Through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programme, international students having studied and completed a programme of at least eight months at certain academic institutions in Canada are eligible for open work permits.

Previously, students had 90 days to apply for their PGWPs after receiving their notices of graduation. As of 14 February 2019, students now have 180 days to apply and are not required to hold a valid study permit at the time of application. Among other things, this means that international students are now able to apply for their PGWPs from outside of Canada.

These changes give international students more time and flexibility in preparing to become temporary foreign workers in Canada.