October 10, 2025
Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Applying for Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada
Key Takeaways
- You must apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you have completed your program.
- Your program must be at least eight months long and offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- If your study permit expires before you apply, you may need to restore your status or apply from outside Canada.
- The PGWP is a one-time opportunity. You cannot apply again later if you miss your chance.
What is the PGWP and Why is it Important?
For many international students, completing a Canadian study program is a major achievement that opens new doors. The PGWP allows you to stay and gain valuable Canadian work experience after your studies. This experience can be an important step toward permanent residency or future employment opportunities in Canada.
However, the application process can be tricky. Timing, eligibility, and documentation are all critical. Even a small mistake can lead to delays or a refusal. Below, we walk through the most common errors and how to avoid them.
When Should You Apply for the PGWP?
You have 180 days from the date your school confirms that you have completed your program to submit your application. This confirmation usually comes in the form of an official completion letter or your final transcript. It is important to note that your graduation ceremony date is not the same as your completion date. The day your school confirms that you have met all program requirements is what counts.
Can You Apply Too Early?
Yes, applying before you are officially eligible is a common mistake. You must wait until your school confirms that you have finished your program and provides your completion documents. Submitting your application before receiving your final transcript or completion letter can lead to refusal.
It is best to double-check with your school’s registrar or international office to confirm when your program completion is officially recognized. Only then should you submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Does Your Program Qualify for the PGWP?
Not every program makes you eligible for a PGWP. Your program must be at least eight months long and offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You also need to have maintained full-time student status throughout your studies, with limited exceptions in your final term. Always verify your program’s eligibility before applying.
What If Your Study Permit Has Expired?
If your study permit expires before you apply for your PGWP, there are still options, but they depend on timing. If you are in Canada, you may be able to restore your status within 90 days of your permit expiring. If that window has passed, you can still apply for the PGWP from outside Canada as long as it is within 180 days of your program completion. It is very important not to start working until you are legally allowed to do so.
Should You Get Professional Help?
Immigration rules can change, and mistakes are costly. Many students assume the process is simple and apply without guidance, only to later face refusals over technical details. Consulting with a licensed immigration lawyer can save time, stress, and potentially your right to stay in Canada. A lawyer can confirm your eligibility, review your documents, and help you navigate timing and restoration issues if your status has expired.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help preparing your application, our immigration team can guide you through each step with clarity and confidence.
Hannah Cho
Hannah graduated from the J.D. program at Western Law in 2023. While in law school, Hannah was the Vice-President of the Western Law Charter Society, where she organized and moderated panel discussions on pressing legal issues concerning the Canadian Constitution and Charter rights. She also volunteered as a Student Clinician at the Law Student Legal Advice Program in British Columbia, where she gained experience handling a wide range of legal matters, including residential tenancy, employment and human rights law Before law school, Hannah received her B.A. (Hons.) with distinction from the University of Toronto, St. George, in Criminology and Book and Media Studies.
Prior to joining Bellissimo Law Group PC, Hannah worked as a student-at-law at a private immigration law firm, where she gained experience in Canadian immigration law by working on a range of matters including temporary residency applications, work permit applications, applications for permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and she has also co-written several articles on immigration law for platforms such as Law360 and International Law News.