Post Graduation Work Permit

What is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

International students who complete an eligible post-secondary program in Canada may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada and use the professional experience gained to support your application for Canadian permanent residence. Canada offers the PGWP to attract and retain international students as immigrants. The permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your educational program. As an open work permit, the PGWP lets graduates work for any employer without needing a job offer. This professional work experience can significantly benefit those applying for Canadian immigration, as many of Canada's immigration programs reward candidates with Canadian study and work experience. Typically, PGWP holders need one year of professional work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of 0, A, or B to be eligible for permanent residence.

 PGWP Fee - $100

Open Work Permit Fee- $150

Studying Overseas and PGWP Eligibility

During the coronavirus, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allowed international students to conduct distance learning at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and still qualify for a PGWP, provided they meet other conditions. Students who studied online or applied for a study permit by August 31, 2022, could complete their program online without affecting PGWP eligibility. However, study time abroad after September 1, 2023, will reduce the PGWP duration.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a PGWP, international students must:

• Complete a program at least eight months long at an eligible DLI, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Maintain full-time student status in Canada during every academic session of the completed program(s).
• Note: During the coronavirus pandemic, exceptions may apply for students who began their program between spring 2020 and summer 2022 or those whose program was ongoing in March 2020. Exceptions may also apply for those who took a leave in their final academic session.
• Obtain a transcript and an official letter from the DLI confirming program completion.
• These documents must be included in the PGWP application.
• Graduate from a qualifying institution, such as:
• A public post-secondary institution (college, trade/technical school, university, or CEGEP in Quebec).
• A private post-secondary school in Quebec operating under the same rules as public schools.
• A private secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, leading to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP).
• A Canadian private school authorized to award degrees under provincial law (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree), provided the program leads to a degree.

Graduates of vocational and professional training programs in Quebec must meet additional PGWP criteria set by IRCC based on the type of diploma issued.

Note: Starting September 2024, students in programs using a curriculum licensing framework (where a private college is licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college) will no longer be eligible for a PGWP.

Validity Duration

The PGWP's validity ranges from 8 months to 3 years, depending on your program's length:

• Programs under 8 months: Not eligible.
• Programs between 8 months and less than 2 years: PGWP valid for the program's length (e.g., a 10-month program results in a 10-month PGWP).
• Master's programs less than 2 years: PGWP valid for 2 years.*
• Programs of 2 years or more: PGWP valid for 3 years.
• Multiple programs: You can combine eligible programs (each over 8 months) to determine the PGWP length based on the durations above.

*As of 2024, IRCC updated the policy for some Master's students, allowing those in programs less than 2 years to qualify for a 3-year PGWP, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

Deadline

You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days (six months) of receiving a transcript and an official letter from your DLI confirming program completion. If your study permit expires before receiving your marks, you can either apply for a visitor record to stay longer in Canada or leave and apply for the PGWP from abroad.

Required Supporting Documents

When applying, ensure you include a letter confirming program completion and an official transcript from your DLI. Additional documents may be requested by program officers.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance? Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!

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