Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Document ChecklistPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Document Checklist — What You Need to Apply
Complete document checklist for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application, organized by category. 12 items typically required, though specific files may need additional documentation based on country of origin, prior applications, and individual circumstances.
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Before you start gathering documents
This checklist is a baseline. Every immigration file has specific quirks — prior visa history, multi-country residence, document availability from the source country, and program-specific requirements. The documents below cover most files; book a free consultation to confirm what your specific case needs.
Identity
- Passport (all pages)Valid through PGWP duration.
- Current study permit (or expired with implied status)Demonstrates legal study status at graduation.
- Passport-style photoPer IRCC specifications.
Academic completion
- Official transcripts (final, with completion notation)From the DLI — must show all required courses passed.
- Completion letter or graduation certificateOfficial letter from the DLI confirming completion of the program.
- Final marks or grade reportsConfirms passing all required components.
Program & DLI verification
- DLI confirmation letter (if requested)Confirms PGWP-eligibility of the specific program at the time of graduation.
- Acceptance letter (LOA) from the DLIDemonstrates initial admission to the eligible program.
Status maintenance
- Work-permit history (if you had a co-op or off-campus work permit)Demonstrates compliance with student work-authorization rules.
- Status-restoration documents (if applicable)If you had a status gap, evidence of restoration.
Biometrics & medical
- Biometrics confirmationRequired if not previously submitted within last 10 years.
- Immigration medical exam (if required)Required for certain healthcare/childcare PGWP intended occupations.
Frequently asked questions — Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) documents
Do I need the official completion letter or is my transcript enough?
Both, ideally. The official transcript confirms that you completed all required courses; the completion letter (issued by the DLI's registrar) confirms that the program is officially complete. Some DLIs combine these into a single document (typically called a 'graduation letter' or 'completion confirmation'). IRCC needs to see both that you completed coursework AND that the DLI considers you a graduate. Don't apply with just the transcript if your DLI hasn't issued the completion letter yet.
What if my program is PGWP-eligible but I'm not sure my specific track qualifies?
PGWP-eligibility is determined by the specific program and DLI at the time of graduation. The IRCC PGWP-eligible program list is published and updated periodically. Some DLIs offer programs where only certain tracks qualify (e.g., a public college's degree program qualifies but its non-degree certificate doesn't). Get a written confirmation from your DLI's international student office that your specific program-track at your specific completion date is PGWP-eligible — include this in your application as a 'DLI confirmation letter.'
Can my study permit be expired when I apply for PGWP?
Yes — you have 180 days from receiving final marks to apply. During this 180-day window, your study permit can be expired and you don't need to maintain student status. However, you should not start working at a PGWP-job until the PGWP is issued. If you want to work between study completion and PGWP issuance, apply for PGWP before your study permit expires to be on implied status (full-time work permitted under the same conditions as the study permit's off-campus work allowance).
Build your personalized Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) checklist
Use our Document Checklist tool to build a personalized list based on your country of residence, family situation, and prior application history.