Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) serve as open work permits specially designed for international students who have successfully completed their studies in a Canadian educational program. These permits offer a significant advantage by allowing their holders to engage in employment across various employers, with the freedom to work as many hours as desired, anywhere within Canada.
The validity of PGWPs ranges from eight months to three years, depending on the duration of the completed program. This period offers ample time for graduates to gain valuable work experience in a real Canadian professional setting. It serves as a remarkable opportunity for international students to integrate into the Canadian workforce, contributing their skills and expertise while simultaneously building a network of professional connections.
In essence, post-graduation work permits not only allow international graduates to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios but also act as a stepping stone toward obtaining Canadian permanent residency.
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What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are tailored for international students who have successfully completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. These permits are classified as open work permits, granting international graduates the significant advantage of being able to seek employment with any employer across the entirety of Canada.
In a departure from the typical requirements for Canadian work permits, obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit does not necessitate a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This streamlined process makes PGWPs an attractive option for eligible graduates who wish to gain practical work experience in Canada.
One of the most remarkable benefits of holding a PGWP is the opportunity it provides for international graduates to acquire valuable Canadian work experience. This experience holds considerable weight when aspiring to pursue Canadian permanent residency. By accumulating sufficient work experience within the Canadian context, numerous foreign nationals become eligible to explore various pathways for obtaining permanent residency in Canada. These pathways encompass a range of programs, including:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
- Quebec Immigration Programs
In essence, Post-Graduation Work Permits offer a unique gateway for international students to transition into the Canadian workforce and potentially embark on a journey toward becoming permanent residents of Canada. This pathway is characterized by its emphasis on practical experience, making it a vital step in realizing the dream of establishing a life and career within the diverse and welcoming Canadian landscape.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Quick Facts
Key Points about Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs):
- PGWPs have a flexible validity period, ranging from eight months to three years.
- The duration of the PGWP cannot exceed the length of the applicant’s study program in Canada.
- Typically, the PGWP’s duration aligns closely with the applicant’s period of study, with a maximum cap of three years.
- If over 50% of your studies involved in-person classes, you qualify for a PGWP matching your program’s duration.
- In cases of part-time or accelerated studies, your PGWP duration will align with the length of your full-time study program.
Eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Age and Study Requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have completed full-time studies in Canada for a program lasting a minimum of 8 months.
- Designated Learning Institution (DLI): The study program should have been pursued at a recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and fall within the specified types of programs listed below.
- Eligible Programs: The PGWP is available for the following types of programs:
- Degree programs (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)
- Diplomas and certificates at the post-secondary level
- Vocational or trade programs
- Timely Application: To apply for the PGWP, the applicant must submit their application within 180 days of completing their study program.
- For applicants within Canada:
- Valid Status: Applicants must maintain valid immigration status during the application process. If their study permit has expired or will expire, they can apply for visitor status before applying for the PGWP.
- Early Application Advantage: Applying for the PGWP before the study permit expires allows immediate full-time work eligibility while the application is under review.
- For applicants outside Canada:
Overseas Application: Individuals can also apply for a PGWP from outside Canada.
Meeting these criteria enables foreign nationals to secure a valuable Post-Graduation Work Permit, which facilitates gaining work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
How long does it take to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The processing time for a PGWP typically ranges from 80 to 180 days. During this period, if you applied for the PGWP before your student permit’s expiry date, you are authorized to work in Canada.
You have a window of 180 days from the completion of all requirements for your study program to apply for your PGWP.
If you choose to leave Canada after completing your studies, you now have the option to apply for a PGWP from abroad. Previously, post-graduation work permit applications could only be submitted from within Canada. However, if you apply for a PGWP from outside Canada, you may need to provide additional documentation based on the visa office processing your application.
Can I work after Graduation before I apply for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
International graduates who apply for a PGWP before their study permit expires can begin working in Canada without needing a separate Canadian work permit while awaiting the outcome of their PGWP application. If your study permit has already expired, you might be eligible to restore your status and apply, as long as your period of being out of status is within 90 days.
How many times can I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
You are allowed to apply for a PGWP only once. If you plan to pursue another study program that directly follows your previous one or are considering a longer degree program in Canada, it’s important to apply for your PGWP strategically. Applying after completing your longest study program will result in a PGWP with extended validity, up to a maximum of three years.
Can I apply for a work permit after my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Having a PGWP does not restrict you from applying for another work permit in the future. You retain the flexibility to apply for either an LMIA or LMIA-exempt permit if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, it might be worthwhile to explore the possibility of applying for Canadian permanent residence, especially considering your existing Canadian work experience.
Several immigration programs offer pathways for candidates with Canadian work experience:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Quebec Immigration Options