Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada

The PGWP Canada or Post-Graduate Work Permit is a great option that allows international students from eligible DLIs to stay in Canada after graduation and work with the employer of their choice. 

However, graduation from Designated Learning Institutions does not mean you are directly eligible for a post study work permit Canada. For this, you must check that your DLI college is eligible for PGWP. 

Recently, the Government of Canada made changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit rules, which are as follows – 

• Students who have completed a two-year master's degree course will now be eligible for a three-year PGWP effective 15 February 2024. However, they must fulfil all the requirements. 

• Students enrolling in curriculum licensing agreement programs will no longer be qualified for a PGWP as of 1^st September 2024. 

• The validity of the PGWP and the specific provisions for remote learning have been extended until 31^st August 2024. 

• Candidates who have graduated from eligible DLI with at least a 2-year course duration are eligible. 

• If your master's course duration was less than 8 months or 900 hours for Quebec credentials, then you are not eligible for a PGWP in Canada. 

• If your course duration is more than or equal to 8 months, then you are eligible for a 3-year post-study work permit.

 Getting a post study work permit in Canada can be an excellent opportunity for Indians as well as international candidates who want to settle in Canada or apply for PR. Here are some benefits of applying post study work permit Canada. 

• Post study work permits allow international candidates to work in Canada after completing their studies so that they can enhance their resume and acquire valuable work experience in the Canadian job market.

• This permit helps you to qualify for permanent residency (PR), such as the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system.

• Through PGWP, you can explore various job options and build a professional network to achieve your career goals.

• PGWP help you apply the knowledge and skills by doing practicals that you acquired during your studies for your professional development.

• Working or living in Canada allows you to experience Canadian culture, which can be a rewarding personal and professional experience.

• Earning a salary in Canadian dollars can help cover living expenses and save money to support future plans, whether they involve further studies or settling down in Canada. 

 The Canadian Government has set the eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits that must be met by students who wish to stay and work in the country after graduation. Candidates have up to 180 days to apply for PGWP after graduation. The following conditions must be met to apply for a PGWP Canada:

• You must have a degree, diploma, or certification course certificate from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in an academic, vocational, or professional program. 

• Your course must be at least 8 months in duration or longer.

• You must have a transcript or letter of completion (LOC) of your degree or diploma from an eligible DLI.

• You must hold a valid study permit, which must be valid for the last 180 days. 

• You must submit your PGWP application to extend your permit before it expires. 

 Below, you can check the list of PGWP Eligible Colleges in Canada:

Have you applied for your Postgraduate Work Permit in Canada at the correct time? Knowing when to apply for a PGWP is essential. 

If you have a Letter of completion, you can apply for it as it proves that you have fulfilled all the post-study work permit requirements. 

Below, you can check the validity of post study work permit Canada.

Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Canada involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1 - Confirm Eligibility - First, check your complete eligibility and then make sure you meet the requirements before applying.

Step 2 - Collect Documents - Collect all the required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of graduation, copy of your study permit, digital photo, etc. 

Step 3 - Apply Online or By Mail - Now, you can apply for the PGWP either online or by mail. Applying online is generally a quicker and more convenient to get the PGWP. 

Step 4 - Check Status - After submitting your application, you can check your application status via online if you applied online or wait for correspondence if you applied by mail.

Step 5 - Receive Your Work Permit - Once your application is approved by officials, you will receive your PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for a period equal to the length of your study program, up to a maximum of 3 years.

Here are some important points that you must know before applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Canada. 

• After 180 days, you must leave Canada and apply for PGWP, OR you can apply for a visitor's record to stay in the country.  

• The authority will release the PGWP on the basis of your passport validity. 

• You can request to extend your PGWP, but it will depend on the authority. 

• Graduate certificates and diploma holders have not considered 3-year post-graduation work permit Canada.

• Your Letter of Completion initial availability will determine the validity of your study permit.

• You must apply as soon as you are eligible to avoid delays and to ensure you can start working as soon as possible.

While the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) does not directly lead to permanent residency, it can be a valuable step toward immigration to Canada. Here’s how it can help you in the process:

• Gain Canadian Work Experience - Working in Canada under a PGWP allows you to gain Canadian work experience, which can be advantageous for several immigration pathways:

• Express Entry System - Canadian work experience can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, making you more competitive for permanent residency under programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - Many provinces have PNP streams that prioritise candidates with Canadian work experience. Gaining work experience in a specific province can increase your chances of being nominated for PR by that province.

We hope the above information regarding PGWP in Canada helps you to apply for and get your permit. 

If you would like to get a deeper insight into how to get PGWP in Canada, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad journey. Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question - Can I apply for a work permit after my PGWP expires?

Answer - Once your PGWP expires, you cannot extend it or get a new one. However, you can apply for a different work permit if you have a job offer or seek permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or PNP. Ensure you apply for a new permit or residency before your PGWP expires to avoid legal status issues.

Question - Can I work after graduation before I apply for my PGWP?

Answer - No, you cannot work while waiting to apply for your PGWP. You must have a valid PGWP or another type of work permit to work legally in Canada after graduation.

Question - How many times can I apply for a PGWP?

Answer - You can only apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada once. It is a one-time opportunity, so make sure that you meet all requirements and apply within 180 days of completing your program.

Question - What should I do if my passport expires at the anticipated length of my PGWP?

Answer - If your passport expires during the anticipated length of your PGWP, renew it as soon as possible and update your immigration records with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

Question – Are distance learning course candidates eligible for Canada PGWP?

Answer - Distance learning course candidates are generally not eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada unless they completed at least 50% of their program in Canada and met other PGWP requirements.

Question – How long can a PGWP be valid for?

Answer - The validity of a PGWP depends on the length of your study program. It can be issued for up to the same duration as your program or up to 3 years.

Question – Can I apply for a PGWP if I studied in multiple institutions?

Answer - Yes, you can apply for a PGWP if you studied at multiple eligible institutions, but the total length of your study program must meet the minimum requirements. All institutions and programs must be eligible and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Question – Can I travel outside Canada while my PGWP application is being processed?

Answer - Yes, you can travel outside Canada while your PGWP application is being processed, but make sure you have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or temporary resident visa to re-enter Canada. 

Question – Is there a limit on how many hours I can work with a PGWP?

Answer - No, there is no limit on the number of hours you can work with a PGWP. You are allowed to work full-time or part-time for any employer in Canada as long as you adhere to the conditions of your work permit.

Question – Can I work while my PGWP application is being processed?

Answer - Yes, if you applied for your PGWP before your study permit expired, you can work while your application is being processed under the same conditions as your study permit.