Within how many days must I apply for a PGWP after my letter of completion becomes available in Canada?
You typically must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of your letter of completion first becoming available. Your study permit also typically stops being valid after that period. If you miss the window, you can change status to visitor or apply from outside Canada.
You typically must apply for a post-graduate work permit within 180 days of your letter of completion first becoming available. Your study permit needs to have been valid during that period, so do not wait until the end of the window.
The 180-Day Window
| Point | What applies |
|---|---|
| Application window | Within 180 days of the letter of completion first becoming available |
| Study permit | Typically no longer valid after 180 days |
| Requirement | Study permit must have been valid in this period |
If You Miss the Window
- Change your status to a visitor and apply from Canada through the visa office that handles your country of citizenship.
- Leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside the country.
My Advice
Count 180 days from the day your letter of completion becomes available, not from your graduation ceremony, and apply well before the end. Check the official Canadian immigration page for the latest PGWP rules.
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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