Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada for International Students in 2024

Studying abroad is a dream for many international students, and the Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada provides a unique opportunity to make that dream a reality.

With PGWP Canada, international students can work after completing their studies and gain valuable work experience, further expanding their skills and career prospects. In this guide, we will explore the eligibility criteria, the duration and what is the latest updated release by IRCC in the PGWP permit.

What is PGWP Canada?

The PGWP is a work permit type issued by the Canadian government to international students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada.

The PGWP Canada allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada without the need for a job offer, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and apply for permanent residency.

Some Key Points about PGWP you must know:

• The length of the PGWP is based on the length of the study program, with a maximum of 3 years.
• The PGWP is tied to the international student's passport, not a specific employer.
• The application for the PGWP Canada must be submitted within 90 days of the completion of the study program.
• The PGWP is not a guarantee and the issuing officer has the final say on whether or not to grant the permit.
• The PGWP Canada is a crucial step in many international students' journey from becoming a postgraduate work permit to a permanent resident in Canada.

Who is Eligible for PGWP Canada?

The Canadian government has introduced the post-graduate work permit in Canada after the study program, which allows you to work internationally after completing your studies.

To be eligible for a postgraduate work permit In Canada and Outside Canada, an individual must meet the following PGWP requirements:

PGWP Eligibility for Graduates In Canada

To be eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) in Canada after completing your graduation, the following PGWP-eligible programs 2023 criteria must be met:

• You have held a valid study permit within the past 180 days.
• You currently have a valid visitor record.
• You have either applied to extend your study permit before its expiry or have submitted a status change application, and have not yet received a decision.
• You completed a full-time study program at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
• Your study program was at least 900 hours in duration.
• You graduated from a public post-secondary institution, a Quebec-based private institution that follows the same rules as public institutions, or a recognized Canadian institution authorized to grant degrees under provincial law.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for PGWP?

Even if you are permitted to study online from outside of Canada without a study permit, you need an approved study permit to apply for a PGWP. The following PGWP-eligible programs 2023 criteria must be met for graduates outside Canada:

• A PGWP application is possible if you were enrolled in a program that included sessions that ran from January through March.
• If your program has already begun or is about to begin between the spring of this year and the summer of the following year,
• You already have a study permit or have been approved for one.
• You applied for a study permit before beginning your study program, and you have completed a study program at a designated learning institute.

Who is Not Eligible for PGWP Canada?

Along with the eligibility criteria, it is also important to learn about the ones who aren’t eligible for a PGWP Canada. These fall under the following circumstances:

• If you have already obtained a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you are not eligible for another one.
• Studying English or French as a secondary language does not qualify you for a PGWP.
• General interest or self-improvement courses are not considered eligible programs for a PGWP.
• If you have completed more than 50% of your study program through distance learning, you are not eligible for a PGWP.
• Completing a program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada does not make you eligible for a PGWP.

Documents Required to Apply for PGWP Canada

Familiarized with the eligibility criteria and the eligible criteria, moving further learn more about the required documents for applying for a Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada, summarized as pointers:

1. Identity Proof: Valid passport or travel document.
2. Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
3. Proof of Employment: Documentation demonstrating a job offer or employment prospects, if applicable.
4. Quebec-Specific Requirement: Copy of Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (MIDI) if planning to work in Quebec.
5. Completion of Program: Letter confirming successful completion of the program of study.
6. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts issued by the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) if available. Alternatively, a copy of the transcript from the DLI's website may be provided.
7. Medical Exam: If working in a field that requires a medical exam, an upfront medical exam can be conducted (within 90 days before application).

How to Get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Application Process

Now that you have gained the eligibility to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit, we have listed down the step-by-step process for applying for a Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada.

• Step 1: Begin by visiting the official Immigration and Citizenship website of the Government of Canada.
• Step 2: Create a new account on the website to initiate the application process.
• Step 3: Within your account, select the specific type of work permit you wish to apply for, in this case, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Step 4: Fill out the application form accurately and completely, providing the correct information required.
• Step 5: Once the form is filled, submit it through the online portal.
• Step 6: As part of the application process, you will be required to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated biometric collection center.
• Step 7: Prepare the documents mentioned in the next section of the website, which may include proof of graduation, passport, photographs, and other supporting documents.
• Step 8: Attach the required documents to your application, ensuring they meet the specified format and requirements.
• Step 9: After submitting your application, you may be requested to appear for an interview with officials or provide additional information as needed.
• Step 10: Keep track of your application status through your online account and promptly respond to any requests or notifications from the immigration authorities.

Once your work permit is approved, you will receive a letter that will allow you to work in Canada. When applying for a work permit outside of Canada, you will need to show this letter to officials before your permit can be approved.

Post Graduate Work Permit Canada: Fees

To complete the application for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada, the following fees need to be paid:

1. Open work permit holder fees: The fee for being issued an open work permit is 100 CAD.
2. Application fees: The application fee for the PGWP is 155 CAD. Therefore, the total fees to be paid for a Post-Graduation Work Permit amount to 255 CAD.

Explore this article to learn all about the Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students.

What is the PGWP Processing Time in Canada?

Are you wondering how long PGWP takes? The PGWP processing time in 2023 in Canada typically ranges from 90 to 110 days. Students need to apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing their program of study.

The time taken also depends on several factors such as the volume of applications received and the processing office. If more than 180 days have passed, students are required to change their status to visitors by obtaining a visitor visa and then applying for the PGWP within 90 days.

In general, it is best to apply for the PGWP Canada as soon as you have completed your studies, as the PGWP processing time can be longer if you apply later.

Read this blog to know what are the benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students.

Can I Apply for a Work Permit After my PGWP?

After obtaining a PGWP, you can still apply for another work permit, whether it's LMIA-based or exempt. However, it's worth considering Canadian permanent residence due to your Canadian work experience.

Several immigration programs, such as Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Quebec Immigration Options, offer pathways for candidates with Canadian work experience.

Also Read: Work Permit in Canada: A Detailed View

Post Graduate Work Permit Canada College List

Eager to know which are the suitable institutions for gaining a PGWP Canada post-study? Here is a list of post-graduation work permit-eligible programs and institutions in different provinces in Canada:

What is the Latest Post Graduate Work Permit Canada Rules 2023?

Now that you have learned how long does it takes to get PGWP, and the best colleges for Post Graduate Work Permit Canada, below is a quick glimpse of some PGWP Canada rules that will be in effect in the year 2023.

• As per the new rule, 127,000 PGWPs are set to expire in 2023. However, it is worth noting that around 67,000 PGWP holders have already submitted applications for PR and therefore will not require PGWP extension 2023 of their work permits through this initiative.

• From April 6, 2023, International grads whose post-graduation work permit Canada, has already expired or will shortly expire may apply for an extension of up to 18 months.

• Students studying at unsubsidized private institutions in Quebec will no longer be eligible for the PGWP Canada. This change will have a significant impact on students who have plans to enroll in such institutions in Quebec.

• The new rules will come into effect from September 1, 2023. After this date, any international student graduating from an unsubsidized private institution in Quebec will not be eligible for the PGWP.

How a PGWP Can Help You Immigrate to Canada?

The Post Graduation Work Program (PGWP) in Canada offers international students a direct route to permanent residency. It allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, enhancing their eligibility for the Express Entry system.

This experience and Canadian education credentials boost their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making them more competitive in the PR application process. Additionally, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Quebec Experience Class consider candidates with Canadian education and work experience as favorable applicants.

Make your Study Dream a Reality with PGWP Canada!

Obtaining a post-graduate work permit in Canada is a great way to gain valuable work experience, expand your professional network, and further your career.

With the help of a knowledgeable immigration consultant like GetGIS, obtaining a PGWP Canada can be effortless and streamlined. Trust GetGIS to guide you through the PGWP process and ensure that your application meets all requirements.

Good luck on your journey to securing a PGWP in Canada after study!

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