Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates of eligible programs to work in Canada upon the successful completion of their studies.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows graduates of eligible programs from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), such as LaSalle College Vancouver, to work in Canada.

The eligibility criteria for a PGWP may vary depending on when the study permit and PGWP applications are submitted.

The PGWP is a program under the authority of the Government of Canada, which remains the official reference source at all times.

To be eligible for the PGWP, students must meet the following criteria:

Have completed a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as LaSalle College Vancouver.
Have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each semester of their study program.
Have completed a program of at least 8 months in duration.

If applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before November 1, 2024, students only need to meet the general eligibility requirements. The newly introduced language proficiency and the field of study requirements arenot applicable.

If applying for the PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, additional requirements apply. To be eligible for the PGWP, students must meet the following criteria:

Meet all the General Eligibility Requirements as mentioned above.
Language proficiency requirement: must demonstrate a minimum English language proficiency with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5.
Field of study requirement: must successfully graduate from a program in an eligible field of study*.

_{*Students who applied for a study permit before November 1,2024 are not affected by the field of study requirement.}

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Please note that the PGWP is a program under the authority of the Government of Canada, which remains the official reference source at all times. Should there be any discrepancy between the information on our website or FAQ and the official Government of Canada website, the information on the official website of the Government of Canada will take precedence.

Yes, LaSalle College Vancouver is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

You have up to 180 days after graduation to apply for a PGWP. To be eligible, your study permit must have been valid at some point during these 180 days.

You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside Canada or from another country, as long as you’re eligible and have received your degree, transcript or official letter from LaSalle College Vancouver confirming that you have completed your studies.

For more information, please visit the official website of the Government of Canada

Graduating from a designated learning institution does not automatically qualify international students for a PGWP. For the complete list of eligibility criteria, please visit the Government of Canada official website.

Not necessarily. You may qualify for another type of work permit.

Before applying for a PGWP, you must prove you have completed your studies by presenting one of the following: diploma, official letter from your institution, official transcript (or a copy of your transcript). Additional documents may be requested after your application is received.

To start your application, visit the Government of Canada website.

To demonstrate your language proficiency in English, the Canadian government uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). If you graduate from a college program or other non-university program, you must prove your English language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5.

You must demonstrate your language proficiency level in the following four language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of a PGWP application submission.

Learn more about language requirements

As per the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and based on the guidelines published on July 4, 2025, the following Bachelor’s degree programs at our institution are currently eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design
Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design
Bachelor of Applied Design in Interior Design
Bachelor of Science in Game Programming

A program’s PGWP eligibility is determined at the time an individual applies for their study permit. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their chosen program is eligible under the PGWP criteria outlined by IRCC at the time of their study permit application and that they meet all other program and permit requirements.

Note: The content on this page reflects the information available at the time of publication. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may revise their policies at any time. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please consult the official IRCC website.

The Government of Canada is responsible for receiving and approving or rejecting PGWP applications. LaSalle College Vancouver cannot make or influence such decisions in any way.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

General Eligibility Requirements

PGWP application before November 1, 2024

PGWP application on or after November 1, 2024

PGWP Eligible Programs

FAQ about the post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

What are the next steps?