An open work permit known as a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is given to international students who have finished their studies in Canada. PGWP holders are able to work as many hours as they choose for any company, anywhere in Canada.
PGWPs, which are valid for eight months to three years, are a great way to obtain invaluable work experience in Canada. A person applying for permanent residence in Canada can find several opportunities with job experience in the country.
All about Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are available to international students who have successfully concluded their studies at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). PGWPs, or open work permits, enable foreign nationals to work for any organization in Canada, regardless of their location.
Who is eligible for a PGWP?
In order for a foreign national to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), they must have completed a minimum of eight months of full-time study in Canada and be at least eighteen years old. The study program must have included completion of one of the following program categories at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Furthermore, foreign nationals are granted 180 days from the conclusion of their academic program to submit an application for a work permit.
If an applicant is submitting an application from within Canada, they must possess a legitimate status at the time of submission. If their study permit has expired or is expected to expire, they may petition for guest status prior to applying for the PGWP. Nevertheless, candidates who submit an application for a PGWP before the expiration of their study permit are allowed to promptly begin full-time employment while their application is being processed. Foreign applicants are eligible to enroll in a PGWP.
ELIGIBLE LEVELS OF STUDY
PGWPs are available for the following programs and levels of study:
-public post-secondary education institution, like a university, college, or trade/technical school in Quebec; or
-private post-secondary education that follows the same regulations as public education (applicable only to specific Quebec institutions); or
-private secondary or post-secondary education institution (in Quebec) providing 900 hours or more of qualifying programs that result in an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) or diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP);
-Private Canadian institution that is only able to confer degrees on students engaged in degree-granting programs that have been approved by the province.
How long does the PGWP application process?
The processing period of a PGWP may vary from 80 to 180 days. You are permitted to work in Canada while you await your PGWP, provided that you submitted your application prior to the expiration of your student permit.
From the moment you fulfilled all program criteria, you have 180 days to apply for your PGWP.
If you depart Canada after concluding your education, you are now eligible to apply for a PGWP from abroad. Applications for work permits following graduation were previously limited to submissions from within Canada.Additional documentation may be necessary if a PGWP registration is submitted from outside of Canada, depending on the visa office that processes the application.
How soon after my PGWP expires may I apply for a work permit?
A PGWP does not prevent you from submitting an application for another work permit in the future. If you satisfy the prerequisites, you are permitted to submit an application for an LMIA or LMIA exempt visa. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consider applying for permanent residency in Canada, given your work experience in the country.
Candidates having Canadian job experience can apply for the following immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Quebec Immigration Options
You have two options if your PGWP is about to expire: either seek for a PGWP extension, or apply to one of the various programs for Permanent Residency that are offered to Learning Institution graduates in Canada. Please see our article on Work Permit Extension for PGWP Holders to see if you qualify for one. Alternatively, see our guide on What to Do After PGWP Expires? – 5 Ways to Stay in Canada to learn more about your options for locating the best program for permanent residency.
Can I start a job once I graduate and then apply for my PGWP later?
International graduates can start working lawfully in Canada if they apply for a PGWP before their study permit expires. A Canadian work permit is not required of these candidates while they are awaiting a decision on their PGWP application. If you haven’t been in the country for more than ninety days, you might be able to apply and have your student permit back if it has expired.
How often may I submit a PGWP application?
An individual is permitted to submit an application for a PGWP only once. If you are considering enrolling in a longer degree program in Canada or intend to resume your studies after completing your first program, you may want to apply for your PGWP strategically. If you submit an application after the longest period of study, you will be granted a PGWP with a validity term of up to three years.
How to Immigrate to Canada with a PGWP
The goal of Canada’s Post Graduation Work Program is to give foreign students studying there an effective way to become citizens of the nation. A applicant is well-positioned to apply under the Canadian Express Entry immigration system if they can connect their education in the nation with significant full-time work experience. An Express Entry applicant is more likely to succeed in obtaining permanent resident status if they possess Canadian job experience and educational credentials, as these factors contribute to their comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score.
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