Work in Canada temporarily after you graduate To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence. Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) : Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for this work permit. You may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if you graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and want to stay in Canada temporarily to work. Not all DLIs make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Check the DLI list to find out which schools offer programs that make you eligible. How long is a post-graduation work permit valid? How long the post-graduation work permit is valid for depends on the length of your study program. If your program was: less than 8 months - you aren’t eligible for a PGWP more than 8 months but less than 2 years- your PGWP may be valid for ...