Graduating
Graduation guide for international students
You’re graduating – now what?
Here’s everything you need to know to stay, work, and apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada.
Who can apply for a PGWP?
You may be eligible to apply for a PGWP if you meet all the following:
- You have completed an eligible full-time program of eight months or longer at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). All degree programs at University of Niagara Falls Canada meet this requirement.
- You have a valid language proficiency test showing CLB 7 or higher in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
- Your study permit was valid throughout your program.
- You must have never received a PGWP before.
You apply:
- Within 180 days of receiving your completion letter or transcript, or
- From inside Canada: within 90 days of graduation or before your study permit expires — whichever comes first
(If you are applying inside Canada, your status must still be valid on the date of application)
Important: If you had a leave of absence or your study permit does not cover the full duration of your studies, please contact the International Student Advising (ISA) office at isa@unfc.ca.
PGWP application timeline overview
If you are in your final term and expect to graduate, you’ll want to complete the following steps to graduate.
Required documents for PGWP application
When applying for your PGWP, you’ll need to provide these documents:
- Valid passport, with enough validity for the PGWP duration
- Study permit
- Completion letter from UNF
- Transcript
- Digital photo
- Completed IMM5710 form
- Valid language proficiency test showing CLB 7 or higher
You’ll also have to pay the application fees online:
- $155 – Work permit fee
- $100 – Open work permit holder fee
- $85 - Biometrics, if required
- Additional fees may apply for each dependent
If applying with a spouse, you’ll also want to include:
- A valid job offer with job duties description (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Check HERE more information.)
- Three recent pay stubs, if already working part-time
- Spouse requirements documents
Note: this is not a complete list. Required documents may vary, based on your personal situation. Complete the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) questionnaire to get your personalized checklist.
Step-by-step instructions are available on the ISA page on the Student Portal.
Accepted language proficiency tests
You must submit language test results as part of your PGWP application.
English:
- IELTS General: IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- CELPIP General: CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- PTE Core (recently accepted): PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
French:
- TEF Canada : TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada: TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
Minimum required score: CLB 7 in each skill.
Tests are valid for two years. Take the test before program completion.
Important things to note
You must stop working immediately upon receiving your graduation confirmation. Even if your study permit is still valid, you are no longer considered a student and are not permitted to work until you apply for your PGWP.
You may only resume working after you have submitted your PGWP application and meet all eligibility criteria.
While waiting for your final marks and graduation confirmation, ensure you maintain valid immigration status in Canada.
Contact us
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have a complex situation (e.g. academic leave, expired permit, unique family needs), please contact the ISA Team at: isa@unfc.ca
We’re here to support you through your transition from study to work in Canada.
PGWP application timeline overview
If you are in your final term and expect to graduate, you’ll want to complete the following steps to graduate.
Required documents for PGWP application
When applying for your PGWP, you’ll need to provide these documents:
- Valid passport, with enough validity for the PGWP duration
- Study permit
- Completion letter from UNF
- Transcript
- Digital photo
- Completed IMM5710 form
- Valid language proficiency test showing CLB 7 or higher
You’ll also have to pay the application fees online:
- $155 – Work permit fee
- $100 – Open work permit holder fee
- $85 - Biometrics, if required
- Additional fees may apply for each dependent
If applying with a spouse, you’ll also want to include:
- A valid job offer with job duties description (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Check HERE more information.)
- Three recent pay stubs, if already working part-time
- Spouse requirements documents
Note: this is not a complete list. Required documents may vary, based on your personal situation. Complete the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) questionnaire to get your personalized checklist.
Step-by-step instructions are available on the ISA page on the Student Portal.
