The Post-Graduation Work Visa Program (PGWPP) enables graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to get an open job permit and gain significant Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience earned through the PGWPP in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.

Students who have completed their academic programme Students who have finished their programme of study are permitted to work (under paragraph 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations [IRPR]) while awaiting a decision on their post-graduation work permit application if they meet all of the following criteria:

They have or had a valid study permit at the time of the post-graduation work permit application; they were a full-time student enrolled at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme; they were authorized to work off-campus without a work permit; and they did not work more than the allowable hours.