How to Apply for A Post Graduate Work Permit + Fees & Documents

If you’re an international graduate, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be the bridge between finishing school and building a long-term future in Canada. This 2026 guide explains how to apply for a post graduate work permit the right way—based on current IRCC rules, including recent changes to where you can apply, plus updated language and field-of-wo requirements.

A PGWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer. For many grads, it’s also the fastest way to gain Canadian work experience that may support future permanent residence pathways. 

1. Confirm you’re eligible before you apply

Before you start how to apply for a post graduate work permit steps, make sure you meet the core eligibility rules (IRCC can refuse applications that miss even one requirement).

In general, you must have:

• Graduated from a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI)
  
• A program that’s usually at least 8 months (many common programs qualify—your school’s international office often confirms this)
  
• Proof you completed your program (final transcript and/or official completion letter)
  
• Applied within 180 days of graduating
  

Newer eligibility checkpoints (important in 2026)

Language proof: As of November 1, 2024, most PGWP applicants must submit proof of language results when applying.

Field of study requirement: Some graduates (especially in certain non-degree pathways, depending on when the study permit was applied for) must also meet a field-of-study / CIP code requirement. IRCC notes that eligible fields can change based on labour market needs—so you must check against the current list when you apply.

2. Know where you can apply (rule change)

A key update many students miss: as of June 21, 2024, you can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (airport/land/marine border). Most people must apply online. This affects how to apply for a post graduate work permit if you were planning to “flagpole.”

3. Gather your documents (don’t submit with gaps)

For a clean application, prepare:

• Passport (validity matters because PGWP length can be limited by passport expiry)
• Final transcript and official completion letter from your school
• Language test results (if you’re subject to the current requirement)
• Field of study/CIP evidence if applicable
  

This is where many applicants benefit from canadian immigration assistance—not because the form is hard, but because missing or mis-uploaded documents can cause delays or refusals.

4. Apply online

Here’s the practical workflow for how to apply for a post graduate work permit through IRCC:

1. Create / sign in to your IRCC online account (most applicants apply online).
2. Select the option to apply for a work permit from inside or outside Canada (both may be allowed if you’re eligible).
3. Complete the PGWP application forms carefully (dates, school details, program completion date, etc.).
4. Upload documents (combine PDFs if needed so each slot is complete).
5. Pay the fees (see below).
6. Submit and save your confirmation/receipt.
   

That’s the core of how to apply for a post graduate work permit—but the details (language uploads, CIP alignment, and timing) are what make or break approvals.

Fees: what it costs in 2026

IRCC lists the PGWP fee as CAD $155, plus the Open Work Permit Holder fee of CAD $100 (total CAD $255). You generally have up to 180 days after you graduate to submit your PGWP application.

Many graduates also ask: after learning how to apply for a post graduate work permit, can you work while waiting? IRCC confirms that eligible applicants may be authorized to work until a decision is made (and IRCC also notes how to request proof of authorization if needed).

Common mistakes that delay or derail PGWP approvals

When people struggle with how to apply for a post graduate work permit, it’s often due to:

• Applying without the right proof of completion (or uploading the wrong document)
  
• Forgetting language results (when required)
  
• Using the wrong CIP/field-of-study evidence when the requirement applies
  
• Waiting too long and risking the 180-day window
  
• Passport expiring soon, shortening the work permit length
  

How Truong Immigration can help

If you want a second set of eyes before you submit, Truong Immigration can provide canada immigration services focused on PGWP readiness—document review, eligibility checks (including language/field-of-study), and a submission plan aligned to IRCC rules. For many grads, targeted canadian immigration assistance reduces stress and helps avoid preventable refusals.