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Stage 5 of 5

After graduation

Graduating does not cut you off. This is what to look after next.

  1. Before
  2. First weeks
  3. Studying
  4. Final term
  5. After grad

Steps, in order

Open a step to read its answer, or go to the page that covers it.

  1. Immigration

    Keep your PGWP documents safe

    Note when your permit expires and keep copies of everything you submitted. A refusal has its own time limits.

    If you were working while waiting for your PGWP, stop working on the day IRCC notifies you of the refusal unless you have separate valid authorization. Save the refusal letter and seek immigration advice immediately. Your next step depends on the refusal reason, your status and whether you still meet the application deadlines.

    1. Save the refusal decision, notification date and a complete copy of your original application.
    2. Ask an authorized immigration professional to review your study history, completion date, language evidence and the officer's reasons.
    3. Discuss reconsideration for an identifiable error, a corrected new application if still eligible, and any status-restoration or departure requirements.
    4. If a court challenge may be appropriate, consult an immigration lawyer promptly; judicial-review deadlines are short.

    Before you rely on this

    • A refusal is not automatically permanent PGWP ineligibility, but a new application must still meet the rules.
    • Requesting reconsideration or reapplying does not itself restore permission to work.
    SourcesPGWP: After you applyPGWP: Who can applyHelp after a temporary residence refusal
  2. Careers

    Use employment programs open to PGWP holders

    Many newcomer programs are only for permanent residents, so check eligibility first. Some in Edmonton do take PGWP holders.

    Read the eligibility line first, because a lot of newcomer employment programs are funded only for permanent residents. The Newcomer Centre's STEP program in Edmonton does accept Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, and helps with résumés, cover letters, interviews and career planning. Your U of A Career Centre and Alumni Association services continue as well. Programs that require permanent residence, such as ERIEC's Career Mentorship Program, are worth coming back to once you have it.

    SourcesSTEP program - Newcomer CentreERIEC mentee eligibility
  3. Immigration

    Look at routes to permanent residence

    Your Canadian work experience can count, and Alberta runs its own streams for graduates.

    Possibly. PGWP holders need an eligible Alberta credential, qualifying full-time Alberta employment and job offer, a job related to their Alberta field of study, and the required language results. They generally need at least six months of qualifying full-time work in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.

    1. Check that your credential and PGWP meet the stream's requirements.
    2. Match your actual duties to the NOC occupation and check occupation exclusions.
    3. Check your work history, job offer, language test and any licensing requirements against the current eligibility page.
    4. If eligible, follow the WEOI and invitation process.

    Before you rely on this

    • Full-time qualifying work means at least 30 hours per week. Student work generally does not count; narrowly defined paid Alberta co-op work may qualify.
    • The stream requires an eligible valid work permit at application and assessment; maintained or restoration status does not meet that requirement.
    SourcesAlberta Opportunity Stream eligibilityHow to apply to AAIP worker streams
  4. Taxes

    Keep filing taxes every year

    Filing keeps your credits and benefits coming, and gives you a record of your Canadian income for later applications.The tax walkthrough
  5. Careers

    Keep using alumni career support via campusBRIDGE

    The Career Centre and the Alumni Association keep serving graduates, and campusBRIDGE has a job board for alumni.

    Graduating does not cut you off. The Career Centre keeps serving U of A graduates, including its mentoring program and coffee chats. The Alumni Association adds Alumni to Alumni Mentorship for people early in their careers, discounted career coaching and short Life After University courses, and campusBRIDGE has a job board for alumni. Outside the university, the Government of Canada's Job Bank lists jobs across Alberta, and a free account lets it match you with postings.

    SourcesAlumni career supportCareer CentreJob Bank
    campusBRIDGE walkthrough

Who to ask1

A guide to where to go, not immigration or legal advice.

  • International student support

    ISVS

    International Student and Visitor Services: your starting point for permits, visas, health insurance and settling into Edmonton.