Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application

R205(c)(ii) of IRPR authorises Post-Graduation Work Permits — open work permits for graduates of eligible Canadian DLI programs.

Draft a 400-500 word PGWP cover letter for [CLIENT_NAME], graduated from [PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION], program length [PROGRAM_DURATION_MONTHS] months, completion date [COMPLETION_DATE].

§1 — OPENING (40-60 words)
"I respectfully apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) pursuant to IRPR R205(c)(ii) following completion of [PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION]. The program is PGWP-eligible per the DLI list at canada.ca."

§2 — ELIGIBILITY CONFIRMATION (120-150 words)
Address each requirement:
  (a) [INSTITUTION] is a Designated Learning Institution — confirmed on the DLI list with PGWP-eligibility flag.
  (b) [PROGRAM] is PGWP-eligible — per 2024 reform:
      - Public colleges/universities: most programs eligible
      - Private colleges: most NOT eligible (with limited exceptions)
      - Master's: degree-granting programs eligible regardless of duration (with field-of-study restrictions where applicable post-2024)
      - Programs under 8 months: NOT eligible
      - Programs delivered >50% online: limited eligibility
  (c) Full-time studies maintained throughout the program (with limited exceptions for final semester)
  (d) Met all program requirements (transcript shows credits earned)
  (e) Application within 180 days of final completion confirmation
  (f) Valid status throughout studies (no implied status gaps that compromise eligibility)
  (g) Field-of-study restriction (2024 reform) — check if [PROGRAM] is in a long-term shortage field for non-degree programs

§3 — PGWP DURATION REQUESTED (60-80 words)
Per R205(c)(ii):
  • 8 months ≤ program < 2 years → PGWP matches program length
  • Program 2+ years → 3-year PGWP
For [PROGRAM_DURATION_MONTHS] months, expected PGWP: [calculate].

§4 — INTENT + PR PATHWAY (40-60 words)
Note dual intent is permitted under R22(2). Briefly:
  • Use PGWP to gain Canadian work experience (TEER 0/1/2/3)
  • Build language scores (CLB 9+ target)
  • Pursue Express Entry CEC / PNP after 12 months qualifying experience

§5 — STATUS CONTINUITY (60-80 words)
If applying before study permit expiry:
  • R183 implied status: applicant can work full-time during PGWP processing
  • State: "I am applying [N] days before my study permit expires. Pursuant to R183, I will continue under maintained status pending decision."
If applying after expiry:
  • Restoration of status required FIRST (within 90 days of expiry, R182). Address this separately.

§6 — CLOSING (40-60 words)
"I respectfully request the officer issue a PGWP for [PROGRAM_DURATION_MONTHS or 36] months from the date of issuance. I am applying [BEFORE/AFTER] my study permit expiry and have maintained valid status throughout my studies."

ANNEXES
  • Annex A: Final completion letter from [INSTITUTION]
  • Annex B: Final transcript (must show all credits earned)
  • Annex C: Current study permit
  • Annex D: All previous study permits (for continuity)
  • Annex E: Passport bio page
  • Annex F: Recent IRCC fee receipt (CAD 255 — WP fee + open WP holder fee)

End with: "DRAFT PGWP APPLICATION — for RCIC review. URGENT: 180-day window from completion is NON-EXTENDABLE. Verify [INSTITUTION] + [PROGRAM] PGWP-eligibility at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/post-graduation/eligibility.html with current 2026 list."