Can I work off-campus on a Canadian Student Visa?

Yes. Eligible international students with a valid Canadian study permit are authorized to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms, and full-time during official scheduled breaks (such as winter and summer breaks) without needing a separate work permit.

What is the minimum GIC financial requirement for Canada?

Under official IRCC regulations, the minimum Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) living cost requirement for a single student outside Quebec is CAD 20,635. This amount must be deposited with an approved Canadian financial institution in addition to paying first-year tuition fees.

How long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid?

Graduates of master’s degree programs of at least 8 months are eligible for a full 3-year PGWP. For other post-secondary programs (such as diplomas and certificates), PGWP duration matches the study program length (up to 3 years) and must align with designated fields in long-term labour shortages.

How do category-based Express Entry draws work?

IRCC conducts targeted category-based Express Entry selection rounds that invite candidates with demonstrated work experience in priority sectors: Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, Agriculture, and candidates with French language proficiency (NCLC 7+).

Home Canada HubPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) & LMIA Work Permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) & LMIA Work Permit Requirements & Roadmap

Country: Canada•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$155 USD

Average Processing Window8 Wks (7 to 12 weeks)

Approval Rate Index76%

Eligibility Requirements

Completion of an eligible DLI degree program (up to 3 years PGWP for Masters graduates; college diplomas must align with national shortage occupations), or a valid job offer with positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Documents Checklist Drawer

Official graduation completion letter and transcript from a PGWP-eligible DLI (or positive LMIA confirmation)

Valid passport with valid legal status in Canada

Proof of language proficiency (CLB 7 for university grads, CLB 5 for college grads under latest rules)

Digital biometric photos and Police Clearance Certificates

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Complete course requirements and obtain official graduation letter from your DLI within 180 days.

Submit online PGWP / Work Permit application on the IRCC portal.

Maintain legal maintained (implied) status and work full-time while application is processed.

Pay processing fee of CAD 155 (plus CAD 100 Open Work Permit holder fee).

Receive physical Work Permit document in the mail with unrestricted Canadian work authorization.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Applying outside the mandatory 180-day window following completion of studies.
•Taking unapproved unauthorized breaks or studying part-time during mandatory academic semesters.
•Employer failing to prove lack of local Canadian candidates for LMIA applications.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official Canada immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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