IMP C43 Work Permit: The Post-Graduation Work Permit

Have you recently graduated from a Canadian college or university? You might qualify for the IMP C43 Work Permit. This is the official code for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This open work permit allows international graduates to work for almost any employer in Canada. As a result, it helps you gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Eligibility requirements for IMP C43 Work Permit

Not every international student qualifies for this work permit. You must meet specific rules set by the government. The requirements depend on your school, your program, and your study habits.

Who can qualify:

• You graduated from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Your program lasted at least eight months.
• The program led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You maintained full-time student status during every academic session.
• You meet specific language proficiency rules based on when you applied.
• Your field of study is eligible if you applied under the new rules.
• You have never held a Post-Graduation Work Permit before.

You can sometimes combine two programs by stacking them. Both programs must be at least eight months long and from eligible schools. Also, you must complete the second program within two years of completing the first.

Also, you must apply within a strict timeline. You have exactly 180 days to submit your application. This clock starts on the day your final marks are issued. It can also start when you get a formal completion letter. The earliest date is the one that counts.

Here are practical documents the applicant or employer should prepare:

• An official academic transcript showing all your grades.
• A formal completion letter directly from your school.
• A clear copy of your valid passport.
• Valid language test results from an approved provider.
• Proof of your current or past study permit.

Assessment Criteria

When you apply, an immigration officer will carefully review your file. They assess your application to ensure you followed all rules. They want to confirm that you studied genuinely in Canada. Also, they must verify your school is actually eligible.

First, officers check your student status. They look at your transcripts. They want to see full-time enrolment in every semester. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, you can study part-time during your final academic session. An authorized leave from studies is also acceptable.

Next, officers review how you completed your classes. They check for distance learning. You must complete more than 50% of your credits in person in Canada. If you took too many online courses, your application will fail.

Officers check your specific school. Some private colleges deliver public programs through curriculum licensing agreements. Today, most of these programs are no longer eligible for this work permit.

Officers also check where you applied. You cannot apply at a port of entry. You must apply online. If your study permit has expired, you might need to apply from outside Canada. Officers carefully verify these application steps.

Finally, officers assess your language skills and field of study. If you applied for your study permit after November 1, 2024, strict new rules apply. You must prove your language ability. You must also prove your program falls under an eligible field.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Waiting too long to apply and missing the 180-day deadline.
• Applying at a port of entry. The government no longer allows this.
• Taking unauthorized breaks from school without formal approval.
• Failing to provide a recognized language test result.
• Studying at a private career college that lacks PGWP eligibility.

Potential Duration of IMP C43 Work Permit

The length of your work permit directly relates to the length of your studies. Officers use strict formulas to determine your permit duration.

If your program was less than eight months long, you do not qualify. You will not get a permit.

If your program lasted between eight months and two years, the permit matches the program length. For example, a nine-month certificate program results in a nine-month work permit.

If your program was two years or longer, you generally receive a three-year work permit. Three years is the maximum possible duration.

There are special rules for graduate students. If you completed a master’s degree or doctoral degree, you can get a three-year permit. This applies even if the degree program was shorter than two years. The program must still be at least eight months long.

Sometimes, students finish their programs early. This is called an accelerated program. If you finish a two-year program in 16 months, officers look at the official program length. You can still get a three-year permit. However, you must provide documents showing the official length of the program.

If the internal manual does not specify an exact duration, officers will rely on the official program length.

What about family members of the main applicant

Spouses and common-law partners of IMP C43 Work Permit holders may be eligible to work in Canada (e.g. under IMP C41). They apply for an open work permit as a family member. Their eligibility depends on broad public policies focused on the economy.

In practice, they must submit their own application and prove their relationship. They must also prove that your work permit is valid and that it meets certain job conditions.

The internal guidelines cross-reference these spousal policies. Therefore, spousal options rely on those external rules, not just your graduation status.

Do You Qualify for an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit in Canada?

Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) allows many foreign nationals to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Eligibility depends on your nationality, occupation, employer, and personal circumstances. There are over 100 different exemption codes that may apply to your situation.

Use our free eligibility screening tool below to find out which IMP codes may apply to you. The assessment takes just a few minutes, is available in multiple languages, and you will receive a personalized report by email at the end.

You may also upload your passport or resume to speed up the process. Our AI tool will extract relevant information and guide you through the questions.

Book a consultation session.

Immigration rules are incredibly complex. The rules for the IMP C43 Work Permit recently changed significantly. As a result, professional guidance is highly recommended. Eligibility always depends on your specific facts and documents.

Al Parsai is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with more than 15 years of experience. He can assess your transcripts and guide your application. Do not leave your future to chance.

Book your session here: https://www.settler.ca/book/

Bring to your consult:

• Your current or expired study permit.
• Your official school transcripts.
• Your formal letter of completion.
• Your recent language test results.
• Your valid passport.

Dates

Article written: 2026/03/10 IRCC PDI last updated: 2025-12-11