Post-Graduation Work Permit

The PGWP allows you to gain work experience after you graduate from your program of study in Canada. Many U of R Graduates choose to work and live in Canada after the completion of their studies.

To find out if you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's website.

IMPORTANT: IRCC recently announced new eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. View the changes here.

If you wish to learn more about the provincial immigration program, visit the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) website.

I want to...

Determine my eligibility for a PGWP

You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) as long as you’re eligible. To view the eligibility crtieria for the PGWP, visit: Work in Canada after you graduate: Who can apply - Canada.ca

Apply for a PGWP online

You can apply for the PGWP online. To apply online, visit Work in Canada after you graduate: How to apply - Canada.ca

Prepare my documents for my application

You need the following to prove you’ve completed your studies by submitting one of the following:

  • a degree or diploma
  • an official letter from your school (Letter of Completion)
  • an official transcript, or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website

You will also need other supporting documents for your application. For a complete list, please visit our International Student Services office in College West 109.

Get my U of R Letter of Completion

Visit your faculty to find out when and how you can receive a Letter of Completion for your PGWP application.

Get my U of R Official Transcripts

An official transcript is a detailed record of your complete academic history at the University of Regina that includes an authorized signature. For information on how to request for your offical transcript vist:Transcripts | Registrar's Office, University of Regina (uregina.ca)

Apply for a PGWP but my Study Permit has already expired

According to IRCC's website:

If your study permit expires before you apply

If you don’t change your status to visitor and your study permit expires, you have up to 90 days after your study permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student.

To restore your status as a student, you must

  • apply online for your PGWP and pay the correct fee ($255), and
  • pay the fee to restore your status as a student ($379)

You can’t work until your study permit and work permit have been approved. Find out if you meet the other requirements to work while we process your application.

If you don’t apply within 90 days, or if 90 days have already passed, you must leave Canada.

Your study permit must be valid (not expired) at the time you submit your application to be eligible to work in Canada while awaiting a decision on your PGWP application.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am currently enrolled in an 8-month program. Am I eligible for a PGWP?

If your program of study was at least 8 months in length, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. For complete eligibility requirements, please visit IRCC's website.

I am currently enrolled in a distance learning program. Am I eligible for a PGWP?

As students' individual circumstances vary, it is recommended to visit IRCC's website and review the information for Distance Learning.

Can I apply for my Post-Graduation Work permit (PGWP) at a port of entry?

As of June 21, 2024, you can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (airport, land or marine border) when entering Canada.

I have applied for my PGWP. When will I receive it?

Check the application processing times on IRCC's website.

I have been waiting for a decision on my application for longer than the application processing time posted when I submitted my application. How can I contact IRCC?

Visit IRCC's website to review ways for how to contact their team.

I have now graduated. When am I eligible work and how many hours can I work?

According to IRCC's website:

You can work full-time until we make a decision on your work permit application if you

If you received the WP-EXT for PGWP (IMM 0127 E) letter

You’re authorized to work until a decision is made on your work permit application, even if the 120-day validity period of the letter expires. If you need proof of authorization to continue working, you can ask for it using our web form.

If these conditions apply to you and you need to prove to an employer that you’re eligible to work, provide the employer with a copy of all the required documents.

If these conditions don’t apply to you, you must wait until your work permit arrives to begin your new job. It’s illegal to work in Canada without authorization.

If we refuse your work permit, you must stop working the day we notify you.

How do I apply for Permanent Residency through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)?

Review the eligibilty criteria and information for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).