Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

International students who complete post-secondary education in Canada are eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit.  This permit is an Open Work Permit allowing them to work in ANY job, without restrictions. An LMIA or a confirmation of job offer is not needed to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit.

Once you have completed their studies in an eligible program (or school), international graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which allows them to work in Canada. It is extremely important to choose the right school to stud, to ensure you are eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit).  

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, international students must:

  • have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion of their program (please see note below) and must have graduated from one of the following:

    • a public post-secondary educational institution (university, college, or CEGEP)

    • a private post-secondary educational institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and receives at least 50 per cent of its financing for operations from government grants

    • a Canadian private educational institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees

  • have completed and passed the program of study and received written notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma, or certificate

  • apply for a work permit while holding a valid study permit, or held a valid study permit previously within 180 days of applying for the PGWP. *You must have valid status, otherwise must restore your status and apply for PGWP.

Important to note:  If your post-graduate work permit was refused, you will need to restore your status within 90 days of receiving the refusal. You must also stop working. If you are outside of the 90 day restoration period, our firm may still be able to help you in certain circumstances using case law from the Federal Court.  Contact our office to discuss further and learn how we can help in this situation.

Potential applicants should note that:

  • The program of study must be a minimum of two years for the graduate to obtain the three year work permit. However, if the program was less than two years but longer than eight months, the graduate can still obtain a work permit for the same duration as the program of study. In cases where a student has obtained a one year degree or diploma from an accredited educational institution within two years of having successfully completed a previous accredited Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, he or she may qualify for a three-year open work permit

  • While a student must have been studying full time in the eight months preceding the date of application for an open work permit, an exception is made in the case where a student fulfills all the requirements except full time study in the last session of their program. For example, if a student only needs two courses in the final session to complete the program but all previous study has been full time, the student may still apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program.

  • New Pathway  TR to PR has been opened offer Permanent residence to Canada by IRCC after Minister immigration announced  to offer 90000 PR to guys already working in Canada. 

  • After receiving your PGWP:

  • Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization, if required.

  • Apply for or extend your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • Extend your BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Working after you have Applied PGWP

·          After submitting your PGWP application online, you may immediately begin working full-time while your application is being processed if at the time you submit your application:

·         You have a valid study permit and apply within the first 90 days after your Letter of Completion first became available, and

·         You have completed your program of study, and

·         You were eligible for work off campus without a work permit during your studies, and

·         You did not work off campus for more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions.

·         If you apply while you are on Implied status for your study permit extension, you will not be able to work in Canada until you receive a valid PGWP. Alternatively, you could wait for your study permit to be processed before applying for the PGWP then you would be able to work after submitting your application if you meet the above criteria, as long as you still apply within 90 days after program completion. 

 

To avoid a gap in work eligibility between receiving your Letter of Completion and applying for the PGWP, prepare your PGWP application in advance so that you can apply as soon as your letter becomes available. You can work continuously if you apply the same day your Letter of Completion first becomes available. 

Need Help?

If you are about to complete your Canadian course which is  more tan 8 month program. Contact our PGWP expert, our Team at Globalduniya immigration along with our RCIC will help you get your PR in later date after you get your PGWP first, Contact us at Globalduniya Immigration.