PGWP Document Number: Where to Find It on Your Post-Graduation Work Permit

Your PGWP document number is the unique identifier IRCC prints on your post-graduation work permit. It is an 8 to 10 character code that starts with a letter, for example U or V, followed by digits. It appears on the printed permit itself, not inside your online account, and you will need it for your SIN, your employer, and future immigration applications.

Where to find the PGWP document number on your permit

A post-graduation work permit is a type of work permit, so it uses the same layout as every other Canadian work permit. When your application is approved, IRCC issues a single-page document with your photo and details. The document number sits in the upper right area of that page, beside or below the words Document No. or No. du document.

It is the code that begins with one or two letters and is followed by a string of numbers. Do not confuse it with the longer reference numbers printed elsewhere on the page. If you received your permit at a port of entry or by mail after landing, the number is in the same place on the physical document.

What the PGWP document number is used for

You will be asked for this number more often than you expect in your first months on a post-graduation work permit. The most common uses are applying for or updating your Social Insurance Number at Service Canada, confirming your work authorization with a new employer, and quoting your permit on future applications such as a work permit extension or a permanent residence file.

PGWP document number vs. UCI number vs. application number

This is where most graduates get stuck. Three different numbers appear across your IRCC documents, and they are not interchangeable. The document number identifies the physical permit. The UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is your personal IRCC number that stays with you for life across every application. The application number identifies one specific application and changes each time you apply.

In practice, the mistake we see most often at consultations is a graduate who copies the UCI or the application number into a form that asks for the document number, or the reverse. When explaining this to students, the distinction I teach is simple: the document number belongs to the card in your hand, the UCI belongs to you, and the application number belongs to the file you submitted.

Why this matters for your immigration application

A wrong number rarely stops an application outright, but it creates delays. A SIN application at Service Canada can be bounced back, and an employer running a status check may flag a mismatch. For graduates in Metro Vancouver who are starting a job quickly after convocation, that lost week can matter. Getting the right number onto the right form the first time keeps your transition from study permit to work permit, and eventually to PR, moving without avoidable hold-ups.

If you are not sure which number a form is asking for, or you are lining up your PGWP with a permanent residence pathway, Amir Ansari, RCIC can review your documents and your timeline before you submit. You can book a consultation and have it checked properly.

Frequently asked questions about the PGWP document number

What is the document number on a work permit?

It is the unique code IRCC assigns to that specific permit, printed near the top of the document beside Document No. On a PGWP it identifies your post-graduation work permit and no one else's.

Where is the document number on a work permit in Canada?

In the upper right area of the single-page permit, labelled Document No. or No. du document. It starts with a letter and is followed by digits.

What is the immigration document number on a work permit?

The immigration document number and the document number are the same thing. Some forms and employers use the longer label, but both refer to the code beside Document No. on your permit.

Is the PGWP document number the same as my UCI number?

No. The document number belongs to the permit, while the UCI is your personal client number that stays the same across every IRCC application. See our guide on the UCI number for where to find it.

Can I work while waiting for my PGWP?

In many cases yes, if you applied before your study permit expired and you were eligible to work during your final term. Your authorization to work while the application is pending is separate from the document number, which only appears once the permit is issued.

If your post-graduation work permit is your bridge to permanent residence, the document number is only the first detail to get right. Amir Ansari, RCIC, regulated by the CICC and an instructor of immigration law at three colleges, helps Vancouver graduates align their work permit and study permit records with their PR plan. Reserve a consultation time to map your next step.

Related Posts

• Work Permit Document Number — Where the document number sits on any Canadian work permit, what it looks like, and when you will be asked for it.

• Study Permit Document Number — The same question answered for your study permit, with a photo showing exactly where to look.

• PGWP Canada 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Length, and Application — Who qualifies for a post-graduation work permit, how long it lasts, and how to apply.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Program criteria, requirements, processing times, and selection approaches can change without notice. Always confirm details on official government websites or consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice specific to your situation.