Study
PGWP: Apply for a Post Graduation Work permit
Canada has a generous Immigration policy that allows the family member of the International student to come to Canada to study or work.
Overview
PGWP is an open work permit that allows international students to work in Canada for 20 hours per week and helps in gaining work experience in the Canadian labor market unless they’re graduated from a Canadian Designated Institution learning(DLI). PGWP offers many benefits to international students and one of the major benefits is, it enables PGWP holders to apply for Permanent Residency.
However, there are some eligibility criteria you must meet to apply for PGWP. A PGWP holder needs to gain one year of work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of 0, A, or B to be eligible to apply for a Canadian permanent Residential Program.
Can I Study Overseas and Still Be Eligible for a PGWP?
Due to COVID-19 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) changed its policy and allowed international students to pursue their studies Online i.e. Distance learning at Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and still be eligible for PGWP as long as they meet all the conditions.
An international student who studies online from abroad or those who submitted the study permit before 31st August 2022, will remain eligible to complete 100% of their program online without affecting their PGWP eligibility.
How long is PGWP valid for?
A PGWP is valid for anywhere from 8 months to 3 years, however, It totally depends on the length of the program you choose at DLI. Some guidelines provided by IR-CC on the official website on the eligibility and validity of PGWP are-
- Those who completed the program under 8 months are not eligible for PGWP.
- Those who completed the program between 8 months and less than 2 years, PGWP will be valid for the same length of the study program.
- Those who completed more than one program can combine their Canadian educational program as long as the programs are DLI eligible and each over 8 months in duration.
PGWP’s application deadline
The deadline for PGWP’S application is within 180 days of the completion of the study program. An applicant must hold a valid study permit if he/she is applying from within the country. If their study permit is expired or will expire, they may apply for status as a visitor before applying for a PGWP. Those who have already applied before the expiration of the study permit can start working full-time immediately while their application is processing.
eligibility requirements
PGWP’s eligibility requirements
Following are the requirements you should meet to be eligible for PGWP-
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years of age and have completed a full-time course that lasted for 8 months.
- Must complete the study from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution(DLI)
- Study program must lead to a degree, diploma or certificate
- Received a transcript & an official letter from an eligible DLI confirming that applicant has met all the requirement to pursue their study program.
- Graduated from a public post-secondary school, such as college, tech/technical school or university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
Or
Private post-secondary school that operates under the same rule as public schools
Or
Canadian private schools that can legally award degrees under provincial laws only for those enrolled in study programs leading to a degree as authorized by the province.
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Any questions? We have got you covered
