Graduating International Students

As an Algonquin College graduate, you have the skills and education necessary to make the most of the opportunities in front of you. As you prepare for your future, you may have questions about receiving your credential, working in Canada, and more.

If you have any questions regarding your Graduated status, please visit the Graduate webpage or contact the Registrar’s Office through this form.

For information specific to international graduates, read on:

Receiving Your Credential
Convocation
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Resources for Algonquin College Alumni

Receiving Your Credential

Here are some key steps to take to ensure you receive your credential in a timely manner:

  • Ensure you have completed all requirements in your program of study
    It is your responsibility to ensure that you have met the academic requirements to graduate. Processing of course exemptions, finalizing incomplete grades and any other outstanding issues have to be completed before you will be eligible to receive your credential.
  • Verify the spelling of your name on your student record. The way your name appears on your student timetable/transcript is how it will appear on your diploma or certificate. If your first name or surname needs to be changed, or if you wish to add a middle name, you will have to show legal documentation as proof of your name change, using photo ID with the correct information. The document may be scanned and sent to the Registrar’s Office through this form.
  • Verify your mailing address is correct on your student record.
    Check and update your mailing address through ACSIS. For assistance please call the Registrar’s Office, 613-727-0002, or toll-free at 1-800-565-4723, or contact us here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/.
  • Pay any financial encumbrances. Outstanding financial obligations to the College (fees owing, parking fines, emergency loans, etc.) must be paid in full prior to your Convocation Ceremony or your Diploma/Certificate will be withheld. Your financial record can be checked through ACSIS.

Convocation

Convocation is an exciting and important ceremony where the campus community celebrates your accomplishments and credentials are provided to you. Algonquin College hosts Convocation ceremonies three times a year.

Algonquin College’s Convocation website includes convocation dates, information on when you can expect further details about your ceremony, frequently asked questions, and much more.

If a family member or friend would like to visit you in Ottawa, they will need to apply to visit Canada. You can provide supporting documentation to help support their application to visit Canada. Please visit our Inviting Friends and Family handout for details on how to support their application.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Students must apply for their PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of their graduate status. Do NOT wait until convocation to apply for your PGWP, as convocation may occur more than 180 days after you have completed the requirements for your program. Students applying from within Canada are responsible for ensuring they maintain valid status in Canada throughout the application process.

Please visit our Post-Graduation Work Permit handout for details on:

  • Documents you need to apply
  • When to apply for your PGWP
  • Eligibility to work in Canada while waiting for your PGWP

The IEC offers workshops at the end of each term on applying for Post-Graduate Work Permits and on Express Entry and pathways to permanent residency. Visit our Events Calendar for more details.

Resources for Algonquin College Alumni

International student alumni can make use of the following resources:

To stay connected with the College and to hear about news and activities, please keep the College informed of any address or email changes by updating your contact information.