An open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian programs.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit — not tied to a named employer — for graduates of eligible Canadian programs. It is the most common bridge between studying in Canada and settling here, because the Canadian work experience it enables is what most permanent residence routes for former students are built on.
Eligibility depends on both the institution and the specific program, and both are defined by IRCC. This is the part worth internalising: it is decided by choices made before you enrolled, and it cannot be repaired afterwards. Two students at the same school, on different programs, can get different answers.
It is also generally issued once and not renewed. Its length relates to the length of the program studied. Because it is effectively a single, finite opportunity, what you do with that period — and whether the work you take counts as skilled experience for the permanent residence route you are aiming at — deserves planning at the start rather than in the final months.
| Type | Open work permit — not tied to one employer |
|---|---|
| Eligibility depends on | The institution AND the specific program |
| Generally issued | Once, and not renewed |
| Length | Related to the length of the program studied |
| Why it matters | Enables the Canadian experience most PR routes rely on |
What an application on this route usually involves. Not a checklist that guarantees anything — IRCC sets the requirements, and they change.
Whether it fits you is what a consultation is for. This page cannot answer that and does not try to.
The decision was made at enrolment. Confirming eligibility before paying a deposit is the only point at which this is fixable.
There is a limited period after completing studies in which to apply. It is easy to lose while waiting on a transcript.
The permit is open, so any job is lawful — but not all work counts toward the permanent residence programs people are aiming at. That distinction matters from the first job, not the last.
The permit is not issued beyond passport validity, which can cut a three-year entitlement down without anyone intending it.
No. Eligibility depends on the institution and the specific program, both defined by IRCC. This is worth confirming before enrolling, because it cannot be fixed after graduating.
It is generally a once-only permit and not renewed. Planning as though more time will be available later is a common and costly assumption.
Its length relates to the length of the program you completed, within limits IRCC sets.
Not by itself. It enables the Canadian skilled work experience that programs such as the Canadian Experience Class are built around, which is a different application.
That is the one question this page cannot answer. Start with the free assessment, then bring your situation to a consultation with the RCIC-IRB.
Start Your AssessmentBook a paid consultationThis page is general information. It is not an assessment of your eligibility, and nothing on it is immigration advice for consideration. Post-Graduation Work Permit matters at ZIMMR are advised on directly by Irshad Osman, RCIC-IRB.
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