The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B that is gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.

Students who have completed their program of study

Students who have completed their program of study are allowed to work (under paragraph 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations [IRPR]) while they are waiting for a decision on their post-graduation work permit application, provided they meet all of the following criteria:

• they are or were holders of a valid study permit at the time of the post-graduation work permit application
• they were a full-time student enrolled at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program
• they were authorized to work off-campus without a work permit
• they did not exceed the allowable hours of work