International students who wish to work in Canada after completing their studies may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This work permit is an open work permit allowing you to work for any employer.

The Canadian government grants this permit through Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

An application must be submitted within 180 days of completing your program, and your study permit is valid at some point during this period. 

You will also need to submit proof of your graduation with the application. You can request a letter from the International Centre to confirm this.

PGWP eligibility changes

IRCC released new eligibility criteria to obtain a PGWP for international students applying for a study permit on or after Friday, November 1, 2024.

For students who applied for a study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, all programs longer than eight months are eligible for a PGWP. As a current student with a valid study permit, you will not be impacted by the new requirements and will remain eligible for the PGWP — regardless of your current program.

PGWP eligibility 

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:  

  • You have maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your program (except your scheduled break and final semester, which can be part-time or if you took an authorized leave from studies.)
  • You have a valid study permit (or a study permit that was valid at some point in the last 180 days since you completed your program.)*

❗️Your PGWP validity date can never extend past the date of your passport validity. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of time you should be eligible.

English language proficiency requirement

Under the new PGWP eligibility requirements, graduates will also be required to take a recognized immigration language test, achieve a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 and submit the test results as part of their application. Test results are valid for two years after the test date.

Eligible field of study requirement

The second new requirement for PGWP eligibility is that international students must graduate from an eligible field of study that falls into one of the following five broad categories:

  • agriculture and agri-food
  • healthcare
  • science/technology/engineering/mathematics
  • trade
  • transport

As a student, it is your responsibility to understand and meet the full eligibility requirements.

*As many students attended their program online from outside of Canada due to COVID-19, eligible students can apply for a PGWP from outside Canada as long as they’ve been approved for a study permit. For more information on outside-Canada graduates, please see the IRCC eligibility.

The SAIT programs listed below are eligible for PGWP and currently meet IRCC's requirements. This list is accurate as of Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, and may be revised to include more programs, so check back regularly.

SAIT programs that are PGWP eligible as of Nov. 1, 2024.
Program Credential Intakes CIP Code CIP Classification
Advanced Care Paramedic Diploma Winter, Fall 51.0904 Emergency medical technology/technician (EMT paramedic)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology Diploma Winter, Spring, Fall 47.0607 Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology/technician
Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate Winter, Fall 47.0607 Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology/technician
Avionics Technology Diploma Spring, Fall 47.0609 Avionics maintenance technology/technician
Bachelor of Business Administration - Supply Chain Management Bachelor's Degree Fall 52.0203 Logistics, materials, and supply chain management
Business Administration - Supply Chain Management Diploma Winter, Spring, Fall 52.0203 Logistics, materials, and supply chain management
Butchery and Charcuterie Management Certificate Winter 12.0506 Meat cutting/meat cutter
Cyber Security for Control Systems Post-Diploma Certificate Spring, Fall 11.0901 Computer systems networking and telecommunications
Data Analytics Post-Diploma Certificate Winter, Spring, Fall 52.1301 Management science
Database Administrator Certificate Fall 11.0802 Data modelling/warehousing and database administration
Electrical Trade and Technology Diploma Fall 46.0302 Electrician
Fitness and Wellness Management Diploma Fall 31.0501 Health and physical education/fitness, general
Information Systems Security Diploma Winter, Spring, Fall 11.1003 Computer and information systems security/information assurance
Information Technology Services Diploma Winter, Spring, Fall 11.1002 System, networking and LAN/WAN management/manager
Integrated Artificial Intelligence Post-Diploma Certificate Spring, Fall 11.0102 Artificial intelligence
Integrated Water Management Diploma Fall 03.0205 Water, wetlands and marine resources management
Interactive Design - Graphic Design Diploma Winter, Spring, Fall 50.0409 Graphic design
Machining Technology Diploma Fall 48.0501 Machine tool technology/machinist
Medical Laboratory Technology Diploma Fall 51.1005 Clinical laboratory science/medical technology/technologist
Medical Radiologic Technology Diploma Fall 51.0911 Radiologic technology/science - radiographer
Network Systems Specialist Certificate Fall 11.0901 Computer systems networking and telecommunications
Nuclear Medicine Technology Diploma Fall 51.0905 Nuclear medical technology/technologist
Object Oriented Software Development Certificate Fall 15.1204 Computer software technology/technician
Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting Certificate Winter, Fall 51.1802 Optometric technician/assistant
Power and Process Operations Certificate Winter 47.0303 Industrial mechanics and maintenance technology
Primary Care Paramedic Certificate Fall 51.081 Emergency care attendant (EMT ambulance)
Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Diploma Fall 51.2399 Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions, other
Respiratory Therapy Diploma Fall 51.0908 Respiratory care therapy/therapist
Software Development Diploma Winter, Spring, Fall 11.0201 Computer programming/programmer, general
Welding and Fabrication Technology Diploma Winter, Fall 48.0508 Welding technology/welder
Welding Engineering Technology Diploma Fall 15.0614 Welding engineering technology/technician

All SAIT programs longer than eight months are eligible for a PGWP only for students who applied for a study permit before Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. This includes programs that are still eligible based on the new criteria. 

Students in the following programs who applied for their study permit before Nov. 1 may still be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation. 

For those who applied for a study permit on or after Nov. 1, the following programs are no longer eligible for the PGWP. 

SAIT programs that are no longer PGWP eligible as of Nov. 1, 2024.
Program Credential CIP Code CIP Classification
Accounting Certificate 52.0302 Accounting technology/technician and bookkeeping
Administrative Information Management Diploma 52.0401 Administrative assistant and secretarial science, general
Architectural Technologies Diploma 04.0901 Architectural technology/technician
Automotive Service Technology Diploma 47.0604 Automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician
Bachelor of Applied Business Administration Applied Degree 52.0301 Accounting
Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems Applied Degree 45.0702 Geographic information science and cartography
Bachelor of Applied Technology Petroleum Engineering Applied Degree 15.0903 Petroleum technology/technician
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting Bachelor's Degree 52.0301 Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration - Financial Services Bachelor's Degree 52.0804 Financial planning and services
Bachelor of Business Administration - Financial Technology and Innovation Bachelor's Degree 52.0299 Business administration, management and operations, other
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management Bachelor's Degree 52.1001 Human resources management/personnel administration, general
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management Bachelor's Degree 52.0201 Business administration and management, general
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing Bachelor's Degree 52.1401 Marketing/marketing management, general
Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management Bachelor's Degree 52.0901 Hospitality administration/management, general
Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management Bachelor's Degree 52.2001 Construction management
Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma 12.0501 Baking and pastry arts/baker/pastry chef
Business Administration - Accounting Diploma 52.0301 Accounting
Business Administration - Financial Services Diploma 52.0804 Financial planning and services
Business Administration - Human Resource Management Diploma 52.1001 Human resources management/personnel administration, general
Business Administration - Management Diploma 52.0201 Business administration and management, general
Business Administration - Marketing Diploma 52.0201 Marketing/marketing management, general
Business Administration Automotive Management Diploma 52.1907 Vehicle and vehicle parts and accessories marketing operations
Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate 52.0703 Small business administration/management
Chemical Engineering Technology Diploma 15.9999 Engineering technologies and engineering-related fields, other
Chemical Laboratory Technology Diploma 41.0301 Chemical technology/technician
Civil Engineering Technology - Construction Management Diploma 15.0201 Civil engineering technology/technician
Civil Engineering Technology - Municipal Diploma 15.0201 Civil engineering technology/technician
Civil Engineering Technology - Virtual Design and Construction Diploma 15.1304 Civil drafting and civil engineering CAD/CADD
Culinary Arts Diploma 12.0500 Cooking and related culinary arts, general
Dental Assisting Certificate 51.0601 Dental assisting/assistant
Early Childhood Development certificate Certificate 19.0709 Child care provider/assistant
Early Childhood Development diploma Diploma 19.0708 Child care and support services management
Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0303 Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
Electronics Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0303 Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
Energy Asset Management Diploma 15.0503 Energy management and systems technology/technician
Environmental Technology Diploma 15.0507 Environmental engineering technology/environmental technology
Film and Video Production Diploma 50.0602 Cinematography and film/video production
Geomatics Engineering Technology Diploma 15.1102 Surveying technology/surveying
Health Information Management Diploma 51.0706 Health information / medical records administration/administrator
Healthcare Leadership Post-Diploma Certificate 51.0701 Health/health care administration/management
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Beverage Management Diploma 12.0504 Restaurant, culinary and catering management/manager
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Entrepreneurship and Innovation Diploma 52.0901 Hospitality administration/management, general
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Event Management Diploma 52.0907 Meeting and event planning
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Hotels and Accommodation Diploma 52.0904 Hotel/motel administration/management
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Multi-Disciplinary Diploma 52.0901 Hospitality administration/management, general
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Restaurant and Service Operations Diploma 12.0504 Restaurant, culinary and catering management/manager
Hospitality and Tourism Management - Travel and Tourism Diploma 52.0903 Tourism and travel services management
Instrumentation Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0404 Instrumentation technology/technician
Interactive Design - User Experience Diploma 50.0401 Design and visual communications, general
Interactive Design - Web Design and Development Diploma 50.0401 Design and visual communications, general
International Business Management Post-Diploma Certificate 52.1101 International business/trade/commerce
Journalism - Photojournalism Diploma 09.0404 Photojournalism
Journalism - Print and Online Journalism Diploma 09.0401 Journalism, general
Legal Assistant Diploma 22.0302 Legal assistant/paralegal
Library Information Technology Diploma 25.0301 Library and archives assisting
Marketing Certificate 52.1401 Marketing/marketing management, general
Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0805 Mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician
Office Professional Certificate 52.0401 Administrative assistant and secretarial science, general
Open Studies n/a 24.0102 General studies
Optician Diploma 51.1801 Opticianry/ophthalmic dispensing optician
Petroleum Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0903 Petroleum technology/technician
Power Engineering Technology Diploma 48.0801 Boilermaking/boilermaker
Radio, Television and Broadcast News - Broadcast News Diploma 09.0402 Broadcast journalism
Radio, Television and Broadcast News - Radio Diploma 09.0701 Radio and television
Radio, Television and Broadcast News - Television Diploma 09.0701 Radio and television
Transport and Heavy Equipment Technology Diploma 47.0613 Medium/heavy vehicle and truck technology/technician
Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations Certificate 15.0506 Water quality and wastewater treatment management and recycling technology/technician

When can I apply for my PGWP? 

You must apply within 180 days of SAIT issuing your final marks.

❗️We recommend you apply for your PGWP once you receive your Letter of Completion from SAIT. This way you will be applying while your study permit is still valid.

Your study permit will be valid until its expiration date or 90 days after you receive your letter of completion, whichever comes earlier.

If you apply for your PGWP while on a valid study permit, you might also be eligible to start work immediately.

However, if you plan to apply after your study permit expires, you need to either:

  • change your status to a visitor before your study permit expires or
  • leave the country and apply from outside of Canada or
  • apply for restoration and your PGWP at the same time.

❗️You can only receive a PGWP once in your life. If you intend to continue your studies, you might want to wait to apply for your work permit.

How to apply for your PGWP

You will complete the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker application form.

The application can be submitted online and costs $255, including a processing fee of $155 and an open work permit holder fee of $100 CAD.

If you are submitting your PGWP application from outside Canada, please contact the International Centre for guidance.

Step 1: Log into your IRCC GCKey account

You can use your existing IRCC account to apply for a study permit extension.

If you do not have an account, or if you do not have access to your previous account, you can create a new account.

How to create your IRCC GCKey account

Step 2: Create your own document checklist

Watch our guide to creating your list of required documents to apply for your PGWP.

Step 3: Prepare your documents and complete forms

Download and complete the IMM5709e application form

Ensure you download the latest form directly from the IRCC website for your application.

Download application form

Do not print and sign the form. You can type your name in the signature and dates on the form. Once you enter your information, select "Validate" and the form will generate an additional page with many bar codes if it's validated successfully.

If you want to make changes to the form, remember to validate it and save the form after every edit.

Guide to completing your PGWP application form

Collect your documents

If your documents are not in English or French, they should be accompanied by an official translation in English or French or a certified copy of the original document in English or French with an affidavit.

You must submit a Letter of Completion and your transcript.

Because your credential (diploma, certificate, etc.) will be awarded on the appropriate conferral date, please review the below details to receive your Letter of Completion:

  1. Apply to graduate through mySAIT during the appropriate timeline.
  2. Review your unofficial transcripts to ensure your final grades have been entered.
  3. Once all final grades are entered, the Office of the Registrar will run a graduate audit. This process can take up to two weeks to complete before a letter of completion can be generated.*
  4. A Letter of Completion will be automatically created for you if you are eligible to receive one. You do not need to request it.
  5. The Letter of Completion will be uploaded to the MyCreds™️ platform, and you’ll receive an email when it is ready to view and share. Check that you have an active email on your student profile.

You also need to request a copy of your official transcript through mySAIT.

*We are unable to generate a Post-Graduation Work Permit letter of completion until the Office of the Registrar completes the graduate audit detailed above. If your study permit expires soon, please contact the International Centre.

If you took a leave of absence during your studies, ensure you also request a confirmation letter from the International Centre for your PGWP application.

Request a Confirmation of Enrolment letter

You will need to scan and upload a copy of your passport on the bio-data page (the page with your photo and all other personal information), and any other pages with stamps, visas, or markings from any county.

If you have a new passport, you need to provide copies of both your new and old passports.

Your passport photo should be less than six months old and meet the IRCC photo specifications.

Depending on your nationality, the Family Information form might be required. You should only provide it if it’s included in your document checklist.

This form needs to be printed out and signed by hand. Please note you might need to sign multiple places on this form.

  • If you indicate that you don’t have a spouse or common-law partner, sign and date Section A.
  • If you indicate that you don’t have children, sign and date Section B.
  • Finally, sign and date Section C.

IRCC might make a minor adjustment to application forms without notice. Please check for instructions for each form and make sure the form is thoroughly completed.

The Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residency form is usually included in the “Optional Documents” section of your checklist, and most students do not need to include it in the application.

If you do require it, this form doesn’t need to be signed, but it does need to be validated.

Step 4: Get your biometrics and medical exam (if applicable)

If you have provided biometrics in a previous application, you don’t need to provide them again. Your biometrics will be valid for 10 years. You can use the online tool to find out if your biometrics are still valid.

Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are collected to confirm your identity and will facilitate your entry to Canada. While exemptions can be granted, most study permit applicants will be required to provide biometrics.

Once you have paid your biometrics collection fee ($85 CAD) and submitted your online application, you will receive a biometric instruction letter in your account. Then, you can go to the nearest biometrics collection center with the letter.

You may be required to complete an immigration medical exam if:

  1. you have lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the past year, or,
  2. you will participate in a workplacement, co-op or practicum that will bring you close to patients, children, the elderly, etc. This includes public health, health sciences, or agriculture-related fields (for example, healthcare workers, and primary and secondary school teachers.) Please refer to your program page for specific practicum information.

If you need a medical exam, you can choose either:

  • submit your application first, and wait for the medical exam instruction letter from IRCC, or,
  • do an upfront medical exam first and include the exam confirmation receipt in your application.

In general, it can save some processing time when you provide an upfront medical exam.

Your medical exam result will be valid for 12 months from the date of the exam and should be valid at the time when you travel. The exam is taken during the initial study permit application period; therefore, if you have been studying outside Canada since recieving your study permit approval, you will need to make sure your results are still valid when traveling to Canada.

You may need a new IME result if you are a continuing student who has left Canada for six months or more in the past year.

Find a panel physician that can conduct your medical exam.

After you apply

Please expect three to four months for your PGWP application to be processed. You will receive emails from your IRCC GCKey account informing you of any updates on your application.

Once it has been approved, it usually takes between two to six weeks for you to receive the actual document by mail – the Post-Graduation Work Permit will be sent to the mailing address provided.

Frequently asked questions 

It depends. Refer to the IRCC Help Centre for more information before you travel.

No. Once you receive your PGWP you can then apply for a new TRV.

Before you receive written notice of program completion

If you were eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during your final semester, you can continue working part-time until you receive notice of program completion (letter from SAIT.)

Once you receive the notice of completion

You must STOP working until you submit the PGWP application.

After you submit the PGWP application, you can start working full-time if you:

  • were eligible to work part-time during your academic semester and didn’t work off-campus more than 20 hours during academic semesters
  • have a valid study permit at the time of applying for your PGWP.

If your PGWP is refused, you must stop working immediately.

You can now order your unofficial transcript through your MySAIT account.

Please check the Quick Reference Guide for easy steps to follow.

You MUST have a valid temporary status as a student or a visitor in order to apply for a PGWP.

If your study permit expires around your program completion time, you should consider applying for your study permit extension early so that you still hold a valid status to bridge your graduation period.

If you have not applied to extend it before it expires, you must stop studying and working and apply for a restoration of status.

Effective June 21, 2024, students can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the Canada-US border.

All eligible graduating students should apply for their PGWP online before their study permit expires. For more information, visit the IRCC website or email international.advising@sait.cafor assistance.

Contact us

International Centre

AA206, Heritage Hall, SAIT Main Campus

Phone
1.403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca

Monday - Friday | 8 am - 4:30 pm

a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.