International student rights

What’s your study-permit situation? Start here.

Pick where you are and see the deadline that matters, what to do first, and the immigration rule that applies.

✓ Federal immigration law✓ 100% free✓ No account✓ Legal information, not advice

Applying for PGWP

IRCC PGWP program (public policy under IRPA)

You generally have 180 days after results to apply — and must hold valid status

The deadline that matters

180

days after final marks

A Post-Graduation Work Permit application generally must be submitted within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your program, and you must have held valid status during studies. Field-of-study and DLI eligibility rules apply and have tightened — confirm your program still qualifies.

Do this first

1
Get your completion letter
The 180-day clock typically starts from official confirmation of completion or final transcript.
2
Check program eligibility
PGWP field-of-study and institution rules have changed; confirm your program still qualifies.
3
Keep status while you apply
Apply before your study permit expires, or understand maintained-status and restoration rules.

The rule that applies

IRCC PGWP program (public policy under IRPA)

"An application for a post-graduation work permit must be made within 180 days of the date on which the institution issues confirmation of completion of the program."

PGWP policyIRPA s.205

Read the full guide →

Legal information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often (work-hour caps and PGWP eligibility especially); confirm against the current IRCC source or a licensed immigration professional.

🛡️ You have rights as a student

Protections that apply to your studies

On your permit

Your conditions are written down

IRPR s.220.1

Your study permit lists exactly what you can do — level of study, work limits, and expiry. Knowing them protects your status.

While working

You can work within limits

IRPR s.186

Eligible students may work on and off campus within a weekly cap during terms and full-time on scheduled breaks.

If status lapses

Restoration may be available

IRPR s.182

A 90-day window generally exists to restore temporary resident status after it is lost — but it is strict.

In an academic case

You can be heard

Procedural fairness

Serious academic penalties generally require notice of the allegations and a fair chance to respond.

Browse by topic

Study permit basics Working as a student PGWP eligibility Restoration of status Academic appeals Tuition & OSAP disputes Student housing Rights at the border

Tools

Permit expiry tracker

Count down to expiry and restoration windows

PGWP eligibility check

See if your program and status qualify

Document checklist

Build your extension or PGWP package

Which rule applies?

Federal study-permit rules in plain steps

Not sure which rule applies?

Ask about your situation and get an answer grounded in Canadian immigration rules, with its sources shown.

Ask about your situation

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