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PGWP Application Timelines: How Long Does It Take?

Topics covered

5 min
Published: 8 May 2025
Updated: 7 May 2025

As provided in the IRCC website, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to prolong their time in Canada while gaining work experience, bringing them that much closer to permanent residency. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, 75% of PGWP holders gained permanent residency within five years of getting their worker’s permit.

Understanding the timeline for your PGWP application is crucial for planning your future in Canada. This guide outlines typical processing times, factors that influence them, and steps to ensure your application goes smoothly.

Typical PGWP Processing Times

The amount of time it takes for your PGWP application to be processed can be between 80 and 180 days. You can check the average processing times through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which updates on a weekly basis. Here’s how to check:

Visit the IRCC Check Processing Times page.
Select “Temporary Residence (visiting, studying, working)” as your application type.
Select “Work permit from inside Canada (initial and extension)” as your type of temporary residence application.
Receive the weekly update for average processing time for the PGWP.

That said, the processing time of your PGWP application can vary significantly based on several factors.

What Affects Processing Times?

Paper vs Online Submission: It’s called snail mail for a reason! Paper applications take longer, since they have to be processed and handled through the post before getting to their destination. Opt for online submission to reduce delays.
Level of Application Completion: An application with mistakes, like missing documents, can increase the processing time of your application. That’s why it’s always important to double check you have the correct documents.
Seasonal Surges: If you are applying for your PGWP after graduation, you’re probably among many international students doing the same thing. This means you will likely experience longer processing times.
Case Processing Centre Workload: Your regional CPC receives a lot of different citizenship and immigration applications. That volume, on top of PGWP applications, will factor into its processing speed.

Steps to Avoid Delays with Your PGWP Application

As provided in the IRCC website, here’s how to streamline your PGWP application, so you don’t hit any unexpected bumps in the road: Gather Your Documents In Advance: You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of graduating, but don’t wait until the last second. Make sure you have all the required documents prepared ahead of time, such as your:

Proof of graduation
Final transcript
Proof of language skills test results

Need extra help? We have created a handy PGWP Required Documents checklist to make it a bit easier.

Submit Your Application Early: Avoid waiting too long within your 180-day eligibility window to apply for your PGWP. This helps you get your work permit as soon as possible and reduces gaps in your legal work authorization.

Double-Check Your Application: Verify that all information and documents meet IRCC’s requirements. If you can, get a friend or family member to look over your application.

Monitor Your Application: Use IRCC’s online portal to check your application status and get information about any issues that need to be addressed. If your application exceeds the typical processing time, you can contact IRCC for an update or submit a web form inquiry with supporting documents and a clear explanation of your situation.

For cases involving significant delays, you may want to consult a regulated immigration professional for additional support.

Working While Waiting for Your PGWP

If you applied for your PGWP before your study permit expired, you are authorized to work in Canada while waiting for a decision if you meet all the following conditions:

Have a valid study permit
Finished your study program
Satisfy the requirements to work off campus with no permit
Never worked more than 20 hours a week off campus while studying.

Conclusion

With the right information about PGWP processing times and ample preparation, you can minimize delays that come with the application process, especially if you submit early. While you wait, remember to take advantage of the IRCC’s online portal to check your application status and any issues with your application, so you can address them right away.

If you’re looking for more guidance and information about the PGWP process, reach out to a professional immigration consultant. If you need advice on your academic journey, or programs that can help you meet your career goals, IDP Canada is happy to help.

Book an appointment with our expert counsellors today.

Legal Disclaimer: IDP Education is not a registered migration consultant and does not provide immigration services or provide immigration advice. The contents of this page are for general information only and is based on information from the IRCC website, which you can access through: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html. Information can change from time to time. For the most up to date information visit the IRCC website. Advice on your immigration circumstances may need to be considered by a registered migration consultant for Canada. The information contained does not take into account your personal circumstances. The outcome of every immigration application is different. The likelihood of any particular outcome for your application is dependent upon the details of your submission alone.