Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program issues work permits to foreign post-secondary students who wish to remain temporarily in Canada after graduation to work in their field of study.

Work permits issued by the Program can be valid either for a period of one year or less or for a period of up to two years, depending on certain criteria.

Delivered by: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)

Eligibility Information

Students who wish to obtain a work permit valid for one year or less must meet the following criteria:

  • have studied full time for at least eight months prior to the completion of their program of study
  • have graduated from a public post-secondary institution, or from a private post-secondary institution approved by CIC
  • have received a valid job offer from an employer for a position in their field of study
  • have a valid study permit when applying for the work permit

Other criteria may apply.

Students who wish to obtain a work permit valid for up to two years must also meet the following criteria:

  • have graduated from an institution outside the greater Montréal, Toronto or Vancouver areas
  • have received a job offer for a position outside these areas
  • have successfully completed a program of at least two years of full-time studies

Other criteria may apply.

Application Information

Financial Information

  • There is a processing fee of $150 for work permit applications.

Dates and Deadlines

  • Foreign students must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving notification from their academic institution that they have met all the requirements to graduate.

Contact information

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