Post-graduation work permits
Assess your graduate work-permit questions against the current programme rules, your study history and your immigration status.
Check the dates and your individual eligibility.
The general PGWP application window is 180 days after the relevant confirmation of programme completion. This must be distinguished from study-permit expiry, status and restoration rules.
An assessment should also consider the institution, programme, study history and any applicable language or field-of-study conditions. The potential permit length should not be assumed from a short summary alone.
Review the full study record before applying.
A graduation letter alone does not answer every work-permit question. Programme details, study history, permit conditions and the timing of completion all matter to a useful assessment. Tell us about changes of school or programme, breaks in study and previous permits so the relevant instructions can be checked.
How VSA can assist
VSA can review the immigration questions behind the proposed study or graduate plan, discuss the available evidence and help prepare an application within the agreed scope. We explain issues that need further checking before you commit to a strategy. School admission, work authorisation and permanent residence are considered as separate decisions.
What to discuss in your consultation
- When your programme completion was confirmed and the relevant permit dates.
- Your institution, programme and full-time or part-time study history.
- The current conditions that apply to your category.
- Any status concern that needs prompt professional attention.
Prepare for a useful conversation
List the completion-confirmation date and permit expiry date. Have your transcript and school completion information available, and disclose any breaks or changes in study.
A preparation checklist
- Completion confirmation and transcripts
- A timeline of programmes, schools and study periods
- Current and previous permits with expiry dates
- Language or programme-related evidence requested under current instructions
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Clarify the goal
We discuss your circumstances, immigration history and any immediate timing issue.
Review the available evidence
We identify the records and questions needed for a useful assessment.
Agree on the work
Any retained services, professional fees and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Prepare and keep the record current
Agreed work follows the relevant process; changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
Before you decide.
Should I wait until my permit expires to seek advice?
Bring the completion and permit dates to an assessment early. Timing and any work authorisation need to be checked before you rely on an application strategy.
How do I find the latest official requirements?
Use the government links below. Check the current programme page and its notices before relying on a summary, a past invitation round or another person’s experience.
What does the consultation cost?
Contact the office to confirm the fee, duration and format before booking. Further representation is a separate decision with a written scope and fee agreement.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRCC: graduate work-permit application guidance ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteIRCC notices: current programme changes ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub