Canada · Processing time
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
IRCC — PGWP processing times does not publish one fixed, route-wide end-to-end processing time that can be stated responsibly for this application route.
How long does the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) take to process in Canada?
IRCC — PGWP processing times does not publish a central processing time for this route. Use the current IRCC — PGWP processing times service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
Source checked against IRCC — PGWP processing times on 10 September 2026.
Typical wait
Not centrally published
from complete application
Government fees
CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).
Last checked
10 September 2026
Reality vs official timing
- Official clock
- No central processing clock
- Delay trigger
- No fixed delay point - use route guidance
- Source checked
- 10 September 2026
IRCC — PGWP processing times does not publish a central processing time. Use the current IRCC — PGWP processing times service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
The PGWP is the primary bridge from study to permanent residence in Canada. Duration is up to 3 years based on programme length. Eligibility was tightened significantly in 2024 — study programme must be PGWP-eligible and graduates of certain college/university partnerships no longer qualify.
- Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
- Settlement: This route does not lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: Up to 3 years.
- Indicative government fees: CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).
Priority and fast-track options
The earlier range was removed after an official-source review because it was an editorial estimate, depended on a live/local queue, or combined separate appointment and decision stages.
Official source
IRCC — PGWP processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html
Cite or reuse this dataset
This figure is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Cite the Visa Atlas page for the compiled, dated dataset, and cite the official source for the underlying government rule.
Suggested citation
Visa Atlas, "Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) processing time dataset", https://visaatlas.org/processing-times/canada/pgwp. Last checked 10 September 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary source (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) take to process?+
IRCC — PGWP processing times does not publish a central processing time for this route. Use the current IRCC — PGWP processing times service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
When does the Not centrally published clock start?+
Because no central processing time is published, there is no fixed start point. Contact the relevant authority once your application is submitted.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
The earlier range was removed after an official-source review because it was an editorial estimate, depended on a live/local queue, or combined separate appointment and decision stages.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application as delayed?+
Because no central processing time is published for this route, there is no fixed point at which it counts as late. If your wait runs well beyond comparable cases, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Duplicate chasing tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.