After completing an academic or a professional program at the University of Windsor, international graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP provides international students a great opportunity to obtain Canadian work experience and/or start their permanent residence applications.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have continuously studied full time in Canada and you must have completed a program of study that lasted at least eight months.
- You must have graduated from one of the designated learning institutions. Eg, the University of Windsor.
- You must apply for a work permit within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your academic program.
- You must have valid status in Canada when you apply for the work permit from inside Canada. If you don’t apply with a valid status then you must leave the country. A study permit expires: the date that is written on the study permit or 90 days after you complete your studies (Whichever comes first) Speak to a International Student Advisor if you have questions at intladvisors@uwindsor.ca
- You must have completed and passed the program of study and received notification that you are eligible to obtain your degree, diploma or certificate.
- You must have a valid status in Canada when you apply for the work permit from inside Canada. You should renew it if your study permit will expire before you graduate or before you can gather all the supporting documents.
Issuance of the Work Permit
- A work permit under the PGWPP may be issued for the length of the study program, for a maximum of three years. A post-graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program, which must be a minimum of eight months in duration. For more information on the PGWP and issuance length, please visit the Government of Canada website.
COVID Measures
Distance learning from outside of Canada
- If you’re already studying online from outside Canada, or you submitted a study permit application before August 31, 2022, you will still be able to complete up to 100% of your program online without affecting PGWP eligibility.
- If you start a program between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023, or apply for a study permit before August 31, 2023, you will be able to complete up to 50% of your program online from outside Canada without affecting PGWP eligibility.
- Starting September 1, 2023, all study time completed outside of Canada will be deducted from the length of your PGWP, regardless of when you began your studies.
Distance learning from inside of Canada
If your courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time you spend studying online from within Canada still counts toward the length of your PGWP. However, it’s highly recommended that you attend in-class options when offered.
There is no specific end date to the temporary policy changes for in-Canada students.
For more information, please see the IRCC website : Work in Canada after you graduate: Who can apply - Canada.ca
If you have any questions, please contact an International Student Advisor (intladvisors@uwindsor.ca)
Please note:
- In cases where a study permit application is submitted before a program starts but is refused if a subsequent study permit application is received before the end of the program and is eventually approved, the studies undertaken after the first study permit application was received by the department count towards the length of the PGWP.
Other Important Information
- The PGWP is an open work permit and can only be issued once. If you plan to further your study, please make an appointment with our International Student Advisor through mySuccess to discuss your future plans.
- If you have ever taken a leave of absence or studied part-time, it is recommended you consult with our International Student Advisor before submitting your application.