International students may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing a post-secondary degree in Canada, which enables them to work in Canada for a while after graduation. The PGWP is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada and potentially apply for permanent residency.
The length of the PGWP depends on the size of the student's program of study. The size of the PGWP is important because it can affect an individual's ability to apply for permanent residency. For programs that are between eight months and two years long, the PGWP can be issued for a duration equal to the length of the program. The PGWP can be issued for up to three years for programs that are two years or longer.
Why Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada?
Here are some of the significant importance of Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada:
Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience: The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students from Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This experience can be a significant asset when seeking permanent residence in Canada or pursuing job opportunities in other countries.
Pathway to permanent residence: The PGWP program can also serve as a pathway to permanent residence in Canada. By gaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP, international students may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Flexibility in job opportunities: The PGWP allows international students to work for any employer in Canada, industry, and location. This means that they can explore different job opportunities and gain exposure to various sectors, which can be a valuable experience for their career growth.
Validity of the permit: The validity of the PGWP depends on the program length the student has completed. It can be valid for up to three years, which gives international students enough time to gain valuable Canadian work experience and explore different job opportunities.
Ability to support oneself financially: The PGWP allows international students to support themselves financially while gaining Canadian work experience. This can be especially beneficial for those who wish to continue living and working in Canada after completing their studies.
Opportunity to network and establish connections: The PGWP allows international students to network and establish relationships with Canadian employers and industry professionals. This can help them build their professional network, which can be valuable for their future career growth.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Criteria
Here are the eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada:
Completed a full-time program: To be eligible for a PGWP, international students should have completed a full-time program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The program must be at least eight months long, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Valid study permit: International students must have a valid study permit when applying for a PGWP. The study permit should have remained valid, and students must have maintained full-time status while studying in Canada.
Program length: The length of the PGWP depends on the length of the student's program of study. The PGWP can be issued for up to three years for programs that are two years or longer. For programs that are between eight months and two years long, the PGWP can be issued for a duration equal to the length of the program.
Within 180 days: International students must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that they have completed their program. This confirmation can be a transcript, an official letter from the institution, or a degree certificate.
In Canada: Students must be physically present in Canada when applying for a PGWP. If a student leaves Canada before applying, they may not be eligible for the permit.
If you are not currently in Canada, you can still apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP Canada) if you meet the following conditions:
- You need to apply for a PGWP Canada within 180 days of finishing your program. You must include your college degree/diploma/transcript/official letter in your application.
- You must have been enrolled in a program that was either in progress in March 2020 or that started/will start between the spring of 2020 and the summer of 2022.
- You must have a study permit.
- Your school must be a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Your program must be at least eight months long, leading to a degree/diploma/certificate.
- You must have been a full-time student.
In good standing: International students must be in a good place with their institution and have no outstanding debts or obligations. Students who have failed to complete their program or have violated any immigration regulations may not be eligible for a PGWP.
Designated learning institution (DLI): The institution where the student completed their program must be a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. This information can be found on the Government of Canada's website.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Application Process
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada allows international students who have completed a post-secondary program in Canada to stay and work there for a while after graduation. The application process for a PGWP can seem daunting, but it is straightforward as long as students meet the eligibility requirements.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada:
Determine eligibility
Before applying for a PGWP, international students must meet the eligibility requirements. This includes completing a full-time program at a designated learning institution, having a valid study permit, being physically present in Canada, and applying within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion.
Gather documents
The application for a PGWP requires various documents, including a copy of the student's passport, study permit, and confirmation of program completion. Students must ensure that they have all the necessary documents before applying.
Create an account
To apply for a PGWP, students must create an account on the Government of Canada's website. This account allows students to submit their applications, track their progress, and receive updates on their application status.
Fill out the application form
After creating an account, students must complete the online application form. The form requires personal information, education history, and details about the student's intended employment in Canada.
Pay the fee
The application fee for a PGWP is CAD 255, and it must be paid online during the application process.
Submit the application
Once the application is complete and the fee is paid, students must submit their application online. It is essential to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date before submitting the application.
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Talk to an ExpertWait for a decision
After applying, students must wait for a decision from the government of Canada. Processing times can vary, but most applications are processed within a few months.
Receive the permit
If the application is approved, the government of Canada will issue a PGWP to the student. This work permit allows the student to work in Canada for the duration specified on the permit, which is determined by the length of the student's program of study.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Document Checklist
As an international student who just graduated from a post-secondary program in Canada and wants to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), they need to have all the necessary documents ready for the application. Here's a checklist of those documents:
Passport: Your passport should be valid and must stay active during the duration of your work permit.
A copy of your study permit proves that you were legally allowed to study in Canada.
Confirmation of program completion: You must provide a letter from your university or college stating that you have completed your program.
Official Transcripts: Your transcripts should show that you have completed your program and have achieved the required grades.
Language test results: If you are from a non-English speaking country, you may need to prove your English proficiency. This can be done through the IELTS, CELPIP or other language tests.
Proof of financial support: You should show that you have enough financial support to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
Two photographs: You'll need two identical passport-sized photos.
Application fee payment: The application fee for a PGWP is CAD 255, and it must be paid online during the application process.
