Post-Graduate Work Permits

UCalgary Continuing Education International Professional Program students who complete their non-degree credit programs are eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows students to remain in Canada to work after they have completed their program of study. Students must be 18 years or older, have maintained full-time status for the duration of their program, meet English-language requirements and have completed more than 50% of the course hours in person (not online). In addition, applicants must have graduated from a program linked to certain occupations identified by the federal government. All International Professional Programs are aligned to the field of study requirements as outlined by the IRCC. If, prior to November 1, 2024, you applied for a study permit to attend a University of Calgary International Professional Program that begins in January 2025, the field of study requirement is not applicable.

In order to maintain their full-time status, students are required to register and take consecutive terms within a program of study. According to the IRCC website, students who have completed Continuing Education international programs may be eligible for a PGWP as follows:

Please note that Continuing Education international students must maintain a minimum of 120 contact hours of instruction per term to be considered full-time. Please refer to the IRCC website for the latest and most accurate information about eligibility requirements and the length of PGWPs.

* Students in two consecutive programs may take a break of one term (up to four months) between consecutive programs, and apply for a PGWP for the combined two years of study. Students cannot take a term of leave within a program, only between programs (for example: between year 1 and 2).