Post-Study Work & PR Pathway in Canada
Explore how international students can stay, work, and become permanent residents after studying in Canada.
Canada offers a generous stay-back period through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) that allows international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
This work experience plays a key role in eligibility for permanent residency (PR).
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is an open work permit allowing international graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the duration of their program.
- 1-year program → up to 1-year PGWP
- 2+ year program → up to 3-year PGWP
Key Features:
- No employer restrictions
- Full-time work allowed
- Pathway to PR through Express Entry
Eligibility for PGWP
To be eligible for PGWP, you must:
- Complete a full-time program (at least 8 months)
- Graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Hold a valid study permit at the time of application
- Apply within 180 days of receiving your final transcript
Required Documents for PGWP Application
- Valid Passport
- Letter of Completion / Final Transcript
- Degree/Diploma Certificate
- Study Permit
- PGWP Application Form (IMM 5710)
- Biometrics & Payment Receipts
PGWP Processing Time & Fee
- Processing Time: 2 to 6 months
- Application Fee: CAD $255 (including Open Work Permit Holder fee)
Can You Work While PGWP is in Process?
Yes! If you meet the conditions, you can start working full-time after applying for PGWP, even before it's approved.
PR Pathways for International Students
Once you gain work experience through PGWP, you can apply for PR via:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Express Entry
- Requires at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada
- Language test (IELTS/CELPIP) required
- Faster PR processing – 6–12 months
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Ontario International Graduate Stream
- British Columbia International Post-Graduate
- Atlantic International Graduate Program
- Bonus: Most PNPs offer lower CRS score requirements.
How PGWP Helps Boost PR Score (CRS)
- Canadian work experience gives up to 70 CRS points
- Studying in Canada adds up to 30 additional points
- Provincial nomination boosts CRS by 600 points
Can You Apply for PR Without a Job Offer?
Yes! Many programs including Express Entry do not require a job offer if you have Canadian education + work experience.
In-Demand Jobs for PR Post Study
| Field | Avg. Salary (CAD/year) | PR Chances |
|---|---|---|
| Software Development | $70,000 – $100,000 | High |
| Healthcare & Nursing | $60,000 – $90,000 | High |
| Engineering | $65,000 – $95,000 | Medium |
| Business & Marketing | $55,000 – $80,000 | Medium |
| Hospitality | $35,000 – $50,000 | Low-Mid |
Extension Options After PGWP
PGWPs are not extendable.
Options:
- Apply for PR before expiry
- Employer can sponsor LMIA-based work permit
- Spouse’s Open Work Permit (if applicable)
Tips to Maximize Stay-Back & PR Success
- Take 2+ year programs to get 3-year PGWP
- Work full-time in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 roles
- Start PR process within 1 year of PGWP
- Improve CRS with higher IELTS or French scores
- Consider PNP streams alongside Express Entry
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing PGWP application deadline (180 days)
- Enrolling in non-eligible institutions (not DLI)
- Working unauthorized during studies
- Not maintaining full-time status during study
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From Hope to Reality: Our Canada PR Journey
My wife and I just received our Canadian PR visas—such a surreal moment! Huge thanks to Countrywide Visas for their professional and transparent support throughout. The document checklist helped a lot. Highly recommend them to anyone planning to migrate abroad.My wife and I just received our Canadian PR visas—such a surreal moment! Huge thanks to Countrywide Visas for their professional and transparent support throughout. The document checklist helped a lot. Highly recommend them to anyone planning to migrate abroad.
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