Last updated: December 14, 2023

As an international graduate student who has applied for graduation during Fall 2023, please carefully review the detailed information below regarding your immigration & travel documents after completion of your program. 

Should you have any questions, please connect with an International Student Advisor for assistance. We wish you all the best with your future endeavours.

Note: This page will be updated as information changes. The information below is only applicable to SFU students and is current as of the last updated date. While we do our best to ensure that the advice given is accurate and up to date, please note the information below does not replace the specific information provided by the government and other relevant authorities. Please be aware that all information provided is subject to change without notice.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a PGWP?
2. When should I apply for a PGWP?
3. When does my study permit become invalid?
4. How can I apply for my PGWP within Canada?
5. My study permit will expire before I can submit the PGWP application. How should I proceed with my PGWP?
6. I am currently outside Canada. Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
7. My study permit has already expired and I am holding maintained/implied status now. Can I apply for a PGWP?
8. Can I work before applying for a PGWP?
9. Can I start working once I have applied for a PGWP?
10. Will my eligibility for the PGWP be impacted if I studied part time or took time off at some point in my SFU Program?
11. I have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer and I am eligible to work while waiting for my PGWP. What proof of work authorization can I provide them?
12. How will COVID-19 impact my PGWP
13. Can my spouse or common-law partner apply for their Open Work Permit (OWP)?
14. Do I need to provide biometrics for my PGWP?
15. Can I study in Canada as a work permit holder?

1. What is a PGWP?

Full-time international students may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies in Canada. The PGWP is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is an open work permit of up to three years in length, and you don't need a job offer or work experience to be eligible to apply.

Review the links below to learn more.

• PGWP eligibility requirements
• Fall 2023 SFU PGWP Information Session [recording] (November 8, 2023)

2. When should I apply for a PGWP?

As instructed in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website, you must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving a written confirmation of your program completion from SFU.  Calculation of the 180-day period begins the day the final marks are issued or the day formal written notification of program completion (the Credential Completion Letter or the Senate letter) is received, whichever comes first. 

To align with IRCC’s Program Delivery Instructions, we recommend that you begin counting the 180-day period from the day your final grades are released in your final term of study, as the final grades will be issued prior to your Credential Completion Letter and/or your Senate Letter. We advise that you apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final grades from SFU, which you will receive prior to your Credential Completion Letter.

If needed, the onus is on you to demonstrate when your final grades are issued and when you are first notified of your program completion (e.g. your credential completion letter, your Senate Letter, etc). 

📍 TIP: For graduate students in thesis-based programs, the 180-day period will start from the day your thesis grade is posted.

Note: The date of your convocation ceremony has no relation to the 180-day application period for your PGWP.

3. When does my study permit become invalid?

Under the Regulations, your study permit will automatically become invalid 90 days after the day you completed your studies, or on the expiry date printed on your study permit, whichever comes first.

As noted in the IRCC website, the 90-day period will begin on the date when you receive the first notification of program completion from SFU. To assess the validity of your study permit, it is our recommendation that the 90-day period should be counted from the date when your Credential Completion Letter (CCL) is received as this is the first official notification of program completion that students receive at SFU. Visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) to know more about the CCL.

4. How can I apply for my PGWP within Canada?

In most cases, you must apply online. You must include the following supporting documents from SFU with your application:

• A final transcript (an unofficial transcript from goSFU showing your final marks is sufficient), and
• An official letter confirming the successful completion of your academic requirements. You may use one of the following for this purpose:

  Credential Completion Letter (CCL)	OR	Senate Letter / Formal Notification of Graduation
  Must be manually downloaded via goSFU. You will not receive an automatic notification when the CCL becomes available on goSFU.		Emailed to your SFU email address starting February 6, 2024 after your degree is awarded by the Senate
  Available to you once the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office receives and processes the Degree Recommendation from your program
  You cannot access this letter after the Senate letter is sent to you.  We recommend that you generate a CCL prior to this and retain a copy of your CCL for future reference.

Review the links below for information about how to request the above documents and how to apply for your work permit online from inside Canada: 

• Visit the SFU website for instructions on how to access your CCL. (Scroll down to FAQ "I need a Credential Completion Letter, how to do get one?")
• Visit the SFU website for information about how to request a transcript.
• Review our Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit resource for instructions about how to apply for a PGWP in Canada and the required supporting documents.
• Review our Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit instruction guide to review how to generate an in-Canada application checklist and complete the application form.

5. My study permit will expire before I can submit the PGWP application. How should I proceed with my PGWP?

If your study permit will expire or become invalid before you can submit your PGWP application, you have several options for how to proceed. If you are unsure what your best option would be, consult with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for advice.

6. I am currently outside Canada. Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?

You may have the option to apply for a PGWP from outside Canada within 180 days of receiving written notification of your program completion from SFU.

To be eligible to apply for a PGWP from outside Canada, you must either have a study permit, or have received a study permit approval (i.e. port of entry letter of introduction confirming that your study permit has been approved).

In assessing and weighing your options between an in-Canada and outside Canada PGWP application, various factors should be taken into consideration such as:

• your eligibility to apply for a work permit inside Canada and outside Canada; 
• IRCC current estimated processing times;
• IRCC country specific visa office instructions for the responsible visa office from where you will be applying
• availability of biometrics enrollment appointments at biometrics collection sites, if applicable
• access to third-party service providers such as panel physicians for immigration medical examinations (if applicable);
• whether your have the proper immigration travel document (such as a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization to return to Canada; and
• your travel plans, if any.

Upon approval of your PGWP application from outside Canada, please ensure that you monitor Canada's COVID-19 border and entry measures when planning for your departure and that you meet the entry requirements to travel back to Canada. Visit our website for more information on how your travel may be impacted by COVID-19 travel and border measures in Canada.

If you would like to discuss your options for how you should proceed, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.

7. My study permit has already expired and I am holding maintained status now. Can I apply for a PGWP?

If you are applying (or have applied) for a PGWP while holding maintained status (e.g. you apply to extend your study permit or change your status to visitor before your permit expires), you may not be eligible to apply for PGWP from inside Canada. Please connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist to find out how this impacts your PGWP application.

8. Can I work before applying for a PGWP?

If you were eligible to work off-campus in your final term, you may continue to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week until the first date you receive your credential completion letter. Your study permit must also remain valid during this period. 

You must stop working when your credential completion letter is received via goSFU. Keep in mind that you will not receive an automatic notification when the credential completion letter becomes available. Visit the SFU website for instructions on how to access your CCL. 

9. Can I start working once I have applied for a PGWP?

After submitting your PGWP application, you may start working on a full-time basis if you meet certain eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you do not meet those requirements, you must wait to receive your work permit first before starting or resuming work.

• Visit the IRCC website to check if you are eligible to work off campus in your final term.
• Visit the IRCC website to review the eligibility requirements to work after applying for the PGWP.
• Review our Next Steps After Graduation Timeline for information about work eligibility after completing your studies.

10. Will my eligibility for the PGWP be impacted if I studied part time or took time off during my SFU Program?

With the exception of part-time studies in the final term, or an authorized leave of up to 150 days, continuous full-time enrollment in each academic session (term) throughout your studies is a requirement that you must meet to be eligible for the PGWP. The Spring, Summer, and Fall terms are all considered academic sessions for SFU graduate students.

If you were not able to maintain continuous full-time enrollment in all academic terms (e.g. you studied part time or took an approved leave of absence) at SFU, it is strongly recommended that you include a letter of explanation with your application detailing your unique circumstance(s).  Depending on the circumstances, supporting documents may also be submitted as evidence of reason(s) for any gaps in your full-time enrollment. 

Please feel welcome to connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist if you would like to discuss further. We are here to support you.

11. I have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer and I am eligible to work while waiting for my PGWP. What proof of work authorization can I provide them?

According to the immigration regulation R186(w), if you meet the eligibility criteria to work after submitting your PGWP application, you may continue to work until a decision is made on your application, even if you leave and re-enter Canada. For more information on travelling to Canada, please refer to the Travel & Border Measures section of this page. 

Once IRCC receives your PGWP application, they will issue your Submission Confirmation Letter (Acknowledgement of Receipt) and an Interim Proof of Work Letter (IMM 0127 E – WP-EXT for PGWP).

The Interim Proof of Work Letter generally has a validity of 120 days which corresponds to IRCC's standard service delivery. If you do not receive your PGWP decision during the validity period noted in your Interim Proof of Work Letter, and you still need proof of work authorization to continue working, you may request this by submitting a webform to IRCC. 

 i The 120-day validity of the Interim Proof of Work Letter in no way overrides R186(w). For more information on this, please review this IRCC webpage.

i If you do not meet the eligibility criteria to work after applying for a PGWP, you must wait for your work permit  to be approved before you start working. 

12. How will COVID-19 impact my PGWP application?

It is important to keep in mind how COVID-19 may impact the eligibility and processing of your PGWP. 

IRCC announced that active COVID-19 policies related to international students have been shifted to IRCC's regular program delivery instructions (PDI).  These policies can be reviewed there.  Temporary policies that are specfic to the PGWP can be found in the headings below.

Visit the Government of Canada website to review the current travel and entry requirements for Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

13. Can my spouse or common-law partner apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP)?

Your spouse of common-law partner may apply for an open work permit (OWP) provided that they are in a genuine relationship with you, the Principal Foreign National (PFN), and meet the eligiblity criteria for an open work permit.

Depending on your employment level, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit under one of the categories below:

• LMIA exemption C41 - Spouses or common-law partners of high-skilled workers (holding a job in Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2 or 3).  Review the eligibility criteria on the IRCC website.
• LMIA exemption C47 - Spouses or common-law partners of low-skilled workers (holding a job in TEER categories 4 or 5).  Review the eligiblity criteria on the IRCC website.  

14. Do I need to provide biometrics for my PGWP?

In Canada PGWP application

If you have not provided biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of an application to come to Canada in the past 10 years, and you are not exempt from the biometrics requirement, you will need to give your biometrics for your post-graduation work permit application.

Visit the IRCC website for information about how to give your biometrics.

Outside Canada PGWP application

If you will be applying for your PGWP from outside of Canada, biometrics enrollment is required unless you are exempt, or you already have valid biometrics with IRCC. 

Your biometrics instruction letter (BIL) will confirm the deadline by which you are required to give your biometrics (usually 30 days from the date of your BIL per the IRCC website). If you are unable to complete your biometrics enrolment within the given deadline, visit the IRCC website for further instructions and to review IRCC temporary measures in place for biometric collection outside Canada.  To learn more about applications with missing biometrics outside Canada, visit the IRCC website.  

Have you completed biometrics in the past?

If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application to come to Canada (e.g. applying for a temporary resident visa or a study permit outside of Canada), they may still be valid. To check whether your biometrics are still valid, and when they will expire, visit the Check Status Tool on the IRCC website.

15. Can I study in Canada as a work permit holder?

On June 27, 2023, a temporary policy was announced allowing certain work permit holders to study without a work permit. To be able to study under this policy, you should have:

• a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023, or
• a letter authorizing to work while work permit extension application is being processed. The letter must have been issued on or before June 7, 2023.

If you qualify under the above temporary policy, you can study until the earliest of the following:

• the expiry of your study permit
• June 27, 2026 (the date this policy expires)

If your program is expected to go beyond the above dates, you should apply for a study permit. To assess your eligibility, please click here.

i Few reminders when applying for a PGWP

• Make sure that you have applied for graduation for the Fall 2023 term
• Review how COVID-19 is affecting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Review the SFU ISS FAQ page for study permit, visa, medical insurance and travel information.
• Speak with your program advisor/coordinator if you have questions about your credential completion letter. Visit the SFU website for instructions on how to access your CCL. 
• Check your passport expiry date as the post-graduation work permit will not be issued beyond the validity of your passport.
  
• Review the 2 SFU ISS PGWP instruction guides for instructions about how to apply for a PGWP within Canada.
• Review the PGWP Information Session online recording and customize your own post-graduation work permit timeline. 
• Review and check your work eligibility during the transition period to the PGWP.
• Check IRCC's estimated processing times for PGWP applications. 
• Closely monitor the Government of Canada website for the most up to date information on travel and border measures. 
• Connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist should you have any questions.

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According to our Academic Dates calendar, the next Convocation ceremony will be held between June 11-14, 2024. If your friends and/or family wish to visit you in Canada to attend your Convocation ceremony, refer to the following resources that may help them to prepare for their visit to Canada:

• Visit the IRCC website about visiting Canada
• Visit the IRCC website to find out if your family or friends need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada
• Review the SFU ISS guide for documents you can prepare to assist your family members (includes a sample invitation letter)
• Visit the IRCC website for estimated processing times for applications

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I have applied for a PGWP. Can I travel outside of Canada and return while my PGWP is in process?

If you plan to travel abroad while your PGWP application is being processed within Canada, your ability to re-enter/return to Canada may depend on a variety of factors including the validity of your immigration documents and the timing of your arrival/return to Canada.

Generally speaking, you must have a valid immigration travel document (such as a temporary resident visa/TRV or electronic travel authorization/eTA) to return to Canada. Upon your return, you may continue working full-time while you wait for a decision in your PGWP application provided that you meet the eligibility criteria.

When you arrive at the border, you must:

• carry your valid passport and valid immigration travel document (such as a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization, unless exempted);
• convince the border services officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized period of stay by proving that you have ties to your home country (e.g. job, home, family, and/or financial assets);
• have proof of financial means to support yourself in Canada;
• be criminally and medically admissible (no criminal or immigration-related convictions, or any health conditions that would be an excessive demand or would endanger the public health & safety); and
• have valid immigration medical exam (if you need one)

Note that a Border Services Officer will make the final decision on whether you are eligible to enter Canada. 

For more information about travel after submitting an in-Canada PGWP application visit:

• The IRCC PGWP program delivery instructions
• The IRCC PGWP website 
• The IRCC Help Centre question about leaving Canada with a PGWP application in progress

If you have questions or would like to discuss your travel plans and options, please connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist. 

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