Post-Graduate Work Permit Lawyer

The firm provides legal representation for international graduates applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain Canadian work experience following completion of their program of study.

PGWP Overview

A PGWP may be issued for eight months to three years, depending on the length of the completed program. PGWPs are issued once in a lifetime. Graduates must apply within the required deadline and must have maintained valid temporary resident status while studying.

As of 2024–2025, significant changes apply to PGWP eligibility, including mandatory language testing, restrictions on distance learning, updated institutional eligibility rules, and new validity rules for master’s graduates. Graduates must ensure that both the institution and the program were PGWP-eligible at the time studies began.

PGWPs may support future permanent residence applications through the Canadian Experience Class, Express Entry, and provincial nominee programs.

Who This Service Is For

This service is suitable for:

• International graduates completing eligible Canadian post-secondary programs
• Applicants uncertain whether their institution or program qualifies for a PGWP
• Graduates needing to confirm whether they meet the new language test requirement
• Individuals with part-time terms, authorized leave or academic gaps
• Graduates who changed programs or institutions during their studies
• Applicants close to the PGWP filing deadline
• Individuals whose study permit expired near program completion
• Applicants requiring restoration of status
• Graduates with previous refusals or complex academic histories

Legal Representation Provided

Eligibility and Strategy

• Review of institutional eligibility at the time studies began, including public, private and public–private partnership institutions
• Analysis of program eligibility, minimum eight-month duration and combined-program pathways
• Confirmation of full-time study compliance and permitted exceptions for the final term or authorized leave
• Assessment of whether online or distance learning components meet current PGWP limits
• Verification of applicant status during studies, after completion and at the time of filing
• Guidance on determining the correct PGWP length
• Confirmation that the application can be submitted within the 180-day filing window

Evidence and Documentation

• Review of completion letters, transcripts and proof of program duration
• Verification of DLI eligibility and institutional designation at relevant times
• Review of the applicant’s study permit conditions, maintained status and academic compliance
• Review of work history during studies to confirm adherence to off-campus work rules
• Preparation of explanations for any part-time terms, academic gaps or program transfers
• Review of documents required for restoration of status, where applicable

Application Preparation

• Preparation and organization of required IRCC forms
• Drafting of a legal submission addressing:
  • eligibility under the PGWP program
  • institutional and program requirements
  • language testing requirements
  • full-time study compliance and valid exceptions
  • online learning limits and any distance learning deductions
  • restoration considerations, if required
• Coordination of biometrics, medical examinations and document requests
• Guidance on work authorization while awaiting a PGWP, including eligibility under R186(w) when filed before the study permit expires

Complex Situations

Representation for:

• Graduates from institutions impacted by PGWP eligibility changes
• Applicants who exceeded allowable off-campus work hours
• Individuals with expired status requiring restoration before filing
• Applicants who previously received a PGWP extension under temporary policies
• Graduates with part-time terms not covered by permitted exceptions
• Applicants with significant distance learning components after September 1, 2024
• Cases where the institution lost eligibility during studies
• Applicants who worked after program completion but before filing the PGWP
• Graduates who combined two short programs or changed academic pathways

When to Seek Legal Assistance

Legal assistance is recommended where:

• It is unclear whether the program or institution qualifies for a PGWP
• There are part-time terms, academic gaps or program withdrawals
• The study permit expired before receiving official proof of completion
• Restoration of status is required
• The applicant is uncertain about timelines, work authorization or documentation
• Previous IRCC applications were refused
• Distance learning or out-of-Canada study may affect eligibility
• The graduate is within the 180-day deadline and must ensure compliance

PGWP refusals commonly arise from ineligible programs, insufficient documentation, late filing, inadequate evidence of full-time study, or non-compliance with study permit conditions. A structured submission may assist in addressing these concerns.