Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) vs F-1 Student + OPT/STEM-OPT

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to where you want to build your career and how quickly you need work authorization. Both cost the same and require a language test, but Canada's PGWP and the US F-1 differ significantly in work permit length, pathway to permanent residency, and which job market you're entering.

1. 01

   Work permit duration

   Pick Study + PGWP

   Pick Canada if you want 8 months to 3 years of post-study work authorization based on program length.

   Pick F-1

   Pick the US if 12 months (or 36 for STEM) of practical training fits your career timeline.

2. 02

   Path to permanent residency

   Pick Study + PGWP

   Pick Canada if permanent residency is a goal; PGWP work experience counts toward CEC eligibility.

   Pick F-1

   Pick the US if you're focused on initial work experience; F-1 has no built-in PR pathway.

3. 03

   Processing speed

   Pick Study + PGWP

   Pick Canada if you can wait 2 to 8 months for your permit to process.

   Pick F-1

   Pick the US if you need faster processing, typically 1 to 4 months.

4. 04

   Work flexibility

   Pick Study + PGWP

   Pick Canada if you want fully open work rights; any employer, any role, no job offer needed.

   Pick F-1

   Pick the US if you're willing to tie OPT work to your field of study for practical training.

Is the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or the F-1 Student + OPT/STEM-OPT faster to get?

The F-1 Student + OPT/STEM-OPT (F-1) is typically faster, around 1–4 months, versus 2–8 months for the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

How much do the Study + PGWP and F-1 cost?

Both carry roughly $535 in official government fees. That figure excludes legal help, document translation, skills assessment, and relocation, which often dwarf the visa fee itself.

Can I get permanent residency with the Study Permit + Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or the F-1 Student + OPT/STEM-OPT?

The Study + PGWP does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the F-1 does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the Study + PGWP or the F-1?

No. Neither the Study + PGWP nor the F-1 requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.