After completing the MBA, how long is the post-study work permit valid in Canada?
After your MBA in Canada, the Post Graduation Work Permit is typically valid for 3 years, since IRCC classifies an MBA as a Master's degree. This applies even to accelerated 12 or 16 month programs, provided your program ran at least 8 months and other eligibility criteria are met.
After you complete your MBA in Canada, you can typically expect a Post Graduation Work Permit valid for 3 years, since Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada treats an MBA as a Master's level qualification. This holds true even if your MBA is an accelerated 12 or 16 month program, as long as it ran for at least 8 months. You do need to meet a few other eligibility conditions to actually receive the full permit.
Your PGWP Details At A Glance
| Factor | What Applies To You |
|---|---|
| Permit length | Typically 3 years for a Master's level MBA |
| Minimum program length | At least 8 months |
| Application window | Up to 180 days from your final marks or completion letter |
| Passport rule | Permit only issued up to your passport's expiry date |
Eligibility Conditions You Must Still Meet
- You must have maintained full time student status throughout your MBA at a designated learning institution.
- Your program must qualify for PGWP under IRCC rules for a designated learning institution.
- Renew your passport before applying if it expires sooner than 3 years from now, since your permit is capped at your passport's expiry.
My Advice
Check your passport's expiry date the moment you finish your final MBA exam, and renew it immediately if it will expire before your permit's natural 3 year end date, since IRCC will only issue your permit up to that expiry. File your PGWP application as soon as you receive your official completion letter rather than waiting close to the 180 day deadline.
How long can you stay and work after a Canadian master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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