Canada · Processing time
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
PGWP processing: 60 days (online in-Canada) up to 6 months for paper / at-port-of-entry applications.
How long does the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) take to process in Canada?
The typical published decision window is 2 months – 6 months from a complete application. PGWP processing: 60 days (online in-Canada) up to 6 months for paper / at-port-of-entry applications.
Verified against IRCC — PGWP processing times on 1 June 2026.
Typical wait
2 months – 6 months
from complete application
Government fees
CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).
Last checked
1 June 2026
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 residency.
- Typical permit length: Up to 3 years.
- Indicative government fees: CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).
How to read this estimate
The 2 months – 6 months window is the time IRCC — PGWP processing times typically associates with the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.
- Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
- If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
- Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The IRCC — PGWP processing times page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.
Official source
IRCC — PGWP processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) take to process?+
The typical wait is 2 months – 6 months from submitting a complete application. PGWP processing: 60 days (online in-Canada) up to 6 months for paper / at-port-of-entry applications. These figures come from IRCC — PGWP processing times and were last verified on 2026-06-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.
When does the 2 months – 6 months clock start?+
The clock starts when IRCC — PGWP processing times receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Canada routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
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?+
Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (2 months – 6 months) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.