The Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to remain in Canada after graduation, providing a great opportunity to get Permanent Residence as a result.
The work permit is valid from eight months to three years and is defined by the duration of your studies. The permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada and is your opportunity to gain the crucial skilled Canadian work experience that is essential to transition to permanent residence.
To be eligible you must have studied at a recognized institution and completed the credential.
The pandemic introduced new policies around the eligibility and issuance of PGWP. This has resulted in confusion about eligibility, something we will provide clarity on later.
Most people, when speaking with us or searching online, use the phrase Post-Graduate (not graduation) Work Permit. We will use this popular form through the rest of the article.
What Is a Post Graduate Work Permit?
A Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for Canada allows students who have graduated from a school listed on the rather catchily titled “Designated Learning Institution” to work temporarily in Canada. It’s a great way for you to get Canadian work experience, essential for your Permanent Residence application if that is your goal.
Wonderfully, the permit allows you to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. Better still, this means you don’t require a job offer before applying for the PGWP, the only caveat being you must apply within 180 days of receiving either your final transcripts or after being awarded your degree, whichever comes first.
It’s essential to note that a PGWP is a one-time opportunity to work in Canada after graduation, and maintaining eligibility for the permit requires compliance with all immigration requirements.
How Long Will My Work Permit Last?
The length of your Post Graduate Work Permit is defined by how long you studied. If your study period is eight months to less than two years, the PGWP will be valid for the same length of time. If you studied for two or more years your PGWP will be valid for three years.
Additionally, if you complete multiple academic programs in Canada, which add up to two years or more, you may be eligible for a three-year PGWP, provided that they meet certain eligibility requirements.
Am I Eligible to Apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit?
To be eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- You must have completed an eligible full-time program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- You must have studied in Canada for at least eight months, and your program must have been at least eight months long.
- You must have a valid study permit when you apply for the PGWP.
- You must have graduated from an eligible program within the last 180 days.
- You must have continuously studied full-time in Canada and met the requirements of your program while you were studying.
- The Covid-19 Pandemic brought two changes to this. The first (Full Facilitation Measure, which enabled you to study 100% of the time online from outside Canada) is no longer relevant as it expired on August 31, 2022.
- What is still relevant is the second temporary change (Reduced Facilitation Measures), which allows you to study up to 50% of the time online and outside Canada. This change started on September 1, 2022, and is in place until August 31, 2023.
It’s important to note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee that you will be granted a PGWP. The decision to issue a PGWP is ultimately up to the discretion of the Canadian government.
To read a full and detailed list of eligibility requirements visit Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Also, this page talks about the temporary changes to the PGWP as a result of Covid-19.
How to Apply for a PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit)
Applying for your post graduate work permit in Canada involves four primary steps:
- Prepare your documents: This includes preparing all necessary supporting documents such as educational transcripts and degree, proof of completion of your program, identity and travel documents, etc., as required by the Canadian government’s immigration department. It is important to ensure that all documents are up-to-date, complete, and accurate.
- Submit an application online: All applications must be submitted through the Canadian government’s website. It will guide you through the process to make sure you provide all relevant information and upload all necessary documents.
- Pay applicable fees: You must pay via credit card (or other approved methods) any associated fees when submitting the application. It is important to note that these fees are non-refundable even if your application is declined.
- Wait and Receive a decision: Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed and a decision will be made based on the information provided in your application as well as any additional evidence requested during processing time. If your application is approved, you will receive an electronic grant letter stating your entitlement to a Post-Graduate work permit.
Applying for Permanent Residence (PR) After Gaining Your Post-Graduate Work Permit
There are two common paths to Permanent Residence (PR). Economic and Family Class. It is most likely that if you have chosen to study in Canada, you intend to pursue Economic Class immigration as your route to PR.
The main economic programs in the Express Entry selection process are Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Provincial Nominee Programs. Our pages provide further details on these immigration routes. Additionally, a consultation with Miho or myself will provide some clarity on the path ahead for you even if you want to submit the application yourself.
It is important to note that your work under the PGWP needs to be considered skilled in order to make sure you have enough points to qualify for Permanent Residence. The National Occupations Classification (NOC) distinguishes between skilled and unskilled jobs.
