What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an immigration program in Canada designed to allow international students who have completed a qualifying program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to work in the country temporarily after graduation. This permit allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be helpful in their journey towards permanent residency and, ultimately, a successful career in Canada. The PGWP can be valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of the completed study program.
Why You Should Apply for a PGWP
Applying for a PGWP offers numerous benefits for international students, making it a crucial step post-graduation. Here are some compelling reasons to apply:
- Gain Canadian Work Experience: A PGWP allows you to work in Canada, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canadian work experience gained through a PGWP can be a stepping stone towards obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
- Career Advancement: Working in Canada can significantly enhance your career prospects, both in Canada and internationally.
- Financial Independence: Earning a salary in Canada allows you to become financially independent and manage your expenses better.
- Networking Opportunities: Working in Canada allows you to build a professional network, which is invaluable for future career opportunities.
- Cultural Experience: Living and working in Canada exposes you to diverse cultures and experiences, enriching your personal and professional lives.
Criteria to be Eligible for PGWP
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, international students must meet the following criteria:
- Completed a Qualifying Program: You must have completed a study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Program Duration: The study program must be at least eight months long.
- Full-time Student: You must have been a full-time student in Canada during each semester of your study program, except for the final semester, which can be part-time if it is the only semester left to complete the program.
- Valid Study Permit: You must have a valid study permit when applying for the PGWP.
- Graduation Confirmation: You need to provide proof that you have completed your program. Acceptable proof includes:
- Degree or diploma
- Transcript
- An official letter from your school confirming program completion.
- Application Timeline: You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation from your school that you have met the requirements for completing your program.
- Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Your program must be from an eligible DLI. Not every program or institution offers a PGWP. You should check your institution’s and program’s eligibility on the Designated Learning Institutions List.
Ensuring that you meet all these criteria is essential for a successful PGWP application. It is advisable to thoroughly review the requirements and gather all necessary documents before applying.
Postgraduate Canadian Work Permit Processing Time
The processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can vary based on several factors, including the volume of applications and the completeness of your submission. Generally, it takes about 80 to 180 days from the date you submit your application to receive your permit.
Key Points About the Canada Work Permit Processing Time
- Application Submission: Once you have all the required documents and confirmation of your graduation, you can submit your PGWP application online.
- Initial Review: After submission, your application will undergo an initial review to ensure all necessary documents are included and correctly filled out.
- Processing Period: The typical processing time ranges from 80 to 180 days. This period may vary depending on the number of applications being processed and any additional information you request.
- Working During Processing: If you applied for the PGWP before your study permit expires and were eligible to work off-campus during your studies, you can continue to work full-time while you wait for the processing of your PGWP.
- Checking Status: You can check the status of your application online through your IRCC account to stay updated on its progress.
Post Graduation Work Permit Validity Period
The validity period of a PGWP depends on the length of your study program:
- If your program lasted between 8 months and less than 2 years, your PGWP will be valid for the same duration as your study program.
- If your program lasted 2 years or more, your PGWP will be valid for 3 years.
- If you have completed multiple qualifying programs, you may be able to combine their lengths for a PGWP.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot extend the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Once it expires, you cannot renew it. However, you may be eligible to apply for other types of work permits or immigration programs to stay in Canada.
To obtain a PGWP, you must:
Complete a qualifying program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Apply online within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from your school (such as a transcript or an official letter) that you have met the requirements of your program.
Provide the necessary documents, including proof of graduation and a valid study permit, when applying.
Yes, you can work full-time after graduation while waiting for your PGWP application to be processed, provided you were eligible to work off-campus without a permit during your studies.
If your passport expires before your PGWP, your work permit will only be valid until your passport’s expiration date. You can apply to extend your PGWP once you renew your passport, but the extension will only be granted up to the original length of time you were eligible for.
You can only apply for a PGWP once in your lifetime. This means you should carefully consider the timing of your application to maximize the benefits of the permit.
The post-graduation work permit application fee is CAD 255. This includes the CAD 100 open work permit holder fee and the CAD 155 work permit processing fee.
