So, you’ve graduated from a Canadian institution—congratulations! Now what? If you’re an international student and want to gain some work experience in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is something you’ll want to know about. It allows you to stay in Canada and work after finishing your studies. Best part? You’re not tied to one employer; you can work for anyone, anywhere in Canada!
If you’re thinking about sticking around in Canada and possibly applying for permanent residency, the PGWP is one of the best ways to get some relevant work experience. Here’s why it’s a great opportunity:
Work Anywhere: Full-time, part-time, even multiple jobs—your call.
No Red Tape: Unlike some other work permits, you don’t need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), making it easier to start working right away.
Path to PR: The work experience you gain can help you qualify for permanent residency down the road.
Long-term Work: Depending on the length of your studies, your PGWP could be valid for up to 3 years. That’s plenty of time to build your career and life here!
Before you get too excited, let’s make sure you’re eligible. Here’s what you need:
You’ve Completed a Program: It must be full-time and at least 8 months long from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Valid Study Permit: You need to have had a valid study permit throughout your program.
Eligible Program: Your program should lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate from a DLI.
Apply Within 180 Days: Once you’ve got your final marks, you’ve got 180 days to apply for the PGWP.
How long you can work in Canada depends on how long your study program was:
8 months to less than 2 years: You’ll get a permit for the same length as your program.
2 years or longer: You could get a work permit for up to 3 years.
Bonus tip: If you’ve done more than one eligible program, you can combine them. So, if you finished two 1-year programs, you might be able to get a PGWP for up to 3 years!
When you’re ready to apply for the PGWP, you’ll need a few key documents:
It’s a good idea to apply as soon as you get your completion documents because processing times can vary.
The application process is all online, which makes things easier. Here’s how it works:
Sign into Your IRCC Account: If you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to create an account on the IRCC website.
Complete the Forms: Fill out your details, program information, etc.
Upload Your Documents: Get all your required documents ready and upload them.
Pay the Fee: The PGWP application costs $255 CAD in total.
Wait for Approval: After you apply, you can track your application status through your IRCC account.
No need to panic. If your study permit is about to expire, you can still apply for the PGWP. As long as you apply within the 180-day window, you’re good to stay in Canada while your application is being processed.
Yes, you can! If you apply for the PGWP before your study permit expires, you’re allowed to start working full-time while waiting for a decision. So, you won’t be sitting idle.
Yes! In fact, many international students use the work experience they gain through the PGWP to qualify for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
On average, it takes about 80 to 100 days for the IRCC to process your application.
Unfortunately, no. The PGWP is a one-time deal. But don’t worry—you can explore other options like applying for PR or transitioning to a different work permit.
You can, but make sure you’ve got the right documents to re-enter Canada. You’ll need either a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) for re-entry.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an excellent opportunity to kickstart your career in Canada. It gives you the freedom to gain professional experience and might even lead to permanent residency. Just be sure to apply on time and have all your documents in order.
If you need help navigating the process, The Success Navigators are here to guide you every step of the way, making your journey smoother and more straightforward.
So, are you ready to take the next step and start your Canadian career adventure?