Students Studying in Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit

Both Northeastern University Toronto and Vancouver Campuses are Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC).

• Northeastern University Toronto Campus’ DLI number is O141550844262 (begins with the letter “O”).
• Northeastern University Vancouver Campus’ DLI number is O142031583162(begins with the letter “O”).

All degree programs offered by Northeastern University Toronto and Vancouver campus are eligible for  PGWPs.

In order to be eligible for a PGWP at the completion of their PGWP-eligible degree program at Northeastern, student applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Have completed an academic, vocational or professional training program at a DLI eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• Have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic term in the programs of study completed as part of their PGWP application. There may be exceptions to full-time student status for leaves of study and the final academic term, provided conditions are met.
• Students must submit their PGWP application within 180 days of securing a letter from Northeastern indicating that they have met all program completion requirements. Students can apply from inside Canada if a study permit is still valid; those who apply for a PGWP while their study permit is valid may be eligible to work whilst their application is adjudicated. If the study permit is expired, the application must be filed outside of Canada within 180 days of their program completion date.

It is important to note that PGWP eligibility, as well as duration of any granted PGWP is at the sole discretion of IRCC.

Please watch the step-by-step tutorial in our self-enrol Canvas course, OGS Canadian Immigration Application Guides and Tutorials, for instructions on how to apply for your Post Graduate Work Permit.

You are also encouraged to check the IRCC website for additional details and up-to-date information.

The following definitions are used by Northeastern University Canadian campuses to determine whether an international student enrolled in a graduate program at the NU Toronto or Vancouver campus is considered to be full-time student for Canadian immigration purposes.

Academic sessions

Starting Fall 2026, all programs offered at Northeastern University Canadian campuses follow a semester-based calendar. See here for more details.

• Spring Semester: January to April 

• Summer Semester: May to August 

• Fall Semester: September to December 

Scheduled breaks

Scheduled breaks are clearly outlined in the program map and academic plan of each program. The following information on scheduled break is a general guide and students should check their program plan for specific guidance that is applicable to their program.   

1. Spring Break  
   • One week in March, dates may vary  
2. Summer Break (if applicable)  
   • Summer semester 
3. Winter Break
   • Last two weeks in December, and
   • First week in January  (depending on final exam schedule)  

Always check your Academic Calendar for your scheduled breaks. 

Note: The five-day break at the end of November is NOT considered a scheduled break by IRCC. International students are not allowed to work more than 24 hours per week during this period. For more information, please refer to the IRCC website. 

Definition of full-time for immigration purposes

For students enrolled in graduate programs, NU considers students registered in 8 or more credits per academic semester, except for scheduled breaks, to be full-time student, for the purpose of Canadian immigration.

During scheduled breaks, students may choose to take the break or have a part-time/ full-time course load if courses are available.

Students on Co-op

Students are considered to be full-time for immigration purposes if they are registered with the proper non-credit co-op course during the co-op term, as reflected on their transcript.

Students with special accommodations

Students with reduced course load are considered to be full-time for immigration purposes if they have received official approval from the Disability Access Services of NU for special accommodations.

Graduating students

Students who have completed the final course towards graduation and while awaiting the letter of completion to be available are considered by NU to be full-time for immigration purposes.