Students from across the world move to Canada for higher studies. The Canadian institutions and study programs offer top-class education, training, exposure and the foundation to ace any chosen field. However, an international student must acquire a study permit to study at a designated learning institution in Canada. This study permit only allows the students to reside and study in Canada for the duration of the course, plus an additional 90 days. Students, post-graduation, often wish to work for companies in Canada to gain hands-on experience with the best of teams. However, a study permit does not allow students to work full-time in Canada. That is why one needs to be aware of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program in Canada. Want to apply for a post graduation work permit in Canada? Here is everything you need to know about it.
What Does a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit Entail?
The Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada is a government program that offers open work permits to international students in Canada who have studied in institutions (DLIs) recognized by the government. Work experience in Canada opens up myriad avenues for candidates, as it is deemed valuable in their respective industries in other countries.
Additionally, having Canadian work experience also facilitates the acquisition of permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry. Work experience in skill level 0 as per National Occupational Classification earned through PGWPP enables candidates to secure their Canadian PR under the Canadian experience class.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Canada Application Procedure
-
- An applicant must apply for the PGWPP within 180 days of completion of their program. It will be either counted from the date of the issuance of the final results or when the official letter of completion of the course is published.
- The candidate must submit documents like a college transcript and a declaration from their educational institute stating that the candidate has completed their course.
- Applications may be made through the IRCC website.
Validity of Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Canada?
The validity of the PGWPP can be between 8 months to 3 years. It solely depends on the length of the course of study undertaken by the applicant in any DLI. The total duration of the degree would also include session breaks. In case the candidate’s passport expires before the validity of the work permit expires, the presiding officer must make a note of it. Upon renewal of their passport, the applicant can apply to extend work permit to avail the entire validity of their post-graduation work permit.
Criteria for PG Work Permit Program Canada
Before you apply for post graduate work permit in Canada, one must be familiar with the eligibility criteria for this work permit in Canada.
-
- The international candidate must be at least 18 years old.
- They must have studied at a recognized designated learning institution for a minimum period of eight months.
- They must have earned a diploma, degree or certificate from a professional or academic program.
- They must have maintained a full-time student status in the country during each session of their programs of study. However, applicants with a part-time status only in the final semester of their program are also eligible for the PGWPP program.
- Applicants applying from within Canada must have valid temporary status.
Note- Students can apply to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Canada only once in their lifetime.
Full-Time Employment Prior to Application Submission
Students who have completed their course and have applied for PGWPP before the expiration of their study permit can start working effectively immediately without waiting for the final result. The applicants must meet the following conditions.
-
- They had a valid study permit at the time of application.
- They were full-time students at a DLI for an academic or vocational course of study.
- They had permission to work outside their college campus without any work permit.
- They did not exceed the allowed workable hours.
Institutions and Programs Recognized by Canada
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program recognizes a section of educational institutions in Canada. Thus, to be able to get PGWPP, a student must ensure that they are applying to one of the following eligible institutions:
-
- A public post-secondary institute, like a college, trade school, university or CEGEP.
- A private post-secondary institute governed by the same set of regulations as the public ones in Quebec.
- A private/ public secondary or higher secondary institute offering courses like a diploma of vocational studies or attestation of vocational specialization worth 900 hours or more.
- A private institution recognized by provincial decree to offer degrees is also considered DLI for courses of studies authorized by province laws.
Requirements of Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Canada
Individuals who have left Canada but want to gain work experience from Canadian organizations can also apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada.
-
Temporary Resident Visa
A temporary resident visa or TRV is issued to individuals from nations which require a visa to enter Canada. Upon expiration of the study permit, the student must return to his native country and his TRV lapses. Such an individual is allowed to apply for post graduate work permit in Canada, provided that his date of application is not later than 180 days after completion of his course.
A TRV is issued for the overseas candidate if their work permit in Canada is approved. Candidates applying for PGWPP from within the nation do not get instantaneous TRV issued upon approval of their work permit in Canada. They must additionally apply for the visa if their TRV has expired or is about to expire.
-
Electronic Travel Authorizations
International candidates from visa-exempt countries get Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA) upon approval of their PGWPP application. The TRV must not be cancelled by authorities for applicants eligible for eTA expansion if an ETA is issued while he holds a valid TRV. This TRV will allow the candidate to travel to Canada by land, air or sea until expiration. Thus, students who had left Canada after completing their studies can only enter Canada again for work if they have the following government-authorized documents:
-
- Nationals from countries that require a visa must possess TRV
- Nationals from visa-exempt nations must have an eTA permit
It is applicable irrespective of whether the permit decision is due or if the candidate has received a valid work permit from the Canadian government.
Conclusion
PGWPP is exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments. This open work permit allows permit holders to work full-time, part-time or be self-employed. This work permit offers a holistic approach to educating and training students in the country. Students who have studied and worked in the multicultural and fast-paced environment of the nation are better suited to assimilate into the cultural fabric of Canada. Thus, the PGWPP is a stepping stone for people who have studied, resided and worked in Canada to become residents in Canada. This wholesome Canadian education and work experience give these students an edge over other applicants of the PR process, as these credentials offer extra points to their CRS score. Thus, an individual with PGWPP is in a unique position to get PR through the Express Entry immigration system.
You May Also Read
|
Find Better Jobs in Ontario |
|
|
Explore Global Companies in Canada |
|
|
Getting Jobs Through Social Media |
|
|
Effective Working Tips in Canada |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your grades do not matter for PGWPP. All you need is to complete your studies at Canada-recognized institutions and must have studied full-time for a minimum period of eight months.
Applications can be made through the IRCC website. Applicants must either have a valid study permit or apply within 180 days of completion of their degree.
A candidate with a valid work permit, like PGWPP, is eligible to work in Canada. They can prepare their resume, approach personnel at positions of authority in organizations of their choice and request an interview. Work permit holders can work full-time or part-time in Canada for any employer without any restrictions.
After completing your graduation and acquiring a year’s worth of work experience in Canada through PGWPP, you will be eligible for PR in Canada.
PGWPP allows the applicants to work multiple jobs at a time as long as the PGWPP is valid. Do my grades matter for PGWPP?
Where should I apply for PGWPP in Canada?
How to find employment after graduation?
Will I be eligible for Canadian PR after 1 year of PGWP?
Can I work multiple jobs with PGWPP?
