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For international students studying in Canada, completion of your academic program doesn’t signify the end of your journey here. In fact, studying in Canada often serves as a promising gateway to obtaining permanent residency.
Many international students leverage their education as a foundation for temporary employment and eventually, permanent residency. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) is one of the most favored routes. Let’s delve into this program to understand eligibility and the application process.
Through the PGWPP, students who have finished their studies in Canada can apply to work in the country for a period correlating to the length of their program, up to a maximum of three years. This work experience can be instrumental in qualifying for permanent residence through various immigration streams.
Eligibility generally requires having completed a program of study from a designated learning institution in Canada. Participating in this program offers invaluable Canadian work experience which is essential for applications in immigration pathways like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
At Immigration to Canada, our goal is to simplify your journey from studying to working to ultimately becoming a permanent resident. Our expertise will guide you through leveraging the PGWPP as a strong step towards your life in Canada.
The Post-Graduation Work Program (PGWP) is a fantastic initiative for international students who have successfully completed a certificate, diploma, or degree at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Immigration to Canada is here to help guide you through this process, enabling you to stay and work in Canada after your studies.
With the PGWP, international graduates receive an open work permit, granting them the flexibility to work full-time, part-time, or even as self-employed individuals. This permit allows employment with any employer across Canada and offers the freedom to switch jobs whenever you choose.
Determining the Duration of Your Work Permit
The validity of your work permit, which can640Understanding the Post-Graduation Work Program
Immigration to Canada offers a pathway for international students to stay and work in the country through the Post-Graduation Work Program (PGWP). This program is tailored for students who have earned a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
With a PGWP, international graduates receive an open work permit. This provides the flexibility to work full-time, part-time, or as a self-employed individual for any employer across Canada. Graduates also have the freedom to change jobs as they see fit.
Duration of the Work Permit
Upon approval, the work permit duration is determined by the length of the completed study program. Graduates can expect their work permit to be valid for a period ranging from eight months to three years, allowing them to work unlimited hours.
This opportunity is invaluable for gaining Canadian work experience, which can significantly enhance the prospects for permanent residency.
Graduates who secure employment in jobs classified under TEER 0, 1, and 2 categories qualify for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if they apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Determining Your Work Permit Length
The length of your study program directly influences the validity period of your work permit, offering a straightforward route to plan your post-graduation career path in Canada.
| Determining the Length of Your PGWP | |
|---|---|
| Length of Study Program | Length of Work Permit |
| Eight months – two years | Same length as your study program (Master’s and Doctoral candidates may be eligible for a three-year work permit) |
| Two years or longer | Three years |
| More than one program completed within two years | Length of both programs combined (if the combined length is two years or longer, the work permit should be valid for three years) |
If you finish your study program quicker than usual, Immigration to Canada notes that your work permit will be evaluated based on the standard program duration. For those engaged in distance learning, as long as less than 50% of the program was completed online, you might still be eligible for a permit.
You have a 180-day window after getting your transcript from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Should your study permit expire before you obtain your final grades, you have the option to either apply for a visitor record to remain in Canada or leave and apply from abroad. Additionally, if your study visa has expired, you may use this opportunity to restore your status.
In September 2024, new rules will affect international students hoping to secure a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. Students enrolled in study programs through curriculum licensing agreements will no longer be eligible for a PGWP after graduation.
These curriculum licensing agreements involve private colleges that have agreements to deliver curriculum from public colleges. If a student is attending a private college under such an agreement, they won’t be able to apply for a PGWP.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also announced positive changes for master’s and other graduate-level programs, offering an extended three-year work permit opportunity.
Currently, the duration of a PGWP is based on how long the study program lasts. Because master’s programs and other short graduate programs are typically shorter than undergraduate programs, students in these courses face restrictions on their PGWP duration, affecting their ability to gain Canadian work experience.
This change aims to provide master’s students with longer work permits, allowing them more time to gain valuable experience in Canada, which is often a crucial step toward achieving permanent residency status.
Immigration to Canada is committed to helping international students navigate these changes and explore new opportunities for work and residency in Canada.
To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program in Canada, you need to meet the following criteria:
Important Consideration: You are entitled to only one Post-Graduation Work Permit. Make sure your passport remains valid for the entire period your work permit will cover.
Understanding Designated Learning Institutions in Canada
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school authorized by a provincial or territorial government to enroll international students. These institutions include:
Our comprehensive guide offers more details on DLIs and how to verify if your school is eligible to enroll international students.
Online Studies and PGWP Eligibility
If your program is online, you might still qualify for a PGWP. You can complete your entire study program online from outside Canada. If you’re already in Canada, you may remain eligible if your in-person classes have been moved online.
At Immigration to Canada, we understand that applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be an essential step for many international graduates. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents, the application process can be quite straightforward. To assist you in navigating this process, our guide for 2023 provides a comprehensive breakdown of the necessary steps to apply for a PGWP.
While our guides serve as an excellent starting point, they cannot tailor a specific approach to your unique situation, nor can they guarantee that you meet all eligibility requirements or have up-to-date documentation. To address these personalized needs, we recommend consulting a professional, such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC brings extensive experience with immigration programs and can help you avoid potential pitfalls, prevent delays, and improve your chances of successfully obtaining your PGWP.
If you’re looking to make Canada your permanent home post-graduation, there are several immigration pathways you can explore.
One popular option is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets you build valuable Canadian work experience. This experience is crucial if you want to access the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through the Express Entry program. The PGWP can be issued for the length of your study program, up to a maximum of three years.
For instance, if you complete a four-year degree program, you could qualify for a three-year work permit, provided you meet specific criteria. Alternatively, if you finish an eight-month certificate program, you might qualify for a work permit valid for up to eight months.
The CEC is a bridge for graduates moving from temporary to permanent residency in Canada (known as TR to PR). This pathway is ideal for individuals familiar with Canadian culture and are prepared to contribute economically. Proficiency in English or French, along with relevant work experience, is essential.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for temporary foreign workers in Canada who aspire to be permanent residents. These workers are excellent candidates for permanent residency due to their familiarity with the Canadian work environment.
CEC applications are managed through the Express Entry system. To apply, eligible candidates need to express their interest in Canadian immigration, create an online profile, and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Various provinces offer opportunities for graduates wishing to remain and work in Canada or start a business. These programs are geared toward graduates who completed their education within that specific province. Provinces providing these opportunities include:
Are you prepared to begin your journey to Canada? Immigration to Canada is here to guide you through the application process, turning your aspirations of living and working in Canada into reality. Don’t waste any more time. Stand out by getting a head start with our team of immigration experts. Start your application process now and pave the way for your future in Canada.
Several factors can lead to the rejection of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application. Common reasons include:
Yes, Immigration to Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit allows you to work in any location across Canada in any occupation. This open work permit means you can change employers at your discretion. However, working for employers on the ineligible list is prohibited.
You should apply for a PGWP only after receiving your Letter of Completion, which confirms you have met all program requirements. Note that the letter's availability date may differ from when your degree or certificate is awarded.
A PGWP is issued only once. While it's possible to hold both a PGWP and a study permit simultaneously, if you plan to pursue further studies in Canada, it's advisable to wait until you complete your additional program before applying for a PGWP.
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