Last updated: November 27, 2024

As an international undergraduate student who has applied for graduation during Fall 2024, 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. Will I still be eligible for a PGWP considering the new changes that came into effect on November 1, 2024?
3. When should I apply for PGWP?
4. When does my study permit become invalid?
5. How can I apply for my PGWP within Canada?
6. Will my eligibility for the PGWP be impacted if I studied part time or took time off at some point in my Program?
7. My study permit will expire before I can submit the PGWP application. How should I proceed with my PGWP?
8. I am currently outside Canada. Can I apply for a PGWP from outside Canada?
9. Can I apply for my PGWP at the USA/Canada border (also known as flagpoling)?
10. How will COVID-19 impact my PGWP application?
11. I am eligible for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit. My passport will expire in less than 3 years. How can I get the maximum PGWP length?
12. What tips should I consider while submitting my PGWP application?
13. What is eligibility to work after completing my program?
14. 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?
15. I want to explore pathways for becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Can you provide helpful resources?

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
• Work After Graduation

2. Will I still be eligible for a PGWP considering the new changes that came into effect on November 1, 2024?

To be eligible to apply for a PGWP, you must meet all the eligibility criteria as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). SFU students who graduate from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a Doctoral degree program and who meet all of the PGWP eligibility criteria will continue to remain eligible for a PGWP up to three years.  Starting Nov 1, 2024, all PGWP applications are subject to the following two new requirements:

• A language proficiency requirement for all applicants; and 
• A field of study requirement for certain non-degree programs. If you complete in a degree program (i.e., Bachelor’s, Master's and PhD) at SFU, you don’t need to meet the field of study requirement.

How to meet the language proficiency requirement? 

• Your language test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of your PGWP application submission. You can take your test in either of the official languages of Canada (English & French) and IRCC will accept language test results from these tests:

  CELPIP - General (English) IELTS - General (English) PTE - Core (English) TEF Canada (French) TCF Canada (French)

• As a university graduate (Bachelors, Masters, Doctorare), you must score minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English, or a minimum of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7 in French. Check here for the equivalency charts to confirm the minimum language level you need to obtain.
• Plan ahead to schedule and take your language test in advance to avoid additional delay with your PGWP application. It may take some time to receive your test results back.

Details about the above mentioned new requirements can be read here. 

3. When should I apply for PGWP?

As instructed in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website, you must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving 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. If requested, 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). 

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

4. 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 the frequently asked questions (FAQ) to learn more about the CCL.

5. 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 on February 4, 2025 after your degree is awarded by the Senate
  Available for download starting 1:00 pm on January 29, 2025  upon approval of your graduation.
  You cannot access your CCL after 1:00 pm on January 31, 2025. We strongly recommend that you generate a CCL prior to this and retain a copy of your CCL for future reference.

• Review our Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit handout and Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit guide for instructions about how to apply for a PGWP in Canada, tips on completing the application form and the required supporting documents.

6. 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 part-time status during Spring/Summer 2020 as a part of temporary covid measures, continuous full-time enrollment in each academic session (i.e. Spring and Fall term for SFU undergraduate students) throughout your studies is a requirement that you must meet to be eligible for the PGWP. 

Please note that SFU does not have a formal leave of absence process in place for undergraduate students. If you took a Spring and/or Fall term off during your studies at SFU, you should include a letter from SFU confirming SFU's leave policy for undergraduate students.  You can download this letter on the SFU website (under FAQs - I have been asked to provide a letter to confirm SFU’s Enrollment and Undergraduate Leave Policy. How do I get this letter?).

If you were not able to maintain continuous full-time enrollment in all Spring and Fall terms (e.g. you studied part time or took a term off) 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 completing your studies at SFU. To be eligible to apply for a PGWP from outside Canada, in most cases, 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).

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

9.  Can I apply for my PGWP at the USA/Canada border (also known as flagpoling)?

Flagpoling is a practice in which foreign nationals/temporary residents of Canada exit the country and reenter the country at a land border crossing or port of entry (POE) to take advantage of same-day immigration services.

On June 21, 2024, IRCC announced that foreign nationals (which also includes international students) can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) via flagpoling or at the point of entry (POE).  Applicants can still apply for their PGWP online via the IRCC website.  To read the announcement, visit the IRCC website. 

10. 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. Temporary policies that are specific to the PGWP can be found in the headings below.

11. I am eligible for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit. My passport will expire in less than 3 years. How can I get the maximum PGWP length?

The PGWP cannot be issued beyond the validity of your passport. If your passport is not valid for 3 years, you can consider the following options:

• Have your passport renewed before applying for your PGWP. Check with your embassy or consulate to find out how early you may renew your passport.
• If you can’t renew your passport in time, you may apply on paper later to extend your PGWP to get the full length after your passport is renewed. It is advisable to include a cover letter explaining why you cannot renew your passport with your original PGWP application.

12. What tips should I consider while submitting my PGWP application?

• Submit your PGWP application online through the IRCC secure account.
• Name your documents in the following format: Last Name, First Name_Documents For example: Smith, ABC_Passport, Smith, ABC_Digital Photo. This makes it easier to identify those documents.
• It is strongly recommended to include a cover letter summarizing your eligibility for the post-graduation work permit. In case you don't meet any of the criteria, use the same cover letter to explain your unique circumstance and why you are seeking approval of your PGWP applicatwhy. You can upload your cover letter/letter of explanation (along with other relevant documents) under the "Optional Documents" section of your online application under "Client Information".
• Due to system limitations, the document checklist won’t ask you to provide language test results. If you’re applying for a PGWP, you must upload your language results in the “Client information” section.
• Keep a copy of the uploaded documents (including the application form) for future reference.
• Monitor your inbox for any updates/request from the IRCC.

13. What is my eligibility to work after completing my program?

To review your eligibility to work before and after submitting your PGWP application, please refer to the below table:

14. 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 show 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. 

Upon submission of the PGWP application, IRCC will issue the Submission Confirmation Letter (Acknowledgement of Receipt).

You may also receive an Interim Proof of Work Letter (IMM 0127 E – WP-EXT for PGWP). The Interim Proof of Work Letter generally has a validity of 180 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 180-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 irrespective of receiving the Interim Proof of Work Letter. 

15. I want to explore pathways for becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Can you provide helpful resources?

At SFU, we do not provide PR advising, but we are happy to share resources that may help you explore pathways to Permanent Residency (PR). The IRCC will be hosting virtual Q&A sessions in December 2024, specifically focused on PR pathways for international students. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn more about the options available. They will be offered in both English and French. To check the session dates and for registration, visit here.

If you are interested in learning more about and applying for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), you can find more information here.

 Few reminders when applying for a PGWP

• Make sure that you have applied for graduation for the Fall 2025 term
• Speak with your Departmental Advisor 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 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 the Academic Dates calendar, the next Convocation ceremony will be held between June 10-13, 2025. Friends and family who wish to attend your Convocation in Canada would typically need to apply for the visitor visa (unless they are from a visa-exempt country). An invitation letter can be one of the documents the applicant can use to demonstrate their intent to travel to Canada. Using the template included in our guide to inviting family and friends to Canada, you can create a personalized letter for your family and friends. Here are some resources to help them prepare for their visit to Canada:

• Visit the IRCC website about visiting Canada
• Visit the Government of Canada website to review the most up to date travel and entry requirements for 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. 

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);
• Acknowldegement of Receipt for your Post-Graduate Work Permit application.

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

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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