Working after graduation

If you are a new user, you need to register for through GCKey or Sign-in Partner. 

You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code.  

If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on Visitor visa, study and/or work permit. 

Answer all the questions that follow. Please use the Post Graduate Work Permit Eligibility Questionaire Guide available in the sidebar.

1. Complete the IMM 5710 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy. You can find the guide to completing IMM5710 in the sidebar.

2. Gather the following supporting documents:

• digital photo (420x540 pixels)
• passport (only pages with stamps, visas, photos)
• program completion letter/formal notification. Undergraduate students can request a confirmation of enrolment letter from  the Registrar's Office and graduate students can request a letter from the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Official transcript (Go directly to the Registrar's office or make a request on DalOnline) 

3.  Once you have all the documents ready, save them electronically. The documents must be less than 4MB each, and can be saved as pdfs, jpegs or word docs.

4.  Upload the IMM 5710 form and supporting documents in your online account.

Please note

IRCC updated guidelines for the Post Graduate Work Permit program on February 14, 2019.  All applications submitted on or after February 14, 2019 must adhere to these guidelines.

As part of these guidelines, students must now submit a letter of degree completion and an official transcript.  However the online submission form only asks for one of these documents, which is why you should combine the letter of degree completion and transcript into one (1) document. 

Pay the $255 CAD fee online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express).

Do not forget to print a receipt.

Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.

Important Information

After you submit your application, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada may contact you for additional documents.  If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.   

1. I want to apply for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). How can I get my confirmation of academic completion letter and transcripts if offices are closed?

View the steps and guides on how to apply for PGWP online on this webpage.

Graduate students can request an academic completion letter from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Complete the required "Degree Requirements Met Request" form.

Undergraduate students can request an academic completion letter from the Registrar’s Office by emailing registrar@dal.ca. Letters will be sent electronically.

All current students should submit transcript requests through Dal Online. Unofficial transcripts will only be sent electronically until further notice. You will find this option under ‘Web for Students’ > ‘Student Records’ > ‘Request Official Transcripts’.

According to IRCC, it is acceptable to submit an unofficial transcript that is issued by Dalhousie University or Dal Online.

2. I need to complete biometrics with my PGWP application. How can I complete this requirement if offices are closed?

Your application will remain open for 90 days until you are able to provide the required biometrics. Your application will not be refused or closed due to COVID-19 closures. Once the Service Canada office re-opens you can book your appointment to complete biometric requirements. Visit this site for more information.

3. How do I apply for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if I am currently outside Canada?

You can apply for your PGWP online from outside Canada. While many Visa Application Centres are shut down or have limited service due to COVID-19, applications continue to be processed with the expectation of delays in processing.

Online Application Steps for Students Outside Canada:

Step 1: Log into your IRCC online account through GCKey or Sign-in Partner. If you are a new user, you need to register through GCKey or Sign-in Partner.

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply to come to Canada’.

You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on "Visitor visa, study and/or work permit".

Answer all the questions that follow. Please note, you must identify your current country of residence, not Canada.

Step 3: Fill out the online application form and gather supporting documentation.

1. Complete the IMM 1295 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy.

2. Gather the following supporting documents:

· Recent Education Transcript

· Completion of Studies Letter

· Passport

· Digital Photo

3. Once you have all the documents ready, save them electronically. The documents' sizes must be less than 4MB each, and can be saved as pdfs, jpegs or Word docs.

4. Upload the IMM 1295 form and supporting documents in your online account.

Step 4: Pay the application fee.

Pay the $255 CAD fee online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). If you need to complete biometrics, $85.00 CAD will be added.

Do not forget to print a receipt.

Step 5: Submit the application.

Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.

Important Information:

After you submit your application, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.