Post-graduate work permit in Canada | A comprehensive guide!

Post-graduate work permit in Canada | Why do you need a PGWP?

Post-graduate work permits are open work grants given to international students who have graduated from a Canadian study program. This special permit lets you work anywhere in Canada without a cap on the working hour. PGWPs are the most reliable way of gaining valuable work experience within the boundaries of Canada. If you wish to get one for yourself, here’s how to apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada!

What is a post-graduation work permit in Canada?

Post-graduation work permit in Canada is specifically designed for graduate international students in Canada. These open work permits allow international students to work for any employer in Canada for as long as they wish! However, not every study program in Canada is eligible for work permit access. It is therefore recommended to check your eligibility before applying for the same.

The PGWP allows Canadian graduates to acquire valuable working experience to unlock beneficial opportunities in the future. However, this work permit doesn’t consider LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). This work permit also increases your odds of being eligible for permanent residency in Canada. Hence, it becomes important to avail of its benefits by learning how to apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada.

Latest updates on Canada PGWP 2023

Before applying for a post-graduate work permit in Canada, it is essential to have the latest information. Some notable PGWP updates are as follows-

1. For completion of the study program before 1^st September 2023

In case you have completed your study program before 1^st September 2023, you must apply for PGWP within six months of completion. The application for PGWP will be evaluated in the defined time period.

2. For study programs starting after 1^st September 2023

If your study program starts after 1^st September 2023, you can apply for PGWP if your program or the institution stands eligible for it after the specified date. You can check the eligibility on the official migration portals of Canada.

3. For students enrolled in an ineligible study program

If you are enrolled in a program that doesn’t qualify for PGWP before 1^st September 2023, then the past duration you spent studying in that program will be considered. However, the authorities will compute your eligibility accordingly.

How does a PGWP help in permanent immigration to Canada?

A post-graduation work permit in Canada allows you to gain Canadian work experience after completing your studies. This work experience can be valuable for those who want to immigrate permanently to Canada. Additionally, it can help you meet eligibility requirements for immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Subsequently, a PGWP also allows you to extend your stay in Canada and build connections that may be useful in your future endeavors.

Eligibility of PGWP in Canada

The eligibility of a post-graduate work permit in Canada is subject to differ slightly for inside-Canada graduates and outside-Canada graduates. Therefore, it is considered best to check your eligibility on the official portals of the Canadian government. Standard eligibility for PGWP are mentioned below –

• Completion of a study program: You must be 18 and have completed a full-time study program of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Study program level: The program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Valid study permit: You must have a valid study permit when applying for the PGWP.
• Program completion date: You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing your study program.
• Good character standing: You must have maintained full-time status and good academic standing while studying in Canada.
• Language proficiency: You must be proficient in English or French, the two official languages of Canada.

Application process for PGWP

If you are confused about how to apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada, make sure to adhere to all the steps below –

1. Follow the time frame: Every foreign national will be provided a time period of 180 days to apply for PGWP in Canada after graduation.
2. Collect Documents: You must have all the relevant documents, like a diploma, degree, institute transcripts, and an official letter from your college.
3. Pay the application fee: You must submit a fee of CAD 255, where CAD 155 is the casual fee and CAD 100 is the work permit holder fee.
4. Apply online: You can apply offline or online on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
5. Wait for processing: The post-graduate work permit processing time in Canada is subject to change with each application. However, a standard processing time is 148 days.
6. Receive your PGWP: If your application is approved, you will receive your PGWP by mail after due verification. You can use this work permit to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.

Universities providing post-graduate work permit in Canada

The colleges and universities that are eligible for providing PGWP fall under the long list of designated learning institutions in Canada. Here is a brief of the major universities from popular cities in Canada-

Alberta

• The University of Alberta
• The University of Lethbridge
• The University of Calgary

Ontario

• Queen’s University
• Ryerson University
• Sheridan College
• McMaster University
• Niagara University
• Northeastern University

Manitoba

• The University of Winnipeg
• The University of Manitoba

New Brunswick

• The University of New Brunswick

British Columbia

• The University of British Columbia (UBC)
• Simon Fraser University (SFU)
• Vancouver Community College
• Capilano University
• Coast Mountain College
• Coquitlam College

Key takeaways

• Post-graduation work permit in Canada is a work grant for international students who have completed their graduation from the designated institutes of Canada.
• The post-graduation work permit in Canada is valid for eight months to three years.
• The latest updates in PGWP allow you to apply before/after 1^st September 2023, as per your case.
• The eligibility criteria for PGWP differs a bit for inside and outside graduates in Canada.
• The application PGWP can be filed both online and offline. Hence, you must have the required documents in hand.
• Many colleges and institutes in Canada are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), allowing for PGWP.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

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FAQ

Q1. Does a post-graduate work permit need LMIA in Canada?

Answer- While applying for PGWP, you will not require LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

Q2. Do private colleges permit post-graduate work permits in Canada?

Answer- Yes, many private colleges allow PGWP in Canada. You must check the list of institutions and colleges at the official handles of the Canadian government.

Q3. How many times can I apply for a PGWP in Canada?

Answer- You can apply only once for a post-graduation work permit in Canada.

Q4. Can I apply for LMIA after applying for a PGWP?

Answer- Yes, you can apply for LMIA or LMIA exemption after or before applying for a PGWP.