Within how many days of finishing my course must I apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
Once you finish your course in Canada, you have a 180 day window to submit your Post Graduation Work Permit application, so it is not a deadline to lose track of. You also need to have studied full time for at least eight months and hold a valid student visa.
Timing matters a great deal once you complete your studies in Canada, because the Post Graduation Work Permit comes with a strict application deadline rather than an open ended one. Missing this window can mean losing access to the permit altogether, so it is worth marking on your calendar the moment your course ends. Here is what you need to know.
PGWP Application Deadline After Course Completion
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Within 180 days of finishing your course |
| Minimum study duration to qualify | Eight months, full time |
| Visa status needed | A valid student visa at the time of application |
Why This Deadline Exists
Immigration authorities use this window to confirm you are transitioning directly from study to work rather than reapplying long after your program has ended. Because your student visa must still be valid when you apply, delaying your application too close to the 180 day mark can leave you with very little room for error if your visa status changes.
My Advice
Start gathering your enrolment and completion documents in the final weeks of your course so you can file your PGWP application as soon as you are eligible, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches. If you are unsure about your exact visa expiry date, check it early, since applying with an expired student visa can jeopardise the entire permit.
More expert answers
Once you finish your degree in Canada, you get 180 days from your graduation date to apply for the Post Graduate Work Permit, so mark this window on your calendar right away. Missing it can cost you valuable time to start working, so gather your documents well before your final semester ends.
PGWP Application Timeline
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Window | 180 days after graduation |
| Documents Needed | Degree, diploma, official letter or transcript from your institution |
| Online Processing Time | Around 141 days |
| Paper Application Processing Time | Around 34 days |
Fees You Should Also Budget For
A PGWP application currently costs CAD 255 (approx INR 17,289) in total, made up of a CAD 155 (approx INR 10,509) base fee and a CAD 100 (approx INR 6,780) open work permit holder fee. If you need to restore your student status along with your PGWP, that cost rises to CAD 605, (approx INR 41,019) so keeping your paperwork and payments on time saves you both money and stress.
My Advice
Apply for your PGWP as soon as you have your final transcript or graduation letter, rather than waiting until close to the 180 day deadline. If you choose the paper application route for faster processing, double check every document, since errors can push your case back into the slower queue.
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