As the Canadian government has welcoming immigration policies, most of which give better chances to international students who have studied in Canada, each year, thousands of students from all over the world come to study in Canada with hopes of becoming permanent residents and eventual citizens of the Great White North.
The Canada post-graduation work permit allows international students to stay in the country for up to 3 years after finishing their studies, giving them a chance to gain professional experience. The work experience and the study duration get counted in the permanent residence application, increasing the chances of candidates becoming permanent residents after some time. All these aspects make Canada a desirable destination for international students.
Learn more below about the post-graduation work permit for international students and if you have any further questions, or need assistance applying, arrange a free consultation with SI-Canada today.
Benefits of Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada is a valuable immigration initiative by the Canadian government that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work there for a specified period after completing their studies. The PGWP Canada is the next logical step for students who want to enter the Canadian workforce.
1. Work experience
The PGWP in Canada allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, greatly benefiting them with future career opportunities and long-term settlement in the country. Additionally, working in Canada will enable them to develop and apply skills acquired during their academic program, enhancing their professional capabilities and competitiveness in the global job market.
2. Eligibility for permanent residency
The work experience gained through these years after graduation can significantly enhance eligibility for various immigration pathways, such as the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), facilitating the transition to permanent residency in Canada.
3. Open work authorization
The PGWP is an open work permit, which is an excellent opportunity for students to work and live in Canada. It allows graduates to work for any employer in Canada and switch jobs without needing a new work permit until their PGWP is valid.
4. Networking opportunities
Working in Canada enables graduates to build professional networks and connections within their industry, which can be instrumental for career growth and advancement. Students who leave their countries to study in Canada need an impressive network, as it can help them settle in the country with connections that can help in future job placements.
Who Can Apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?
International students who come to study in Canada with a valid study permit to pursue a course of more than eight months can apply for a post-study work visa in Canada. The course must be from a designated learning institution (DLI), and the student must be admitted to the course full-time to gain this particular visa. The applicant must also have maintained valid temporary resident status in Canada throughout their study program, including a valid study permit.
PGWP Eligibility Requirements
In October 2024, the Canadian government announced changes to eligibility for the post-graduate work permit, with the changes taking effect from November 1.
Existing Requirements
To qualify for a PGWP, you must meet the general and location-based eligibility requirements and complete your studies at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution. These criteria apply even after November 1, 2024.
- Completing a program from a DLI: A student must have graduated with a study program from a designated learning institution in Canada. Any other institution would not lead to a post-study work visa in Canada. The program that a student completes must last at least eight months and should lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Full-time status: The student must have also completed the program of study on a full-time basis. However, some exceptions may apply for part-time studies under specific circumstances.
- Valid study permit: The student must also have held a valid study permit during the entire study period in Canada. During this time, they must also have complied with the conditions of their study permit.
- No Previous PGWP: Graduates in Canada are not eligible for the PGWP if they have previously received a PGWP or a similar work permit after completing another program of study in Canada.
If you apply for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, or as a graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school, only current eligibility requirements are necessary.
New Requirements
If you apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, after submitting your study permit before this date, you must meet the new requirements based on your qualification level:
University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral)
- Language: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French across all four areas.
- Field of Study: All fields are eligible.
Other University Programs
- Language: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all areas.
- Field of Study: Must be an eligible field.
College or Other Programs
- Language: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all areas.
- Field of Study: Must be an eligible field.
For study permit applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, the same language and field of study requirements apply.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Duration
The duration of the post-graduation work permit is typically linked to the length of the program completed by a student, with a maximum validity period of three years.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Requirements
The requirements for getting the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada include the following:
- Proof of program completion: Applicants must have completed the course at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Valid Study Permit: Applicants must have held a valid study permit during their program of study in Canada. They should also have adhered to the conditions of their study permit.
- Transcripts and Letter of Completion: Submission of official transcripts and a letter of completion from the designated learning institution (DLI) is required. This should be done within 180 days of completing the program.
- Age: Students applying for a PGWP must be more than 18 years of age at the time of the application.
Eligible Levels Of Study
To be eligible for the PGWP in Canada, international students must have completed a specific program of study at an eligible designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The eligibility is generally determined by the level and type of program completed by a student.
- Diploma or certificate: Graduates from diploma or certificate programs, with a duration of more than eight months, at designated learning institutions, are eligible for the PGWP. Most of the courses are short-term and can lead to a post-study work visa of the same duration as the course.
- Undergraduate degrees: Graduates who have completed a bachelor's degree, which usually gets completed in four years, at a DLI are eligible for the PGWP. These students can stay in the country for up to 3 years.
- Postgraduate degrees: Graduates who have completed a master's degree or a doctoral degree at a designated learning institution are eligible for a stay of 3 years if their course duration has been more than two years.
- Combination of programs: In some cases, graduates who have completed a combination of programs, such as a diploma followed by a degree, may also be eligible for the PGWP. The total duration of the program or programs is considered in such cases to determine the full duration of the post-study work visa in Canada.
Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
If you are an aspiring international student who wants to pursue higher studies in Canada, consider booking a free consultation session with SI-Canada to learn more about the application process.
