Immigration to Canada
Have Question?

+1 (416) 655-7797

Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada

Home » Study » Work and Study » Post Graduation Work Permit
by Kathy Watkins

Pursue Permanent Residency in Canada After Studying

For international students in Canada, finishing your education doesn’t necessarily signify the end of your journey in the country. In fact, studying in Canada can be a swift pathway to obtaining permanent residency.

Many students leverage their academic experience as a foundation for temporary employment and eventually permanent residency in Canada. One popular method is through Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). Let’s explore who qualifies for this program and how it functions.

By utilizing the PGWPP, graduates can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is a significant asset when applying for permanent residency through various immigration streams. Exploring this option can significantly enhance your prospects of settling in Canada long-term. 

Post Graduation Work Permit

Understanding Canada's Post-Graduation Work Program

The Post-Graduation Work Program (PGWP) is an initiative by Canada to support international students who have completed their education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Whether it’s a certificate, diploma, or degree, the PGWP allows these students to remain in the country and gain work experience.

With a PGWP, international graduates are granted an open work permit. This flexibility enables them to work full-time or part-time, become self-employed, and seek employment with any employer across Canada. Additionally, it allows them to switch jobs as they desire, offering a platform for broad professional growth.

Duration of Your Work Permit

Successful applicants can work unlimited hours, with the work permit’s validity depending on the length of the educational program completed. Typically, work permits can range from eight months to a maximum of three years.

This program is an excellent step toward acquiring valuable Canadian work experience, which may facilitate pathways to obtaining permanent residency in Canada.

Students who find employment in TEER 0, 1, or 2 occupations may earn Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which are beneficial for those applying for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Determining Your Work Permit Duration

The length of your work permit is usually directly correlated with the duration of your completed study program in Canada. This allows international graduates to strategically plan their work and residence period in the country.

If you’ve finished your study program sooner than the standard duration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your work permit application based on the normal length of the program. Moreover, if you’re a long-distance learner, you may still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit as long as less than 50% of your program was completed online.

After you receive your transcript from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you have 180 days to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. If your study permit is nearing expiration before you get your final grades, you have a couple of options: apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada, or leave the country and apply from abroad. Additionally, if your study permit has expired, you can restore your status using this application. 

Immigration to Canada: PGWP Policy Changes for 2024

Beginning in September 2024, there’s a significant change affecting international students in Canada. If you’re pursuing a study program through a curriculum licensing agreement, you won’t be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) once you complete your studies.

Curriculum licensing agreements involve students entering private colleges that are authorized to provide the curriculum of a public college. Should a public college partner with a private institution and you enroll there, you will not qualify for a PGWP upon graduation.

In another update from IRCC, individuals finishing their master’s degrees and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit.

Currently, the duration of a PGWP is based on how long your study program lasts. Since master’s programs are generally shorter than undergraduate programs, they come with restrictions on how long graduates can work in Canada.

This upcoming policy adjustment will allow master’s degree students to obtain a longer work permit, giving them extra time to gain valuable work experience in Canada. This experience often plays a crucial role in helping individuals transition to permanent residency. 

How Can You Determine Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program?

To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) through Immigration to Canada, you need to meet specific criteria: 

Important Note: Remember, you can only receive a PGWP once. Therefore, it’s crucial that your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your intended work permit.

Understanding a Designated Learning Institution: A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school in Canada that has received approval from provinces or territories to host international students. DLIs include:

Even if you study online, you might still qualify for a PGWP. Students can complete their entire program online from outside Canada. If you’re already in Canada and had in-person classes switched to online, you may still be eligible.

Post Graduation Work Permit

Make Canada Your Home After Graduation

If you’re looking to settle in Canada after completing your studies, Immigration to Canada offers several pathways tailored just for you.

The post-graduation work permit is a key program that lets you gain essential work experience in Canada. This experience will make you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system. Depending on your study program’s duration, you can secure a work permit for up to three years. For instance, a four-year degree qualifies you for a three-year permit, whereas an eight-month course provides a permit for up to eight months.

The CEC program acts as a bridge from temporary residency to permanent residency (TR to PR) for graduates who are well-versed in Canadian culture and can positively impact the economy. Proficiency in either English or French and relevant work experience in Canada are vital requirements.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is designed for temporary foreign workers in Canada aiming for permanent residency. These workers are prime candidates due to their familiarity with Canadian life and their contributions to the workforce.

Applicants are assessed through the Express Entry system, Canada’s streamlined immigration selection process. Prospective immigrants must express their interest online, complete their Express Entry profile, and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency before proceeding with their application.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many Canadian provinces have unique immigration pathways for graduates who have completed their studies locally and wish to start their careers or entrepreneurial ventures in Canada. Provinces offering these options include: 

Applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you’re ready to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada and have all the required documents, the process can be relatively straightforward. To guide you through the PGWP application process in 2023, here’s our comprehensive overview.

While our guides offer a great foundation, they can’t tailor the process to your specific circumstances, verify your eligibility, or ensure your documents are current. For these personalized services, consider enlisting the expertise of a certified immigration professional, like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC brings years of experience in handling immigration procedures and can help you avoid common mistakes, prevent delays, and enhance your chances of a successful PGWP application. 

Are You Prepared for a Successful Future?

Are you set to begin your immigration journey? Let us guide you in turning your aspiration of living and working in Canada into a reality. There’s no need to delay—stay ahead by starting your application process now with the support of our experienced team at Immigration to Canada.

We offer comprehensive assistance to ensure your immigration process is smooth and efficient. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to help you strategically navigate the path to your new life in Canada. 

FAQ
Can I work after graduating before applying for my PGWP?

Yes, if you apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires, you can start working in Canada without a work permit while you await a decision. If your study permit has expired, you may still apply, but you need to restore your status within 90 days of becoming out of status.

How many times can I apply for a PGWP?

You can apply for a PGWP only once. If you plan to pursue additional studies in Canada, consider timing your application strategically to ensure you maximize its validity, up to three years, based on the length of your longest study program.

How does a PGWP support my immigration to Canada?

Immigration to Canada emphasizes the PGWP as a pathway to permanent residency. By gaining Canadian education and work experience, you strengthen your Express Entry profile, increasing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and competitiveness for permanent resident status.

Why might my PGWP application be rejected?

Several factors can lead to a PGWP rejection. Common reasons include studying at a non-eligible school, having periods of part-time study, taking unauthorized breaks, an expired study permit, applying after the 90-day restoration period, missing transcripts, or working over 20 hours a week without authorization.

Can I work anywhere in Canada with a PGWP?

Yes, a PGWP allows you to work anywhere in Canada and in any job, as it is an open work permit. You can switch employers freely but must avoid employers on the ineligible list.

When should I apply for a PGWP?

Apply for your PGWP after receiving your Letter of Completion from your institution, which confirms you've met all program requirements. This letter's availability date may differ from your official graduation date.

What if I want to study again in Canada?

Since you can obtain a PGWP only once, consider when you apply. You may hold both a PGWP and a study permit, but if you plan to study further, it's often best to apply after completing all intended programs.

Share This Page:
Need Any Help?

Need Any Help, Call Us 24/7 For Support

Email

info@immigrtiontocanada.com

Address

405-1275 Finch ave West, Toronto,ON M3J 2G5

pdf

OUR BROCHURE

Company services and contacts.

Fill Out the Assessment Form!

It all begins with a simple step – completing our immigration assessment form.

Journey to Canada
Our Other Services
+1 (416) 655-7797
info@immigrtiontocanada.com
Immigration to Canada
Download Our Company Brochure

Discover everything you need to know about our services and how we can help you on your journey. Simply leave your email address below, and we’ll send the brochure straight to your inbox.