Post Graduation Open Work Permit

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A PGWPs (post-graduation work permit) is an open work permit granted to an international student who has completed a study program in Canada. The permit allows the bearer to work for any Canadian employer for as many work hours as they like.
PGWPs are an excellent opportunity to gain relevant job experience in Canada. When a person has worked in Canada for some time, they often find it easy to obtain permanent residency.
The PGWP is valid for anywhere from eight months to three years. It depends on the length of the applicant's academic program. The permit provides someone with significant job experience and paves the way for someone to obtain permanent residency in the country. In fact, foreign students in Canada who work in high-skilled trades (or NOC skill level 0, A, or B jobs) are entitled to claim CRS (comprehensive ranking score) points if they apply for PR through the CEC Canadian Experience Class).
N/B Students are advised not to let their status expire before receiving the work permit. They need to renew their stay in the country as they wait for the approval of the permit.

Eligibility for a Post Graduate Work Permit

  • Have finished a minimum of 8 months of professional, academic, or vocational training at a Canadian institution leading to the conferment of a certificate, diploma, or degree
  • Attend school full-time
  • Have an official letter and academic transcripts from an eligible designated learning institution certifying your completion of the program's prerequisites
  • Possess a valid student visa, or have been given permission to study without one.

Please keep in mind that you are only eligible for a single post-graduation work permit. As a result, it's crucial to make sure your travel documents are valid for the duration of your student visa.

Ineligibility for a Post Graduate Work Permit

  • have had fewer than eight months of study
  • spent more than 8 months studying but did not do so continuously
  • participated in a Global Affairs Canada-funded CCS (Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship) Program
  • participated in the Canada-Chile Equal Opportunity Scholarship
  • you had funding from Global Affairs Canada
  • participated in the Canada-Chile Equal Opportunity Scholarship
  • were a recipient of an Organization of American States Fellowship
  • have finished a study program, but via distance learning, whether from overseas or inside Canada
  • already possess a Post-Graduate Work Permit from a previous course of study

What is a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)?

A DLI is a school that the territorial or provincial government has authorized to accept foreign students in Canada. It can be:

  • A college, technical, or trade school, or university
  • A private Canadian university that is allowed to grant degrees by a territorial or provincial legislation
  • Collège d'enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP in Quebec)
  • A private postsecondary school in Quebec that provides qualifying programs lasting at least 900 hours and leading to the conferment of DVS (Diplomas of Vocational Studies) or AVS (Attestation of Vocational Specialization)

If you choose to remain in Canada after graduation, you may apply for a variety of programs.

Visa

An international Student in Canada needs to ensure their passport is valid when they are applying for the PGWP.
If a passport expires before PWGP is issued:

  • The affected student can consult IRCC on the way forward.
  • IRCC will assess the case and determine whether to extend the validity of the passport.

Accelerated Programs

If a student completes study in less duration than the expected time ( for example, a student completing a one-year program in seven months), the student can get a PGWP that runs for up to one year in that case.

Taking Leave in the Middle of Studies

A student who abandons studies in the middle of their studies is ineligible for a PGWP if they:

  • don’t ask permission from the learning institutions when taking a break from the study program
  • don’t meet the requirement as per the study by the time the leave is sought

N/B students can take a leave of up to 150 days provided the learning institution is aware and approves of their action

Transferring Between Schools

Students are eligible for a PGWP if they complete at least 8 months of learning at one DLI before transferring to another.
A student might choose to transfer from a non-designated learning institution to a DLI. The work visa given to such students will only run for the period they were in DLIs. Thus, if a student studied for only four months at a DLI, they will be eligible to get a permit that runs for four months.

Canadian Experience Class

A PGWP enables you to acquire significant work experience in Canada, qualifying you for the CEC (Canadian Experience Class) residency permit.
A graduate may use the CEC visa to move from temporary to PR (permanent residency) successfully. This service is available to an applicant who is acquainted with Canadian society and can significantly contribute to the Canadian economy. An ideal candidate must be fluent in official languages (English or French) and have the necessary working experience. Applications are handled via Canada's Express Entry (EE) system.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Certain provinces provide immigration alternatives to graduates who have finished their education in that province and want to remain in Canada to work or establish their own entrepreneurial ventures. These opportunities are available in the following provinces:

  • Ontario
  • Alberta
  • Manitoba
  • British Columbia
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • New Brunswick
  • Saskatchewan
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island

If you meet everything but not the full-time study requirement, you may still be eligible for the work permit. For instance, if only two courses are remaining for you to complete your studies and study full time, you may still qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
Not all programs of study or educational institutions qualify for a PGWP. Thus, an international student seeking employment in Canada must enroll in a school or study course that permits such permits.
Additionally, it is prudent to verify the success of your study permit before enrolling in a PGWP-eligible institution or course. You won't be unable to enter Canada should IRCC deny you a visa.

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