Working after graduation
A Post Graduate Work Permit allows you to work in Canada.
There are serious consequences if you do not apply as soon as you have met your degree requirments. See below for details.
Before you apply
- Your study permit will become invalid 90 days after your Letter of Degree Completion is available, or the study permit expiration date, whichever comes first.
- If your study permit expires before the 90 days after your Letter of Degree Completion becomes available, consider applying to extend your study permit for an additional 90-day bridging period 3-4 months before your study permit expires.
- Having a valid study permit at the time of application and within 90 days of completion is one of the requirements to be eligible to work full-time after submitting your PGWP application online.
Things to note:
PGWPs are issued only once in a lifetime, therefore, if you have plans to pursue further studies in Canada, you may wish to consult an International Student Advisor to discuss when to apply.
Working while you wait:
If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your application for a PGWP within 90 days of completing the requirements of your Dalhousie degree (see “When do I need to apply for it” section), you may work full-time while you wait for a decision on your PGWP application as long as you meet this criteria, as per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations ss186(w) and (v):
- You were enrolled full time in a degree or diploma program that was longer than eight months
- You did not work over the authorized number of hours per week when you were a student
If your application for your PGWP is not approved, your legal status will end and you MUST leave Canada, unless you have obtained alternate legal status.
Work Permit Conditions
Work permits issued by IRCC, such as internship/co-op, off-campus, and post-graduate work permits may be subject to restrictions. International students who were not required to undergo an immigration medical examination before coming to Canada may be subject to the following occupation/workplace restrictions that require an immigration medical examination:
- health care setting
- child care
- primary and secondary educational facilities
There is a complete list of occupations and Designated Medical Practitioners on the IRCC website.