Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit Eligibility

Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are open work permits granted to international students who have completed a Canadian educational program. These permits allow graduates to work for any employer across Canada. This is without restrictions on hours.

PGWPs are issued for a duration between eight months and three years. It provides an excellent opportunity to acquire Canadian work experience. This experience can be a key factor in pursuing permanent residency in Canada.

What is Canada PGWP?

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are available to international students who have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. These permits are classified as open work permits. It allows graduates to work for any employer across Canada without location or job type restrictions.

You could qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you've completed your studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Also, you wish to remain temporarily to work. However, graduating from a DLI does not guarantee eligibility for a PGWP.

Who is Eligible for Canada PGWP?

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have studied full-time in Canada for at least 8 months.
• Have completed your program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Apply within 180 days after finishing your studies.

Note: If applying from within Canada, you must have a valid status. If your study permit is expiring, you can apply for visitor status before applying for the PGWP. If you apply before your study permit expires, you can start working full-time while your PGWP is being processed. You can also apply for a PGWP from outside Canada.

Check Your Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For Graduates Inside Canada

• You must apply within 180 days of graduating.
• To apply, you need to prove:
  • You completed your program.
  • The name and length of your program.
  • Acceptable documents include your degree, diploma, transcript, or an official letter from your school.
• Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days before you apply.
• If your study permit expires before you get your marks:
  • You can apply for a visitor record to extend your stay, or
  • Leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside.
  • If you stay and your permit expires, you’ll need to restore your student status before applying, which involves extra fees.

General Eligibility Requirements

• You must have completed a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) that meets specific criteria.
• Generally, you must have been a full-time student during each semester, with some exceptions. It includes part-time status in your final semester or approved leaves, especially due to COVID-19.
• Your study permit must have been valid within the last 180 days.
• If you applied to extend your study permit before it expired and are still waiting for a decision, you can apply for a PGWP.

Study Program Requirements

For Quebec Institutions:

• Public Post-Secondary DLI (e.g., college, university): Must be 8 months or longer and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Vocational Training Programs: These must be 900 hours or longer and lead to a diploma in vocational studies or an attestation of vocational specialization.
• CEGEP: Must be 900 hours or longer and lead to an attestation or diploma of college studies.
• Privately-Sponsored Programs: Must be provincially subsidized and 900 hours or longer, leading to an attestation or diploma of college studies.
• Flight Schools: Must be 8 months or 900 hours or longer and lead to a relevant diploma or attestation.

For Canadian Private DLIs Authorized to Confer Degrees:

• No specific length; the program must lead to a degree authorized by the province.

Exceptions to Eligibility

You cannot apply for a PGWP if you:

• Have a study permit that expires more than 180 days before applying.
• Have already received a PGWP.
• Studied English or French as a second language, took general interest courses, or participated in certain funded programs.
• Received specific scholarships or fellowships.
• Completed most of your program through distance learning or at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
• Completed a program at a non-PGWP-eligible DLI or through a curriculum licensing agreement that does not meet PGWP criteria.

For Graduates Outside of Canada

• You must apply within 180 days of graduating.
• Provide proof of completing your program (degree, diploma, transcript, or official letter).
• If you studied online from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 2022, you didn't need a valid study permit during that period due to a temporary COVID-19 policy.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Study Program requirement is the same as for graduates inside Canada.
• Must have maintained full-time status. However, some exceptions for part-time status or approved leaves, especially due to COVID-19.
• Applicant must have been approved or applied for before starting your program and eventually approved.

Exceptions: Similar to those for graduates inside Canada. It includes issues related to study permit status and program type.

If you’re not eligible for a PGWP, other work permit options might be available.

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How to Apply for PGWP?

Here is a step-by-step guide for applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP):

1. Complete the Application Form: Start by filling out the PGWP application online. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection.
2. Pay the Application Fee: Pay a fee of CAD 255 (INR 15,865) when applying online. If your study permit has expired, you’ll need to pay an additional CAD 350 (INR 21,776) to restore your student status. Note: If you don’t apply within 90 days after your study permit expires, you will need to leave Canada.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Collect the necessary documents to prove you’ve completed your studies. Acceptable documents include:
   1. Your degree or diploma
   2. An official letter from your school
   3. Official transcripts or copies from your school’s website
4. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application online. IRCC might request additional documents after submission. If you're applying from within Canada, you’ll receive your PGWP if approved. If you're applying from outside Canada, you’ll receive your PGWP along with a new visitor visa to enter Canada.

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Where to Apply?

You can apply for a PGWP either from within Canada or from another country.

Important Update: Since June 21, 2024, you can no longer apply for a PGWP at a Canadian port of entry (like an airport or land border).

When to Apply?

You have up to 180 days after finishing your program to apply. Ensure that your study permit is still valid when you submit your application, as this allows you to work in Canada while your PGWP application is being processed.

Documents Required for Canada PGWP

To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you'll need to provide the following documents:

• Completion of Studies Letter: This letter confirms that you have finished your study program.
• Transcript: Either an official or unofficial transcript showing your completed degree.
• Valid Passport: Include copies of the biographical page and any pages with visas, stamps, or other markings.
• Study Permit: Provide a copy of your study permit.
• Digital Photo: A recent digital photograph.
• Biometrics: If you haven't submitted biometrics in the last 10 years, you'll need to provide them.
• Medical Exam: Required if you have lived in a designated country for more than 6 months in the past year or if you are applying for jobs in certain medical or research fields.
• Application Form IMM5710: Complete and submit this form as part of your application.

Entry Requirements to Canada

When re-entering Canada, a border services officer will check that you meet the entry requirements, which include having:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Good health
• No criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Proof of ties to your home country (like a job, home, or family) to show you’ll return after your stay
• Sufficient funds for your stay in Canada
• Valid results from an immigration medical exam (if required), which must be valid when you enter Canada

Spouses or Common-Law Partners

If your PGWP application is approved, your spouse or common-law partner may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in Canada.

Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Validity

The duration of your PGWP depends on the level and length of your study program. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Note: Your PGWP will expire when your passport does if that happens before the end of the permit’s duration. Additionally, if you have already received a PGWP for a previous program, you cannot get another one for a new program.

Canada Extends Post-Graduation Work Permit Validity for ...

How Online Studies Affect Your PGWP?

For Studies Outside Canada:

• Eligibility Period: If you studied online with a PGWP-eligible institution from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, all that time counts toward the length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Policy Change: Starting September 1, 2022, online study time from outside Canada no longer counts towards the PGWP length.

What Doesn’t Count:

• Time spent studying outside Canada after December 31, 2023.
• Time spent studying before you applied for a study permit.

For Studies in Canada:

• Until August 31, 2024: You must complete at least 50% of your program either online or in class within Canada.
• From September 1, 2024: You must complete at least 50% of your program in-class in Canada.

How many times can I apply for a PGWP?

You can apply for a PGWP only once. To maximize its validity (up to three years), consider applying after completing your longest study program in Canada.

What to Do if Your Study Permit Expires?

• Before You Get Your Marks: If your study permit is about to expire before you receive your final grades, you have two options: apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada, or leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from abroad.
• If Your Permit Expires Before You Apply: You have 90 days after your study permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your student status. This involves paying the PGWP fee (CAD 255) and the student status restoration fee (CAD 379).

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How Can Kansas Help?

At Kansas, we can assist with your Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in the following ways:

1. Eligibility Check: We assess your academic background and study permit status to confirm eligibility.
2. Strategic Advice: We guide you on the best time to apply for your PGWP to maximize its validity.
3. Document Assistance: We help you gather and prepare all necessary documents for your application.
4. Application Submission: We ensure your application is accurately completed and submitted.
5. Progress Monitoring: We track your application's status and update you on any developments.
6. Post-Application Support: We advise on your rights and next steps while waiting for your PGWP decision.
7. Immigration Planning: We offer advice on pathways to permanent residency based on your work experience.

Other FAQs

1. What are the new rules for postgraduate work permits in Canada?

As of June 21, 2024, you can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (airport, land, or marine border). You must apply online or from inside Canada. Your study permit must be valid when you apply to work while your PGWP application is processed.

2. Will employment with your PGWP allow me to apply for permanent residence?

Yes, employment gained through a PGWP can help you apply for permanent residence. The Canadian work experience acquired can be valuable for various immigration pathways. It includes the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

3. Does work experience acquired on a PGWP count towards permanent residence?

Yes, work experience gained while on a PGWP can count towards permanent residence applications. It is recognized and can be used to meet the requirements for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

4. How can you find a doctor to provide your immigration medical exam?

To find a designated medical practitioner for your immigration medical exam, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and look for the list of approved panel physicians. You can select a physician based on their location and availability.

5. Can a candidate apply for permanent residence while applying for a PGWP?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residence while your PGWP application is being processed. There is no restriction on submitting a permanent residence application at the same time as applying for a PGWP.

6. Do you need a visitor visa or eTA along with a PGWP?

If you apply for a PGWP from outside Canada, you will receive a new visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) if required. If you are already in Canada and need to travel outside, you may need to apply for a new visitor visa or eTA if your current one has expired.

7. What are the requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?

To qualify for a PGWP, you must have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Also, your study permit must be valid when you apply, and your program of study must be at least 8 months long.

8. Does the holder of a PGWP have to hold a skilled job?

No, there is no requirement for PGWP holders to work in a skilled job. They can work in any job, regardless of their skill level. Although working in a skilled position can be beneficial for certain immigration pathways.

9. What can you do on a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

On a PGWP, you can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed in any job. The permit allows you to gain Canadian work experience which can be beneficial for future immigration applications.

10. Can applicants work while waiting for their PGWP?

Yes, if you have a valid study permit and applied for your PGWP before your study permit expires. You can work full-time while waiting for your PGWP decision.

11. Who is qualified for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?

You are qualified if you completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Also, your study permit was valid at the time of application, and your program was at least 8 months long.

12. Who is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?

International students who have completed a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada are eligible. However, their program was at least 8 months long and their study permit was valid when they applied.

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