If you have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and you want to stay in Canada to temporarily work, you may be eligible for a PGWP. You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days after you graduate.

In order to be eligible, you must:

• Have completed 1 or more study programs at a DLI that were at least 8 months long and that led to a degree, diploma or certificate
• Have maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program
• This doesn’t include your final semester (which can be part-time) or if you took an approved leave from your studies
• Provide proof that you attended and completed your program by submitting your degree/diploma, your transcript or an official letter from your school

It is necessary that you have graduated from one of the following:

• A public post-secondary school, such as a college, trade/technical school, university or CEGEP (in Quebec)
• A private post-secondary school (in Quebec) that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec
• A private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, that leads to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP)
• A Canadian private school that can award degrees under provincial law (for example, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree), but only if you’re enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.

If you fall within certain special cases, you may also be eligible for a PGWP:

• Outside Canada graduates
• Accelerated programs
• Distance learning
• Taking an authorized leave from studies up of to 150 days while still meeting the condition of your study permit
• Transferring between schools

Don't let your Study Permit expire while you wait for your final marks!

If your study permit will expire before you get your marks, you can either apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer or leave Canada and apply for your PGWP.

If you stay in Canada and let your permit expire, you must apply to restore your status as a student to apply for your PGWP. In this case, you will have to pay fees to restore your status, a new study permit and a PGWP.

We at Mann Immigration Services have years of expertise in helping our clients successfully come to Canada to study the program of their dreams. For more details on study permit requirements and eligibility criteria, book a consultation now.