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Ultimate Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Canada Guide

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Overview

The post-graduation work permit in Canada provides accessibility to international students to work openly without any hurdles or problems in Canada. Post-graduation work permits enable students to choose an employer and work with them as per the desired working hours anywhere in Canada. 

The PGWP eligibility allows students to gain valuable work experience and is valid from 8 months to 3 years. When students start to work with any employer in Canada, they gain the most relevant opportunities for permanent Canadian residence.  

In this blog, we will delve into the concept of PGWP Canada so that you can get a work permit and work openly anywhere in Canada. 

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The post-graduation work permit is for international students who graduated from a designated learning institute in Canada. This work permit allows the students to head start their employment journey with anyone in Canada. Here is a secret tip for immigration students not all program candidates are eligible for post-graduate work permits in Canada. So make sure to choose the right program after having a quick and perfect checklist analysis. 

PGWP Quick Facts

The facts are required to cross-check for the post-graduation work permit in Canada. Here are the facts that all international students have to know:

  • The post-graduation work permit can be gained for a period of 8 months to three years. 
  • No longer than the applicant's study period in Canada will a PGWP be granted. 
  • For three years the PGWP lasts as your study length period.
  • The student's qualification for the PGWP depends on the program and in that 50% should be completed through in-person instruction. 
  • Whether you are in a part-time or a full-time course, the PGWP duration is equal to the program length
  • The duration of your PGWP, if you studied part-time or through accelerated coursework, will be equal to the length of your program of study if you studied full-time.

Being an international student, you should know the PGWP eligibility so that you can apply properly. WayUp Abroad is here to help you out in finding the right course for you to get job opportunity. Our consultants will bring the right information about post-graduation work permits to you. 

Who is Eligible for a PGWP?

Students with an age of 18 years or 8 months course completion in Canada can get a post-graduation work permit. Also, a student should be enrolled in a Designated Learning institute in Canada within 180 days of completion for a work permit. 

The applicant should have a valid learning status while applying for the PGWP application in Canada. Before applying for PGWP, the student can apply for the visitor status, if the PGWP is expired or about to expire. Candidates can also work full-time right away if their application for an extension is in process. The abroad students are eligible for the PGWP. 

Eligible Levels of Study

The PGWP eligibility has certain levels of study and programs too. So, here are the levels of study you should know when applying for an open work permit in Canada:

  • Public post-secondary education, such as a college, university, trade/technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec
  • Private post-secondary education follows the same regulations as public education 
  • The private and post-secondary education in QUEBEC facilitates programs that last 900 hours or more including specialisation or diplomas. 
  • The Canadian private education institutes that are legally permitted for a degree under provincial law - only province-approved students can participate in it.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PGWP?

The post-graduation work permit has a standard process time of 80 to 180 days. You can work in Canada while applying for the post-graduation work permit even after the student graduation work permit expires. You need to have 180 days to apply for the PGWP program from the date you filled out the program requirement.  

The student can apply for the PGWP once graduated or completed the master's. The work permit after graduation was earlier restricted to submit from Canada but now students can apply for it. Also, it depends on the visa office location, and extra documentation needed, if the application is filled outside Canada. 

Can I Apply for a Work Permit After My PGWP Expires?

The work permit after the PGWP expires can be retained or regained. An international student is free to apply for an LMIA and LMIA exempt permit depending on your eligibility. Under this, it might and sometimes consider Canadian Permanent Residence, if have already work experience in Canada. Here are the PGWP-eligible programs if you have Canadian work experience:

  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Provincial Nominee Programs
  • Quebec Immigration Options

If your post-graduation work permit expires, you have two major options:

  • Apply for the PGWP extension 
  • Apply for one of the several Permanent Residency programs offered to Canadian graduates of educational institutions.

Can I Work After Graduation Before I Apply for My PGWP?

International graduates can work lawfully in Canada only after getting a post-graduation work permit but before it expires. The Canadian work permit allows students and candidates to work even during the approval process. Even if you are available for 90 days in Canada, still you can work there and apply for a work permit because you have graduated now. 

How Many Times Can I Apply for a PGWP?

Post-graduation work permit is issued once only and if you want to apply for the PGWP, you need to continue your studies. After completing the first program, you can take PGWP or be part of the longer degree program in Canada. With PGWP, you can take longer validity up to three years or might be awarded as a permanent residence. 

How a PGWP Can Help You Immigrate to Canada?

Canada’s post-graduation work program allows the students to become citizens of the nation. If you are studying full-time or part-time, it is equal to the length of the program. Candidates can apply under the Canadian Express Entry system so that they can get full-time work experience. The express entry applicant can get permanent resident status more likely. Factors like work experience and educational credentials are helpful in comprehensive ranking system scores. 

FAQ

Can I stay in Canada with PGWP?

- The PGWP Canada supports international students to work independently anywhere in Canada for three years. The work permit is extended under specific circumstances but it is sometimes extended which allows PGWP holders to remain for some longer duration or sometimes permanent residency. 

Who is eligible for PGWP in Canada?

- If you are studying in Canada and a part of a designated learning institute in Canada, then you can have PGWP Canada. 

How long can I get PGWP in Canada?

- The PGWP Canada is valid from 8 months to three years and it helps in gaining a valuable experience of work in an international organisation. It also opens loads of opportunities for the candidate. 

What are the new rules for PGWP in Canada?

- The new rules state that students have to complete their master's degree first or complete a degree of 2 years. This rule is applicable from 15 Feb, 2024. 

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