Applying for post-graduation work permit

Once you have completed the last study requirement (for example, you have finished your last exam or assignment), you can work off campus for up to 20 hours per week as you wait for your marks if you had the right to work off campus during your final semester and if your study permit is still valid. If your study permit expires, you have to stop working. 

The off-campus work limit of 20 hours per week is temporarily lifted for some students who are allowed to work off campus.

* Please note that if you renew your study permit, you must be mindful of the date you apply to extend (renew) the study permit. For example, if your study permit expires on March 31, 2024, and you apply to renew your study permit after December 7, 2023, you will be limited to 20 hours of off-campus work per week once your current permit expires on April 1, 2024.

If you are still awaiting results (for example, those of an essay, report, dissertation or thesis) when a new session begins (including the summer session) or if you have not yet made your final submission or done your defence (if required), you must then register for this session if you live in Canada as a study permit holder. You must contact your faculty’s academic advisors to proceed with the registration and your right to work will be that of a student. You must remain registered until the end of your studies and your final graduation.

Once you have written confirmation that you have successfully completed your study program (graduation letter, email from your faculty, final transcript, etc.), you must stop working until you apply to IRCC for a post-graduation work permit. To avoid or minimize any interruption to work between these steps, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit the same day you receive proof of graduation from your program director. However, you will need to meet the following criteria.

When you apply online for a post-graduation work permit, you are allowed to work off campus (without any limit to the number of hours you work) while you wait for a decision on your application if all of these conditions are met:

• Your study permit was valid when you submitted your work permit application. (Please note that your study permit expires on its expiry date or 90 days after the end of your studies, whichever comes first.)
• You were enrolled full-time for your entire program of study (except for your last semester of study) while holding a study permit.
• You have consistently followed your study permit’s off-campus terms and conditions of employment and you haven’t worked more hours than you are allowed to.

If your study permit expires while your post-graduation work permit is being processed, you still retain the right to work under section 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. If you leave and return to Canada while your application is still being processed, you will be able to continue working. However, make sure you have a valid visa or eTA to be able to return to Canada. If you have received a letter from IRCC indicating that you are allowed to work while your application is being processed, this authorization continues until a decision is made, even if the 180-day validity period has expired (see “Working while we process your application”).

Eligibility

To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you must:

• Have met all of the requirements of your study program. These include, if applicable, language requirements, internships, the final submission of your thesis, and thesis defence.
• Have been enrolled full-time during all mandatory semesters of your study program.
  • This applies whether you are in Canada or outside of Canada (even if that is due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • Exceptions to this rule are possible only:
    • In the last academic semester when you are eligible to enrol part-time.
    • When you take an authorized educational leave of up to 150 days.
    • If you had to stop your studies or enrol part-time between March 2020 and August 31, 2020 because of the pandemic. If this is the case for you, we recommend that you write an explanatory letter detailing your situation.
• Have taken more than 50% of your courses in the classroom in Canada. Exceptions to this rule may be made due to temporary COVID-19 policies:
  • Regarding studies outside Canada:
    • Full facilitation measures: If you began your program of study before August 31, 2022, you may study entirely online outside of Canada and be eligible for the PGWP, as long as you have obtained a study permit or a letter of introduction from IRCC indicating approval of the study permit.
    • Reduced facilitation measures: If you began your program of study between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, you must complete at least 50% of your program of study in Canada to be eligible for the PGWP.
  • For studies done online in Canada, starting January 1, 2024, you must complete more of 50% of your program in the classroom in Canada.
• Apply within 180 days of graduating.
• Have a valid study permit when you submit your application or during the 180 days before the day you submit your application.
• Have completed a program of study lasting at least 8 months.

You are not eligible if you:

• Have participated in the International scholarships for non-Canadians program funded by Global Affairs Canada, other than Study in Canada Scholarship recipients.
• Have already obtained a post-graduation work permit after completing another study program.

Duration of the permit

The validity period of the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is based on the duration of your studies in Canada. If your program of study lasted between 8 months and 2 years, your PGWP should be valid for the same amount of time as your program. If your program of study lasted 2 years or more (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree), your PGWP will generally be valid for 3 years.

The time spent studying outside of Canada during a program of study (e.g. as part of a distance learning semester, exchange semester outside of Canada, co-supervised program, or double degree) is deducted from the potential duration of the PGWP. However, certain facilitation measures apply due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Full facilitation measures: If you started your program of study before August 31, 2022, the time you spend studying outside of Canada until December 31, 2023, will count towards the validity of the PGWP. You must have applied for a study permit before the start of your program, and the application must eventually be approved. If you applied for a study permit after the start of your program, the time is counted only from the time the study permit application was made, and only if the study permit is eventually approved.
• Reduced facilitation measures: If you started your program of study between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, the time spent studying outside of Canada before December 31, 2023, counts towards the validity of the PGWP if at least 50% of the program of study is completed in Canada. You must have applied for a study permit before the start of your program of study, and the application must eventually be approved. If you applied for a study permit after the start of your program of study, the time is counted only from the time the study permit application was made, and only if the study permit is eventually approved.
• Any time spent studying outside of Canada after December 31, 2023, will be deducted from the length of the PGWP, regardless of when you started your program of study.

For online studies conducted from Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the online study time spent in Canada before December 31, 2023, will count towards the validity of the post-graduation work permit. However, it is strongly recommended that you attend classes in person if possible. As of January 1, 2024, you must complete 50% of your program in the classroom in Canada. If more than 50% of the courses are taken in the classroom in Canada, the validity of the PGWP will be calculated by also including the credits obtained during your online studies in Canada.

A PGWP cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport. It is therefore preferable to have a passport that remains valid for the duration of the PGWP. If your PGWP cannot be issued for its full potential validity because your passport will expire, you may apply for a new PGWP for the missing time once you get your new passport. You will have to pay the processing fee again.

For more information on PGWP eligibility and duration, visit these IRCC sites:

• Work in Canada after you graduate: About the post-graduation work permit
• Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

How to apply

You usually have to submit the application ($255) online on your IRCC secure account. See the website Applying with a IRCC secure account.

To apply for a post-graduation work permit online from within Canada, you must have a valid study permit. It is not possible to apply from within Canada if you are on maintained or visitor status. However, if your status has expired, you can apply from within Canada for reinstatement combined with a post-graduation work permit application within 90 days of the expiry of your status. Please note that in this case, you will not be able to work while your application is being processed.

When answering the questions to set up your online application, answer “Yes” to the question “Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months?”

For information on processing times, see the IRCC website.

If you apply for a work permit from within Canada, it doesn’t include a temporary resident visa (TRV). Once you have your new work permit, you must apply for the visa. There is a fee ($100) to get the visa. However, once your work permit is approved, you will be issued a new eTA automatically.

When you apply for a work permit in Canada, the permit will be mailed directly to your mailing address in Québec. If your mailing address changes after you have submitted your application, contact Canada Post to have your mail forwarded to your new address (fees apply) and tell IRCC about your change of address.

You can also apply only from outside of Canada.

If you are currently in Canada, it may also be possible to apply for a work permit at the border, but IRCC doesn’t recommend doing this. If you still choose this option, visit the Getting to a border crossing page to help you prepare. 

Requested documents for an online application (a customized list of documents will be created in your IRCC secure account)

1) “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]” form

The form must be validated (with barcodes) in order to upload it. (You don’t have to sign it.)

To help you complete the form correctly, read the Instruction Guide.

Here are some guidelines to help you complete the form:

• First section of the form
  • Box 1: UCI: You will find it on your current study or work permit.
• “COMING INTO CANADA” section
  • Box 4: This number can be found in the top right-hand corner of your current permit. Study permit numbers start with the letter F, and work permit numbers start with the letter U; they are followed by nine digits.
• “DETAILS OF INTENDED WORK IN CANADA” section
  • Box 1: Select “Post Graduation Work Permit.”
  • Boxes 2 to 8: You do not need to provide any information in these boxes as you are applying for an open work permit.
• “EDUCATION” section
  • Enter the most recent post-secondary degree you have completed.
• “EMPLOYMENT” section
  • Boxes 1 to 3: The information requested in this section is not required.
• “BACKGROUND INFORMATION” section
  • Box 2c): If you are currently in Canada or have previously applied to enter or remain in Canada, you must answer “yes” to this question and provide details in box 2d).

2) Passport: A clear copy of the ID page as well as all pages where there are stamps, visas, or entries.

3) Photo: It must be in colour and show the full front view of your head, with your face in the middle of the photo, and include the top of your shoulders. You can take it yourself with a digital camera. The image pixel size must be at least 420 x 540.

4) Recent transcript: Recent official transcript issued within the last month (order through monPortail or make a request in person at the Registrar’s Office—cost $9). We recommend that you get a transcript that shows all your grades, but this isn’t essential.

5) Proof of graduation letter: A letter from your faculty's academic advisor or the FESP (Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) stating that you have met all the requirements of your study program, or an “attestation de diplomation” [proof of graduation] (in French only) from the Université Laval’s Secretary General’s Office.

6) If you have taken approved leave from studies during your program: Letter from the Registrar's Office approving this leave, and other supporting documents. 

7) A medical exam is sometimes required, for example, if you lived in an specified country for more than six months in the last year or if you want to work with certain clients (children, the elderly, etc.) or in certain settings (elementary and secondary schools, daycares, health care settings, clinical laboratories, hospitals, etc.). A temporary public policy for medical exams exempts many in-Canada applicants from medical requirements. For more information, go to Medical exams for visitors, students and workers.

8) Biometrics:

• Citizens of all countries (except the United States and other minor exceptions) have to give their biometrics to get a work permit. If you have already given your biometrics for a Canadian visa or permit application, those biometrics are valid for 10 years.
• Important: You must give your biometrics to the Canadian government even if you have a biometric passport.
• You will have to pay the biometric fee ($85), when you apply for your work permit if it is required.
• Within hours of submitting your application, you will receive the instruction letter that you must bring with your passport to a Service Canada office in order to give your biometrics (appointment necessary). You should complete this step as quickly as possible because your application processing time starts once the biometrics have been collected.

If you need to renew your visa, you have to do this after getting a post-graduation work permit.

If you are visa-exempt and need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead, when your new study permit is approved, an eTA will be issued automatically at no additional cost.

You have to submit your application ($100) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you still have a valid student visa in your passport, it remains valid until it expires even if you now have temporary worker status.

Once you have entered Canada, you don’t have to have a valid temporary resident visa. Your work permit is the document that gives you legal status in Canada.

However, a valid visa is required if you leave Canada and want to return. If you plan to travel outside of Canada and your visa will expire while you are abroad, it may be best to apply for a new visa before you leave Canada.

Usually, your visa will expire at the same time as your work permit. However, due to COVID-19 temporary measures, your visa may be issued so that it expires at the same time as your passport, which would be after your study permit expires. But it is your study or work permit that gives you the right to stay in Canada, so you may have to renew your study or work permit, even if your visa is still valid.

Processing times change constantly; under “Temporary residence (visiting, studying, working),” see “Visitor visa (from inside Canada).” In addition to the processing time indicated, it takes two to four weeks to send your passport to Ottawa and have it sent back with the new visa.

How to apply for a visa

If you are applying for a visa from within Canada, you have to apply online. However, you can submit a family application by mail. You will need to use a IRCC secure account to apply. For more information about applying online, see the website Applying with a IRCC secure account.

Once the online application for your temporary resident visa has been approved, you will need to send your passport to IRCC so they can put the visa in your passport. If you are in Canada, you will need to send your passport to Ottawa. You will find the mailing instructions on this IRCC site. Be sure to follow the mailing instructions for Canada.

Important
When you send your passport to Ottawa, remember to also print and send the confirmation you received in your IRCC secure account that your visa was approved.

Requested documents for an online application (a customized list of documents will be created in your IRCC secure account)

1) Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257]” form

Despite its name, this is the correct form to fill out, even when you apply from within Canada.

The form must be validated (with barcodes) in order to upload it. (You don’t have to sign it.)

To help you complete the form correctly, read the Instruction Guide.

Here are some guidelines to help you complete the form:

• First section of the form
  • Box 1: UCI: You will find it on your current work permit.
• “PERSONAL DETAILS” section
  • Box 7: If you are currently in Canada, your current country or territory of residence should be Canada.
• “DETAILS OF VISIT TO CANADA” section
  • Box 1: Select “Returning Worker.”
  • Box 2: If you are currently in Canada, enter the current date and the expiry date of your permit.
• “EDUCATION” section
  • Enter the most recent post-secondary degree you have completed.
• “EMPLOYMENT” section
  • Box 1: Enter your main activities or jobs from recent years.
• “BACKGROUND INFORMATION” section
  • Box 2c): If you are currently in Canada or have previously applied to enter or remain in Canada, you must answer “yes” to this question and provide details in box 2d).

2) Passport: A clear copy of the ID page as well as all pages where there are stamps, visas, or entries.

3) Photo: It must be in colour and show the full front view of your head, with your face in the middle of the photo, and include the top of your shoulders. You can take it yourself with a digital camera. The image pixel size must be at least 420 x 540.

4) Canadian work or study permit: Provide a copy of the most recent permit.

5) A medical exam is sometimes required, for example, if you lived in an specified country for more than six months in the last year or if you want to work with certain clients (children, the elderly, etc.) or in certain settings (elementary and secondary schools, daycares, health care settings, clinical laboratories, hospitals, etc.). A temporary public policy for medical exams exempts many in-Canada applicants from medical requirements. For more information, go to Medical exams for visitors, students and workers.

6) Biometrics:

• Citizens of all countries (except the United States and other minor exceptions) have to give their biometrics to get or renew a visa. If you have already given your biometrics for a Canadian visa or permit application, your biometrics will remain valid for 10 years.
• Important: You must give your biometrics to the Canadian government even if you have a biometric passport.
• You will have to pay the biometric fee ($85), when you apply for your visa if it is required.
• Within hours of submitting your application, you will receive the instruction letter that you must bring with your passport to a Service Canada office in order to give your biometrics (appointment necessary). You should complete this step as quickly as possible because your application processing time starts once the biometrics have been collected. 
   

If you are in Québec with family members (partner or children), you may be able to renew their status (visitor, student, or worker) when you apply for your work permit. When answering the questions to set up your online application, answer “Yes” to the question “Do you want to submit an application for a family member?”

Important: You will need to have a job for your spouse to be able to apply for an open work permit. For more information, see the section on Getting authorization documents for your family members.

The post-graduation work permit allows graduates to access the Québec Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ). To register, you must complete the online RAMQ registration form as soon as you obtain your post-graduation work permit. The RAMQ may impose an initial waiting period of around 3 months before your insurance becomes valid. You must therefore register as soon as possible once you receive your permit.

If you are covered by the health and hospitalization insurance plan for international students offered by Université Laval (Desjardins), please note that this insurance will expire after you graduate. The Registrar’s Office will send you an email a few days after graduation, indicating the exact date your coverage ends. You will receive a refund for any unused months. You must have private insurance until you are covered by the RAMQ. You can find a list of private insurance companies on the BVE website. Please note that you may have health insurance through your employer, but this insurance is usually complementary to the RAMQ and therefore does not cover basic care and emergencies.

If you were covered by the RAMQ during your studies but there is a long delay to obtain the post-graduation work permit, contact the RAMQ to find out whether you will be covered while your application is being processed and whether there is a waiting period once the permit has been obtained.

When you get your post-graduation permit, you must extend your SIN.

If you have a post-graduation work permit, you can continue to use your foreign driver’s licence, but only for six months, unless you also have an international driver’s licence. Because of this, it is a good idea to take the necessary steps to get a Québec driver’s licence.