Post-Graduation Work Permit: Work in Canada after Graduation

Surya Rathee
[Published 29 Dec, 2023 | 12:04 PM]
About Author - 6 min read
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Post-graduation work Permits (PGWPs) are open work permits that are extended to international students on a Canada Study Visa - upon successful completion of their Canadian educational program. With PGWPs, holders can work for any employer, without restrictions on hours, and anywhere in Canada.

These permits have a validity period spanning from 8 months to 3 years, offering a valuable opportunity for international students to gain hands-on Canadian work experience. This experience, in turn, serves as a gateway to various possibilities - including a direct pathway to apply for Canada PR visa.

Unlike most Canadian work permits, a PGWP doesn't need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It allows eligible graduates to get valuable work experience in Canada. With enough work experience, many international students can qualify for permanent residency programs through various pathways including:

Express Entry Streams
Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs)
Quebec Immigration Programs

Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR

Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), the international student must be at least 18 years old and have studied full-time in Canada in a program of at least 8 months. The study program must have been completed at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in one of the following types of programs listed below. Also, to apply for a PGWP, international students must apply within 180 days of the completion of their study program.

If an applicant is applying from within Canada, they must have a valid Canada Study Visa at the time of application. If their study permit has expired or will expire they may apply for status as a visitor before applying for the PGWP. However, applicants who apply for a PGWP before the expiration of their study permit are eligible to begin working full-time immediately, while their application is processing. Overseas applicants are also eligible to apply for a PGWP.

Eligible levels of study

The following levels of study and programs are eligible for PGWPs:

A public post-secondary school, like a college, trade/technical school, university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
A private post-secondary school in Quebec that follows the same regulations as public schools (applies to specific institutions).
A private secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec offering qualifying programs lasting 900 hours or more, leading to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP).
A Canadian private school authorized by provincial law to confer degrees, but only for those in degree programs sanctioned by the province.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Processing Time

The processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can range from 80 to 180 days. During this waiting period, applicants who submitted their PGWP application before their student permit expired are allowed to work in Canada.

Applicants have a window of 180 days from completing all program requirements to apply for their PGWP. If you leave Canada after finishing your studies, you can still apply for a PGWP from overseas. This is a change from the previous requirement of submitting PGWP applications exclusively from within Canada. In cases where the PGWP application is submitted from outside of Canada, additional documentation might be requested, depending on the processing visa office.

Applying For Work Permit After PGWP Expires

Having a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) doesn't restrict you from applying for another work permit later. You are free to apply for either a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt permit if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, it could be beneficial to explore the option of applying for Canadian permanent residence, especially considering the advantage of having gained Canadian work experience.

The following immigration programs have options for candidates with Canadian work experience:

Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Provincial Nominee Programs
Quebec Immigration Options

If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is nearing expiration, you have two choices: you can either apply for a PGWP extension, or you can explore various Canada PR options designed for graduates of learning institutions in Canada.

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How Many Times Can You Apply For A PGWP?

You're allowed to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) only once. If you're thinking about pursuing another program that's an extension of your initial one or planning a more extended degree program in Canada, it's strategic to time your PGWP application. Applying after completing the longest duration of study will result in a PGWP with longer validity, up to a maximum of three years.

Post-Graduation Work Permit to Canada PR

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is strategically designed to offer international students in Canada a streamlined pathway to obtain permanent residence status. By seamlessly connecting Canadian education with substantial full-time work experience in the country, candidates position themselves favorably for application under the Canadian Express Entry immigration system.

Acquiring both a Canadian educational credential and work experience becomes a significant advantage, as it adds valuable points to the candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This, in turn, enhances their competitiveness among other applicants in the quest for permanent resident status in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and, for those who studied in Quebec, the Quebec Experience Class program, are additional immigration pathways that particularly benefit candidates holding a Canadian educational credential along with work experience. These programs offer opportunities for individuals to leverage their academic and professional background in Canada when seeking immigration to specific provinces or territories.

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