Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRAfter you graduateStep 11 of 13

Blocked$255 · within 180 days · RequiredYou are here

11. Apply for a post-graduation work permit

The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible programs, and it costs $255.

Waiting on: Graduate and get confirmation of completion

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 11 of 13 · RequiredClose

Apply for a post-graduation work permit

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepPost-graduation work permitcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible programs, and it costs $255. Alongside the older rules, eligibility now also includes proof of language skills and, for some applicants, field-of-study requirements.

Why it's required: The language and field-of-study requirements are recent, and a great deal of advice online predates them. Check the eligibility page against your own program rather than a summary.

Fee$255An open work permit: no job offer and no LMIA needed.

Language proofNow requiredPart of the current eligibility rules, unlike in earlier years.

Once onlyIn a lifetimeTreat it as a one-off; don't plan on a second one.

Documents you'll need

Your transcript and confirmation of completion
Language test results meeting the current requirement
Your passport and current study permit

Before this step

BlockedGraduate and get confirmation of completion

Finishing this unlocks: Build Canadian work experience