What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

By /

For International students looking to acquire a valuable Canadian work experience after graduation, a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) is a great option. This program creates a way for international students to transition from their temporary resident status to permanent residency. It allows them to remain in Canada and work full-time after completing their certificate, diploma, or degree for at least 8 months.

Some Quick Facts About PGWP

  • A PGWP is not issued for a duration longer than the applicant\’s duration of study in canada.
  • A PGWP can be valid for the duration of eight months to three years.
  • More than 50% of your program of study should be conducted via in-person classes, making you eligible for a PGWP.
  • If you have studied part-time or have done accelerated studies, your PGWP will be exactly the same as the duration of your program of study.

How Can Post-Graduate Work Permit Help You to Immigrate, Work and Settle in Canada?

Postgraduate work permit provides valuable Canadian work experience to eligible graduates. Many foreign nationals become eligible due to excellent working experience in Canada. Candidates who have already finished their studies and are investing considerable time in getting work experience are in a great position to apply for the Canadian Express Entry immigration system, which opens up their future pathways to success. Additionally, having a wealth of expertise and a Canadian educational background means that they will receive significant bonus points on the CRS or comprehensive rating system.

Are You Eligible to Apply?

For your PGWP eligibility, you have to meet all of the following requirements:

  • You must have finished a full academic session of your chosen program without taking any breaks from your studies.
  • You must have successfully finished a training course leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate that lasted at least eight months.
  • Unless you qualify for the IRCC interim policy, you must have completed at least 50% of your program in person (calculated based on the number of courses you complete in Canada).

You cannot submit an application for a PGWP if you:

  • Have a Postgraduate Work Permit from the past
  • Completed a course that lasted no more than eight months
  • Studied French or English as a second language
  • Took classes for general knowledge or self-improvement
  • Have mostly finished your courses through remote learning
  • Have finished a course of study at an institution outside of Canada
  • Participated in the Canada Awards Program for the Government of Canada
  • Global Affairs Canada provided funds for this project

How Can You Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

International students can apply for a post-graduation work permit from inside or outside Canada. However, for international students, the period is up to 180 days after graduation, whereas VCC international students can apply for a PGWP within 90 days of graduation with a valid study permit.

Apply from Canada

  • Online through the Immigration, Refugees and a Citizenship Canada website.
  • Create IRCC secure account and follow the instructions.

Apply PGWP Outside Canada

  • Online through the Immigration, Refugees and a Citizenship Canada website
  • Create IRCC secure account and follow the instructions
  • Mailing to an appropriate VISA office
  • Online through the Immigration

PGWP Processing Time

You have 180 days to submit your PGWP application from the day you completed all requirements for your program of study.  Previously, work permits for recent graduates could only be requested from within Canada. But now you can apply for a PGWP from outside Canada if you leave Canada after finishing your studies.

Once the application is submitted, the processing period for a PGWP could be between 80 and 180 days. If your application was submitted before the student permit\’s expiration date, you could work in Canada while you wait for your PGWP.

How Many Times Can You Apply for a PGWP?

You can apply for a PGWP only once. But if you are considering taking a longer degree program in Canada, consider applying for your PGWP strategically. You will receive a PGWP with a longer validity—up to three years—if you apply for the longest study period.

Validity of a Post-Graduation Work Permit

The duration of the study program you finished in Canada will determine how long your permit will be. A post-graduation work permit’s duration can range from eight months to three years. With regards to the duration of the courses, IRCC provides the following guidelines:

  • If the length of the completed program is under eight months, the candidate is ineligible for a PGWP.
  • If the length of the completed program is between 8 months and less than two years, the PGWP will correspond with the length of the course.
  • If the duration of the completed program is more than two years, the PGWP will be granted for a duration of three years.

Changes that Have been Made Post Covid-19

Students who began a program between May and September 2020 and finished it by April 30, 2021, or who completed more than one program, may combine the length of their programs as long as they spent 50% of their time studying in Canada.

International students may still be eligible for a post-graduation work visa if they enrolled in an 8 to 12-month program from May to September 2020 and finished the whole program online from another country.

How Can Immivoyage Assist You in Getting Your Successful Postgraduate Work Permit?

Immivoyage, as one of the best Immigration Consultants, can help you get post-graduation work permit. We have the right knowledge and expertise to make sure you get your PGWP permit in Canada on time. So, get in touch with us today to apply for PGWP!

Related Posts