POST GRADUATE WORK PERMIT.

PATHWAY TO TEMPORARY RESIDENCE IN CANADA

Explore Post Graduate Work Permit.

POST GRADUATE WORK PERMITS OVERVIEW.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program provides international graduates from qualified Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with an open work permit to garner crucial Canadian work experience.

Acquiring skilled work experience in Canada under the NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 via the PGWP Program aids them in securing permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class within the Express Entry system.

If you’re unsure of how to begin your immigration journey, our team offers a consultation service where we can evaluate your unique circumstances and recommend the most suitable immigration options for you. Our focus on personalized solutions ensures that every client receives the highest level of service and support throughout their immigration journey.

Profile Assessment

Key Details about Post-Graduate Work Permits:

Who can apply for PGWP?

When can you apply for PGWP?

What to do when your PGWP is refused?

Common Reasons for PGWP Refusal

When can you start working?

Who can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit?

You can apply for a PGWP if:

Your study permit is still valid
You have a valid visitor record
You submitted an application to extend your study permit before it expired and no decision has been made on your application
You submitted an application to change your status to visitor before your study permit expired and no decision has been made on your application

You must also meet the following conditions:

Completed a program at a DLI that was at least 8 months long and led to. a degree, diploma, or certificate
Maintained full-time course load as a student in each semester of your study (this doesn’t include your final semester, which can be part-time, or if you took an approved leave from your studies)
Graduated from a qualifying education institution

When can you apply for Post Graduate Work Permit?

You can apply within 90 days of when your Letter of Completion first becomes available AND when your study permit is still valid.

Meanwhile, you can apply within 180 days of when your Letter of Completion first becomes available, have previously held a valid study permit, and one of the following:

Applied for visitor status before your study permit became invalid
Applied to restore your temporary resident status
Apply from outside of Canada

This 180-day period begins when you receive your Letter of Completion of the program.

What to do when your Post Graduate Work Permit is refused?

If your PGWP is refused, not only does your status need to be restored and sufficient explanation provided to IRCC to address their concerns, but the PGWP re-application must also be submitted within 180 days from when the Study Permit expired.

If you are outside this 180-day period, you must apply for a Study Permit and also a PGWP (and Restoration, if required).

Meanwhile, in the Study Permit application, an explanation must be provided that a Study Permit is requested to be eligible for the PGWP, as per IRCC laws.

Common Reasons for Post Graduate Work Permit Refusal.

The most common reasons for a PGWP refusal are as follows:

Part-time studies other than your last semester
Break in studies due to failing a course, a teacher strike, switching schools or programs, extenuating personal reasons, or financial reasons
Study permit expired and out of status when applying
Final transcripts not included confirming that the program completion
Studied at a non-eligible PGWP school
Unauthorised work

When can you start working?

You may begin working full-time immediately after submitting your post-graduation work permit application while you are waiting for a decision from IRCC, only if:

at the time you submitted your application, you:
- Have a valid study permit and apply within 90 days after your Letter of Completion first became available, AND
- Have completed your program of study.
You were eligible to 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.