The Post-Graduation work permit or PGWP is one of the integral aspects of Canadian immigration. This program enables international students graduating from Candian universities and colleges, to work in Canada for maximum three years post their graduation. Besides, providing work opportunities, this permit also helps the graduates in obtaining permanent residency of Canada in future.
PGWP is an open work permit enabling the student to work for any Candian employer, irrespective of location.
Who can apply for PGWP?
To be eligible for a PGWP, an international students must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed at least 8 months long full-time study program in Canada
- The study program should have been pursued from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
- Submit a PGWP application within 180 days from the date of completion of the study program.
Also note,
- If applying from within Canada, the applicant must have a valid status at the time of application
- If the applicant’s study permit has been expired or is about to expire they may apply for visitor visa before proceeding with the PGWP application
- Nevertheless PGWP applications submitted before the expiry of applicant’s study permit, the applicant is eligible to start working full time right away, even while their application is under process.
Which are the levels of study or programs that are eligible for PGWP?
Below given is the list of levels of study or programs that are eligible for PGWP:
- Post-secondary public institutions like college, technical schools, university or CEGEP in Quebec; or
- Post -secondary private institutions that operate under same rules as a public institute;
- Candian private institutions that are authorized to award degree as per the provincial law to the students who are enrolled in study programs leading to a degree;
- Secondary and post-secondary private schools (in Quebec) that provides qualifying programs of 900 hours or more, leading to a diploma certificate
How much is the processing time for a PGWP application?
Generally, it takes 80 to 180 days for IRCC to process a PGWP application. However, while waiting for the decision on your application, you are eligible to work in Canada, given that you have already applied for this permit before the expiry of your study permit.
In total one has 180 days to file an application for PGWP from the time you completed all the requirements of your program of study.
Unlike earlier rules, if you have left Canada on the completion of your studies, you are still eligible to apply for a PGWP from overseas. If one submits a PGWP application from overseas, IRCC will require them to provide additional supporting documents based on the visa office that will be processing the application.
Is it possible to apply for a work permit after getting PGWP?
Yes, of course. One is free to apply for another work permit in future. Although one can apply for both LMIA or LMIA exempt permit (provided the applicant is eligible) but as per our experience it is recommended to consider applying for Canadian permanent residence since one would have Canadian work experience by then.
How many attempts can one make to apply for a PGWP?
It is only once that one can apply for a PGWP. However, if you intend to pursue another study course as a continuation of your previous education, or you plan to go for a longer degree program in Canada, then you might want to proceed with your PGWP strategically. This is because applying for a PGWP after a long duration of your study in Canada will make you eligible for a PGWP that has a longer validity (maximum upto three years).
Benefits of a PGWP for immigrating to Canada?
The post-graduation work permit is a program in Canada that is specially designed to make way for the international students to get the status of permanent residence in Canada. It is a pathway to get Canadian education, Canadain work experience that further helps in simplifying the Canadian Express Entry process for them. Both Candian education and work experience helps in building CRS score, increasing their chance of having a successful Canadian PR application.
Moving to PNPs or Provincial Nominee Programs, or if you have pursued your studies in Quebec then it is Quebec Experience Class Program for you, are also some aspects of Canadian immigration. These are also equally benefited from a PGWP status.