Post Study Work Visa in Canada for Srilanka Students 2025

Planning to stay and work in Canada after your studies? The post-study work visa in Canada makes it possible. Officially called the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), this permit allows international students to gain invaluable Canadian work experience after completing an eligible programme at a designated learning institution (DLI).

As of October 31, 2024, 174,365 students were granted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), reflecting its growing importance in Canada's immigration strategy. The PGWP bridges study and settlement, helping graduates apply their skills, earn locally, and build eligibility for permanent residency (PR).

Canada has introduced significant changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, particularly regarding language proficiency and the required field of study for certain programmes. This guide incorporates all the latest official updates to help Sri Lankan students navigate their path to working and potentially settling in Canada. Here's everything you need to know about the PGWP in Canada.

What is a Post-Study Work Visa in Canada?

The post-study work visa in Canada, officially known as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies. It is not a visa in the traditional sense, but rather an open work permit linked to your prior study permit. The PGWP is part of Canada's strategy to retain global talent by offering graduates a chance to gain Canadian work experience.

• Work permit available to recent international graduates.
• Not employer-specific, allowing you to work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed.
• Builds eligibility for Canadian permanent residency (PR).
• Available only for graduates of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

Who is Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

To apply for the post-study work visa in Canada, you must meet several eligibility criteria. Failing to meet even one can result in ineligibility for the PGWP.

PGWP Eligibility Checklist:

• Completed a full-time programme of at least 8 months in duration.
• Studied at a recognised Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Ensure your DLI is eligible for PGWP issuance.
• Applied for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks or official confirmation of programme completion.
• Held a valid study permit during your time of study.
• The programme must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Submitted an official transcript and a letter confirming course completion.

PGWP: Crucial New Requirements for 2025:

• Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French. The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels depend on your programme:

1. CLB 7 for graduates of Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree programmes.
2. CLB 5 for graduates of college, polytechnic, or other non-university programmes (e.g., certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates).
3. Accepted tests include PTE Core, IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General for English, or TEF Canada, TCF Canada for French.

• Field of Study Requirement (for non-degree programmes):

1. For non-degree programmes (certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates) your programme must be in a field of study linked to occupations with persistent labour shortages in Canada.
2. As of 25 June 2025, IRCC has updated the list of eligible Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. This list prioritises fields such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades. You must ensure your chosen programme's CIP code is on this current official list to be eligible for a PGWP.
3. Graduates of Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree programmes are currently exempt from this field of study requirement.

• In-Canada Study Requirement: At least 50% of your programme must be completed in-class within Canada. Time spent studying online from outside Canada will be deducted from the length of your PGWP.

Programmes generally NOT eligible:

• Online-only or part-time studies (with limited exceptions, e.g., part-time in your final semester due to course availability).
• Short-term courses and non-academic programmes.
• Programmes that are English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) courses.

How Long Can You Stay and Work on a PGWP in Canada?

You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed while on your PGWP. This flexibility allows you to build Canadian work experience needed for PR pathways like Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a PGWP

Applying for the post-study work visa in Canada is a straightforward process if you meet all the eligibility requirements. Here's how to apply step by step:

Documents Required for PGWP Application

To apply for the post-study work visa in Canada, gather the following documents and prepare them in digital format (PDF or JPEG, as required):

• Valid passport — must be valid for the full duration of your PGWP eligibility. If your passport expires earlier, your PGWP will be issued until that date.
• Proof of programme completion — provide an official degree, diploma, or completion letter from your DLI.
• Final academic transcript — official document confirming full-time enrolment in an eligible programme (minimum 8 months) and final grades.
• Study permit copy — must be valid at the time of application, or you must apply for restoration of status.
• Proof of language ability — official results from an approved language test (e.g., PTE Core, IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) showing you meet the CLB 5 or CLB 7 requirements
• Digital photo — a recent passport-style image, meeting IRCC specifications.
• Application form - digital version of the completed application form

• Medical exam results if your field of study or intended occupation requires upfront clearance (e.g., healthcare, childcare).
• Proof of eligible field of study (for non-degree programmes) – documentation confirming your programme's CIP code aligns with the IRCC's updated list of PGWP-eligible fields for study permit applications submitted
• Proof of leave authorisation (e.g., approved breaks by your DLI, if applicable).

• Organise files in a single folder before starting the IRCC application.
• All documents must be in PDF or required digital formats (e.g., JPEG for photos).
• Submit clear, legible scans to avoid processing delays.

Benefits of Having a Post-Study Work Visa in Canada

Holding a PGWP offers more than just work rights; it's a strategic advantage for your career and immigration journey in Canada. Here are the benefits of a post-study work visa in Canada:

• Gain real Canadian work experience in your field of study.
• Improve eligibility for PR under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.
• Build a professional network that supports long-term settlement.
• Earn a competitive income while exploring local job markets.
• Open doors to career advancement and employer-sponsored PR streams.
• Apply for jobs anywhere in Canada, with no employer or location restrictions.

Can a Post-Study Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes, your post-study work visa in Canada can be a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency (PR). The work experience you gain during your PGWP plays a crucial role in meeting immigration criteria.

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry): Requires at least 1 year of full-time Canadian skilled work experience .
• Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): For those with job offers or strong ties to specific provinces. Many PNPs have streams specifically for international graduates.
• Quebec Experience Programme (PEQ): For graduates from eligible Quebec institutions who meet specific French language requirements and work experience.

For Sri Lankan students, it's particularly vital to plan early, choose the right PGWP-eligible course in a DLI, and understand the updated language and field of study requirements to ensure a smooth transition. Meeting all deadlines and understanding the new policy landscape are key to a successful outcome.