23 months in length with no scheduled breaks, you should receive a three-year work permit
Contact International Student Advising if you believe the officer made a mistake with the length of your work permit.
Exception: Your work permit cannot be issued for longer than your passport; therefore, a shorter work permit may be issued based on your passport expiry date. If this is the case, you must first extend your passport, and then apply to extend your work permit for the remainder of the time for which you are eligible.
Keep your documents up to date
Keep your immigration and health insurance documents up to date by completing important steps below:
- Keep track of the expiry date of your work permit. You must either leave Canada or apply for another immigration document before your work permit expires.
- Apply for or extend your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You need a valid a SIN to be paid for work in Canada.
- Be sure to extend your Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada (if required), OR
- Check that you have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that is valid until the same date or a future date. An eTA is required to re-enter Canada for citizens of specific countries.
If your contact information changes after submitting your application, be sure to update it via IRCC’s webform.
Leaving and entering Canada
Every time you enter Canada, be prepared to prove at the border that you can support yourself financially (that is, carry an updated bank statement). If you don’t have a job, bring proof that you are actively looking for work (your resume, list of jobs you are applying for, etc.).
If you need help
Before submitting your application
Sign up for the Canvas application review course to go over required documents, learn how to fill out the form, avoid common mistakes, and be ready to submit your application.
If you have questions
You can connect with International Student Advising for questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada.
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
The information on this page may change
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.