You’ve done it: you’ve finally graduated from college, and you’re ready to start your career. But what if you don’t have a job lined up? Don’t worry, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) might be what you need. It’s a program that allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate.
After finishing your studies as an international student in Canada, your stay there need not come to an end. In fact, pursuing a degree in Canada may be a quick route to obtaining permanent residency there.
Many students utilize their education as a springboard for short-term employment and long-term residence in Canada. Let's examine one of the most common methods in more detail - the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) in Canada - to find out who is qualified to apply and how it functions. Here’s what you need to know about the PGWPP.
What is the PGWPP?
The Post-Graduation Work Program, often known as PGWP, was created to assist international students who have earned a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) when they decide to stay and find employment in Canada. In Canada, international PGWP students will be granted an open work permit, which enables graduates to work full-time or part-time or independently for any business within Canada.
Designated Learning Institutions
A school that has been authorized by a province or territorial government to permit foreign students to pursue a degree or certificate in Canada, is known as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This covers institutions for K–12 and higher education. The majority of Canada's 1,500+ DLIs are located in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Length of Validity for a PGWP
If they are successful, graduates will be permitted to work as many hours as they choose, and the validity of their work permit will range from eight months to three years, depending on the duration of their study program.
You will have a wonderful opportunity to get important Canadian work experience, and it could also pave the way for you to obtain Canadian permanent status. In reality, foreign students working in high-skilled or NOC 0, A, or B positions in Canada, will be eligible to receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if they apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)- which is controlled by the Express Entry system.
Find out how long your visa is valid for in the table below:
| Determining the Length of Your PGWP | |
|---|---|
| Length of Study Program | Length of Work Permit |
| Eight months - two years | Same length as your study program |
| Two years or longer | Three years |
| More than one program completed within two years | Length of both programs combined (if the combined length is two years or longer the work permit should be valid for three years) |
Renewing a PGWP
Post Graduate Work Permits are not renewable. However, you may have heard of this policy changing temporarily. The government recently announced that as of August 2, 2022, graduates from eligible foreign institutions may seek to renew their Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP).
Post Graduate Work Permits holders whose validity expired or will expire between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, are eligible for the extension.
By extending their work visa or requesting an extra open work permit, the policy permits certain graduates to continue working in Canada for an additional 18 months.
You will have 180 days to submit your Post-Graduate Work Permit application after getting your DLI transcript. If your study permit is set to expire before you receive your final grades, you can either leave Canada and apply from abroad if your study permit is about to expire. You can request to have your status reinstated if your study visa has already expired.
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Requirements for a Post- Graduate Work Permit
You must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program:
- Possess a degree, certificate, or other credential after completing an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an authorized Canadian institution for at least eight months;
- be enrolled full-time; possess a transcript and an official letter from a qualified DLI attesting to your compliance with the program's criteria; and
- possess or have a current study permit, or have the right to pursue studies without study permission.
Working in Canada after a PGWP
Once your PGWP expires, you may be able to stay in Canada through various routes.
Temporarily: Temporary Foreign Worker Program
When competent Canadians or permanent residents aren't readily accessible, temporary foreign workers assist Canadian firms in filling labor shortages. More crucially, temporary employees contribute to the expansion and development of several industries, including healthcare, technology, and agriculture.
Employers in Canada can hire foreign employees for a variety of jobs under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)is the most crucial step in the TFWP recruiting process . An LMIA demonstrates that the post was not filled by a Canadian or permanent resident. The temporary employee you want to recruit must submit their work permit application together with a copy of the LMIA or the LMIA number.
Permanently: Canadian Experience Class
For temporary foreign employees who want to immigrate permanently, there is a category called the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Additionally, temporary foreign employees are excellent prospects for immigration to Canada and permanent residence.
You can obtain the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) visa with the help of a post-graduation work permit, which will enable you to achieve valuable Canadian work experience. This program may be granted for up to three years, or the length of your academic program.
Graduates have the chance to successfully transfer from temporary to permanent residency, thanks to the Canadian Experience Class visa. Candidates who understand Canadian culture and have economic impact are eligible for this position. Knowing either English or French and having the necessary job experience will put you at an advantage.
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Moving to Canada
There are many ways to stay in Canada after getting a PGWP. If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through the study route, contact us today and we’ll put you in touch with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant that can map out an immigration route.
FAQs
1. Where in Canada can I work with a PGWP?
You can work in any type of employment, anywhere in Canada, with a Post-Graduation Work Permit. The post-graduation work permit is an open employment permit. This suggests that you are free to work in any profession and change jobs whenever you choose in Canada. On the other hand, you cannot work for an employer that is on the prohibited employer's list.
2. While I wait for my PGWP, may I work?
You may if when you file your application, you were qualified to work off-campus without a permit, had a valid study permit, had finished your program of study, and could work full-time while you awaited a decision on your post-graduation work permit application.
When should I apply for a PGWP?
After graduating, you have up to 180 days to submit an application for a PGWP.
- You must state on your application that you attended and successfully finished your program, as well as the name and duration of your program.
- Submitting your degree or diploma, your transcript, or an official letter from your institution will serve as proof of this.
- However, you have two choices if your study permission runs out before you receive your grades. You have two options: apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada or depart Canada and wait to reapply for your PGWP.