PGWP Canada - Stay in Canada after Graduation for up to 3 Years

Canada is home to some of the best universities globally and has some of the most advanced and technologically advanced universities. There are many courses to offer, and consequently, many students from all over the world visit Canada for higher education. These courses can be applied for in one of the three intakes in Canada - September/Fall intake, January/Winter intake, and May/Summer intake In fact, many international students have shown a desirFstudye to stay in Canada after graduation. This is evident from the fact that during a survey by the Canadian Bureau of International Education, 59.4% of respondents wished to become permanent residents of Canada upon completing their graduation. This impressive figure reflects Canada’s willingness to host and nurture international students.  An important way to do this is through PGWP Canada or the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The PGWP Canada or Post-Graduate Work Permit is a program that allows international students from eligible DLIs to stay in Canada after graduation and work with the employer of their choice. This program does not require an existing job offer and functions as an open work permit valid for a maximum of 3 years.

This program provides a maximum three-year open without an existing job offer at the time of application permit that enables eligible DLI graduates to work in Canada for an employer of their n. It is important to note that while this program allows for permits of up to three years, the actual length of a permit will depend on the length of the educational program from which the applicant graduated.It is important to note the following points before applying for a PGWP in Canada:

• International students who want to apply for Canada PGWP must have the official transcript and a letter from their DLI that confirms the completion of their program.

• The applicants with completed programs of less than 8 months are NOT ELIGIBLE for the PGWP.

• Applications who study in Canada with a DLI for programs between 8 months and 2 years are eligible for PGWP of length equal to their program duration.

• Applicants enrolled in programs of over 2 years are eligible for a 3-years long PGWP in Canada.

• Applicants may combine their multiple DLI programs (more than 8 months) for PGWP.

It might surprise some international students to know how easy is it to get a PGWP in Canada. But, there is a clear eligibility criterion that must be met by students who wish to stay and work in Canada after graduation and get a PGWP. The following conditions must be met to apply for a PGWP in Canada:

• Complete studies to receive a degree, diploma, or certificate from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in an academic, vocational, or professional program of an 8-month duration or more.

• Receive a transcript from their DLI along with an official letter that confirms their completion of the course.

• Hold a valid study permit or have held one in the past. If not, they are authorised to study in Canada without one.

There are certain exemptions to being a full-time student for individuals meeting the following criteria:

• Students in programs that started or will begin between spring 2020 and summer 2022.

• Students enrolled in any programs that were ongoing in March 2020.

• International students in Canada who took a leave from their academic programs during the final year.

International students who aspire to get a PGWP in Canada need to apply for the same within 180 days of receiving their official transcript from their DLI and the confirmation letter reflecting the completion of their program.

The applicant needs to gather the following documents to apply for the Canada PGWP:

• Degree or Diploma

• Official Letter of Completion

• Official Transcript     

More documents may be requested by IRCC for the PGWP application upon review.

International students enrolled with DLIs on a distance-learning basis as a result of the Covid pandemic may be eligible for the Canada PGWP. The PGWP aspirants still need to meet the aforementioned criteria. If they are eligible for PGWP in Canada, distance learning students may apply for PGWP based on the following dates:

• August 31st, 2022: PGWP applications received from International students before this date while they study online from abroad will be accepted for the permit.

• September 1st, 2023: Starting from this date, time spent on distance learning will be deductible from the qualification for PGWP in Canada irrespective of when the international student began their studies with a DLI in Canada.