Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada - A Complete Guide
PGWPs offer an effective means of gaining practical work experience in Canada while also aiding permanent residency visa programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
To be eligible for the PGWP, graduates must have successfully completed an eligible study program of at least eight months’ duration and obtained verification from their school of their completion
What is a PGWP?
PGWP is a work permit designed to allow international graduates to gain valuable Canadian experience after graduation. Graduates who obtain this permit have the freedom to work for any employer as long as certain requirements are met; this enables them to explore various jobs, industries, and types of work and expand their job marketability and expand their professional network. To learn more about PGWP and the application process, check the website for more details.
For students to qualify for the PGWP, they must graduate from an eligible program at an approved institution and in an eligible field of study identified by IRCC as labour shortages or in-demand occupations. At present, it’s available to graduates of university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs as well as public college graduates completing eligible programs; visit IRCC’s list of designated learning institutions (DLI) to verify your school’s eligibility.
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the PGWP, applying can either be done online through IRCC or paper applications. In general, 180 days should be allotted from when your final mark or official confirmation of program completion was received until when your PGWP application should be filed. To know more about how to apply for PGWP, follow the steps outlined on our site.
What are the requirements for a PGWP?
PGWP permits are designed to allow international graduates from any discipline to work in Canada after finishing their studies, valid for up to three years and applicable across a variety of occupations. Such work experience provides graduates with essential skills needed for long-term employment or permanent residency applications later.
Students eligible for a PGWP must have completed or will shortly complete a recognized program of study at an eligible Canadian institution and been full-time students throughout. Online programs that make up less than 50% of an overall program of study may count towards earning their PGWP award.
Students applying for their PGWP must possess a passport valid throughout its entirety, and should apply within 180 days after receiving notification from their designated learning institution (DLI) that they have successfully completed their program of study. Applying can be completed from both inside or outside Canada using their IRCC Secure Account by selecting “visitor visa, study and/or work permit” from the dropdown menu, before answering truthfully on its questionnaire.
How long is a PGWP valid for?
Your PGWP depends on the length and format of your full-time program; whether it was conducted on campus or online; as well as whether accelerated programs (rather than 18 month programs) were taken advantage of for study purposes.
PGWP work experience can be immensely valuable in multiple ways, from building a strong employment history that can aid permanent residency applications to helping graduates stand out among employers with evidence of commitment and dedication towards their career and professional growth.
Graduates from eligible fields of study can receive up to three-year PGWPs; eligible subjects include labor shortage areas or occupations in high demand.
The International Registration and Credential Clearing Centre (IRCC)advises applying for your PGWP as soon as you receive written confirmation of your graduation status, within 180 days or before your current study permit expires (whichever comes first). If you plan to remain in Canada after graduation, we suggest applying from within Canada itself and verifying that your passport remains valid during its anticipated duration of PGWP coverage.
What are the benefits of a PGWP?
PGWP provides international graduates with an ideal way to start their career in Canada, giving them flexibility and independence as they pursue further studies or seek permanent residency.
Importantly, graduates seeking eligibility for the Post Grad Workforce Plan must complete their study program at an approved Designated Learning Institute (DLI) using the IRCC online tool. In addition, full-time studies must have been completed within 8 months to qualify. Part-time or short courses of study do not qualify.
Employers will also benefit from PGWP as it will enable them to verify whether graduates working legally in Canada do not face visa restrictions that could prevent them from hiring someone due to immigration status concerns.
Though a PGWP may be beneficial to international graduates, it does have its limitations. In some instances, graduates who cannot secure employment in their field of study will need to return home or look into alternative solutions for staying in Canada – if this occurs it would be wise for the graduate to consult a regulat Canadian immigration professional for advice.ed
