What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program?

From world-leading universities to diverse and beautiful landscapes, Canada has a lot to offer international students. One big benefit is great career opportunities, thanks to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This allows international students to gain valuable professional experience by working for up to three years after graduating.

Why is Canada a great place to gain work experience?

In a competitive job market, it’s important that you stand out to employers. Previous work experience can be very helpful for this.  

Whether through paid co-op experience during your studies or after you graduate using the PGWP, Canada is a great place to gain career skills and build your employability. Plus, employers really value international experience. Many large companies operate globally, so showing you are used to working with people from a different country and culture from your own is a big benefit. 

And if you’re interested in living in Canada long term, gaining Canadian work experience may also help you on your path to permanent residency! 

So, what is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?

The PGWP program offers international students the opportunity to live and work in Canada after graduating. The length of time you can stay depends on the length of your original study program, from a minimum of eight months to a maximum of three years.  

Here’s what that might look like in practice: 

• If your program was more than eight months long but less than two years: You may be eligible for a PGWP valid up to the same length as your study program. 

• If your program was two years or more: You may be eligible for a three-year long PGWP. 

• If you earned a master’s degree from a program between 8 months and 2 years long: You may be eligible for a three-year long PGWP. 

This compares to two years in the UK for international graduates through the Graduate visa — or in the USA with OPT for one to three years, depending on whether your degree was STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) designated. 

Who is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

If you completed a full-time study program at a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible to apply for a PGWP. The program must have been at least 8 months long. You have 180 days after graduating to apply and you don’t have to be in Canada to do so.  

Some DLIs will also require you to meet field of study requirements. This will depend on the type of program you completed and where you studied, for instance at a public university versus a college. 

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a public university, you do not need to meet field of study requirements. Kaplan’s partners, the University of Victoria (UVic) and the University of Alberta (U of A) are both DLI-designated public universities with no field of study requirements. This means you’ll have the flexibility to study the subject area of your choice, and enjoy a high-quality education at either institute. 

Make sure to take your career and life goals into consideration when choosing the right school for you!

Your Canadian university options

Through Kaplan, you’ll have the option to study at UVic or U of A. At UVic, direct admissions are available for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. At U of A, students who don’t yet meet the requirements for direct admission can apply via the Year One Foundation Program which serves as the first year of a bachelor’s program — you’ll be part of U of A from day one and won’t miss any time on your way to earning a degree! 

You’ll benefit from our expert advice and guidance throughout the application process, and we’ll be here to support you right up until you enroll in classes. 

Any questions?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions about studying in Canada or how we can help you, please get in touch.