The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a critical pathway for international students in Canada to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies, often serving as a stepping stone to permanent residency. In Nova Scotia, the PGWP is particularly relevant for graduates of eligible programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), such as Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, or Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), as it allows them to work in the province and pursue immigration streams like the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) or Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Below is a detailed, SEO-friendly guide on the PGWP, tailored to the context of Nova Scotia and updated for 2025, including eligibility, application processes, recent changes, and its role in achieving permanent residency.
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is an open work permit that allows international graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, without a job offer. It is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the study program. The work experience gained through a PGWP can help graduates qualify for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry (e.g., Canadian Experience Class) or provincial nominee programs like the NSNP.
In Nova Scotia, the PGWP is a vital tool for international students, enabling them to gain local work experience in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, and ocean technology, which align with the province’s economic priorities.
Eligibility for the PGWP in 2025
To be eligible for a PGWP, international students must meet specific criteria, which have been updated as of November 1, 2024. Below are the key requirements, with considerations for Nova Scotia students:
General Eligibility Requirements
- Graduation from a PGWP-Eligible Program:
- Complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on IRCC’s DLI list.
- In Nova Scotia, DLIs include universities like Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Acadia University, and colleges like NSCC. Confirm your program’s eligibility with your institution, as not all programs qualify.
- Full-Time Study:
- Maintain full-time status during each semester, except for the final semester, where part-time study is allowed.
- At least 50% of the program must be completed in Canada (in-person or hybrid, not fully online). Time spent studying outside Canada after September 1, 2024, is deducted from the PGWP duration.
- Valid Study Permit:
- Hold a valid study permit at some point within 180 days of completing the program.
- Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of program completion (e.g., a Letter of Completion or transcript).
- Program Completion:
- Receive written confirmation (e.g., a Letter of Completion) that all program requirements have been met. In Nova Scotia, institutions like NSCC typically issue these documents 4–6 weeks after the final semester.
Language Proficiency Requirements (New for 2025)
- As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of English or French language proficiency, with test results less than 2 years old at the time of application. Accepted tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
- University Graduates (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees from Dalhousie or Saint Mary’s):
- Minimum CLB 7 (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each skill: reading, writing, listening, speaking) or NCLC 7 in French.
- College Graduates (e.g., diplomas or certificates from NSCC):
- Minimum CLB 5 (e.g., IELTS 4.0 reading, 5.0 in other skills) or NCLC 5 in French.
- Exemptions:
- Applicants who submitted their PGWP application before November 1, 2024, are exempt from language requirements.
- Graduates from PGWP-eligible flight schools are exempt from language requirements.
Field of Study Requirements (New for 2025)
- Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024:
- No field of study restrictions for any program, including college diplomas or certificates at NSCC.
- Study Permit Applications On or After November 1, 2024:
- Graduates from college programs (non-degree, e.g., diplomas or certificates at NSCC) must complete a program linked to occupations in long-term shortage, such as:
- Healthcare (e.g., nurse aides, NOC 33102).
- Construction (e.g., construction laborers, NOC 7611).
- Transportation (e.g., transport truck drivers, NOC 7511).
- STEM fields (e.g., IT, engineering).
- Education (e.g., early childhood educators, NOC 42202).
- Use the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) tool to verify program eligibility.
- Exemptions:
- Graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from universities (e.g., Dalhousie, Acadia) are not subject to field of study requirements
- As of March 2025, graduates of college bachelor’s degree programs (e.g., degree programs at NSCC or other colleges) are also exempt from field of study requirements, aligning them with university degree holders.
Additional Requirements
- Study Permit Status:
- If your study permit expires before applying, you must restore your student status (fee: CAD $350) and apply for the PGWP within 90 days of expiry.
- Location:
- Apply from within Canada (with valid temporary status) or outside Canada within 180 days of program completion.
- Special Cases:
- Graduates of flight schools must hold a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or have a job offer as a flight instructor at a DLI flight training center.
- Students completing programs in less time than the normal duration may still qualify for a PGWP matching the program’s full length.
PGWP Duration
The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program, with a maximum of 3 years:
- Less than 8 months: Not eligible.
- 8 months to less than 2 years: PGWP duration matches the program length (e.g., a 1-year diploma at NSCC yields a 1-year PGWP).
- 2 years or more: Eligible for a 3-year PGWP (e.g., a 2-year diploma or 4-year bachelor’s degree at Dalhousie).
- Master’s Programs: As of February 15, 2024, master’s degree programs (even those less than 2 years) qualify for a 3-year PGWP, provided the program is at least 8 months long.
- Multiple Programs: If you complete multiple eligible programs at DLIs, the PGWP duration may combine program lengths, up to 3 years, if completed consecutively.
Note: The PGWP is issued only for the duration of your passport’s validity. If your passport expires before the full PGWP duration, you must apply to extend the PGWP with a new passport (paper application required)
Application Process for the PGWP
The PGWP application must be submitted online (except in cases of disability or other valid reasons) and within 180 days of program completion. Here’s a step-by-step guide, tailored for Nova Scotia students:
- Confirm Program Completion:
- Obtain a Letter of Completion or official transcript from your institution (e.g., NSCC or Dalhousie). These are typically available 4–6 weeks after your final semester.
- For example, at Dalhousie, check DalOnline for your Letter of Completion, or contact the Registrar’s Office. At NSCC, documents are accessible via MyNSCC.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Valid passport.
- Language test results (if applying on or after November 1, 2024; e.g., IELTS or CELPIP for CLB 5 or 7).
- Letter of Completion and/or official transcript.
- Proof of graduation (e.g., degree, diploma, or certificate).
- Study permit or proof of valid temporary status.
- Biometrics (if not submitted within the last 10 years; fee: CAD $85).
- For field of study requirements, proof of program eligibility (e.g., CIP code confirmation from your institution).
- Create an IRCC Secure Account:
- Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire, selecting “Post-Graduate Work Permit” on the results page.
- Complete Form IMM 5710:
- Download and fill out the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) using Adobe Acrobat.
- Ensure accuracy, as errors can lead to refusals.
- Pay Fees:
- Work Permit Fee: CAD $155.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100.
- Biometrics Fee (if applicable): CAD $85.
- Restoration of Status Fee (if applicable): CAD $350.
- Pay online and attach receipts to your application.
- Submit the Application:
- Upload all documents to your IRCC account under the Client Information section, including language test results and proof of eligible field of study (if required).
- Submit the application within 180 days of program completion or 90 days if restoring status.
- Biometrics and Medical Exams:
- If required, provide biometrics at a Service Canada location (in Nova Scotia, e.g., Halifax) or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) if applying from outside Canada.
- A medical exam may be needed if you plan to work in healthcare or education (e.g., nurse aides or early childhood educators in Nova Scotia).
- Await Processing:
- Processing times are approximately 3–4 months (as of May 2025). Check updates via your IRCC account.
- You may work full-time while your application is processed if you applied before your study permit expired and meet specific conditions (e.g., held a valid study permit at application).
- Receive the PGWP:
- The permit is mailed to your Canadian address (e.g., in Halifax or Sydney) within 2–6 weeks of approval.
- Ensure your address is updated in your IRCC account.
Important Notes:
- As of June 21, 2024, PGWP applications cannot be submitted at a port of entry (e.g., Canada-US border via “flagpoling”). All applications must be online.
- You can only receive a PGWP once in your lifetime, so strategically choose when to apply if planning multiple programs.
PGWP and Nova Scotia’s Immigration Pathways
The PGWP is a crucial bridge to permanent residency in Nova Scotia, as it allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, a key factor in programs like the NSNP and AIP. Below are the main pathways leveraging PGWP work experience:
1. Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry:
- Requires 1 year of full-time work experience in Nova Scotia in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 5 years.
- PGWP holders working in roles like nurse aides (NOC 33102) or early childhood educators (NOC 42202) can qualify.
- A nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in Express Entry draws (e.g., May 12, 2025, PNP draw with CRS 706).web:previous_user_input
- International Graduates in Demand:
- For NSCC graduates with a PGWP and a job offer in nurse aides (NOC 33102) or early childhood educators (NOC 42202).
- Requires a 2-year post-secondary program in Nova Scotia and CLB 5.
- Skilled Worker Stream:
- Requires a job offer and work experience (often gained via PGWP) in TEER 0–5 occupations.
- PGWP holders in construction or healthcare roles are well-positioned.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Requires a job offer from a designated Nova Scotia employer in TEER 0–5 occupations.
- PGWP holders with 1 year of work experience in Nova Scotia (or no experience if a recent graduate) can apply.
- In-demand roles include transport truck drivers (NOC 7511) and construction laborers (NOC 7611), aligning with NSNP’s Occupations in Demand stream.
3. Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class)
- Requires 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in Canada, which can be gained via a PGWP.
- PGWP holders with high CRS scores (e.g., 547 in the May 13, 2025, CEC draw) can receive ITAs without a provincial nomination.web:previous_user_input
- Nova Scotia work experience strengthens ties to the province, improving settlement prospects.
Example: A Dalhousie master’s graduate with a 3-year PGWP works as a software developer (NOC 21232, TEER 1) in Halifax. After 1 year, they qualify for the NSNP Experience: Express Entry stream, receive a nomination (600 CRS points), and secure PR through Express Entry.