Things you need to know
 

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian DLIs to obtain an open work permit to gain Canadian work experience. Permits are issued for the length of study if the study is under two years, and for three years if the study is for 2 years or more.

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A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Most public universities and colleges are on the list of DLIs. Provincial governments, however, do not necessarily regulate private schools. It’s important to make sure that the private school you apply to meets provincial education requirements and is recognized by the Canadian government as a DLI.

 

You may be granted a study permit to study at a non-DLI. Many clients approach us with an interest to apply for a PGWP after completing a program at a private institution that is not listed as a DLI.

 

This Canadian study experience will not allow you to become eligible to apply for a PGWP upon completion of the program. In rare cases IRCC does issue a PGWP as they overlook the rules, however, it does lead to issues regarding being awarded points in Express Entry for education level, as well as study in Canada points.Students are ineligible for a post-graduation work permit if they have completed the following:

• an English as a second language or French as a second language course or program of study

• general interest or self-improvement courses

• a course or program of study at a private career college
   

Eligible institutions
 

The applicant must provide evidence that the program or programs of study were taken in Canada at one of the following eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs):

• a public post-secondary institution, such as

  • a college

  • a trade or technical school

  • a university

  • CEGEP (in Quebec)

• a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions in Quebec

• a private secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer leading to

  • a diploma of vocational studies (DVS)

  • an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)

• a Canadian, private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees, such as an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, but only if the student is enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree, as authorized by the province, which may not include all programs of study offered by the private institution