Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRAfter you graduateStep 10 of 13

BlockedStarts a 180-day clock · RequiredYou are here

10. Graduate and get confirmation of completion

When your school confirms you completed the program, a 180-day clock starts.

Waiting on: Keep full-time status every semester

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 10 of 13 · RequiredClose

Graduate and get confirmation of completion

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepPost-graduation work permit: who can applycanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

When your school confirms you completed the program, a 180-day clock starts. You must apply for the PGWP inside that window, and your study permit must have been valid at some point during it.

Why it's required: The clock runs from the confirmation of completion, not from convocation. Waiting for a graduation ceremony months later can put you outside the window.

The window180 daysFrom confirmation that you completed the program.

Study permitValid within itIt must have been valid at some point during those 180 days.

Not convocationCompletionThe transcript or completion letter is what starts the clock.

Documents you'll need

Your final transcript
The school's official confirmation you completed the program

Before this step

BlockedKeep full-time status every semester

Finishing this unlocks: Apply for a post-graduation work permit