Getting a Work Permit After Post Graduation in Canada

Canada is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for international students to pursue their higher education. The country’s renowned universities, multicultural environment, and excellent quality of life attract students from all over the world. However, after completing their studies, many students face a difficult decision: whether to stay in Canada or return to their home country. Fortunately, the Canadian government has recognized the value of retaining talented individuals and has implemented policies to make it easier for students to remain in the country. In this article, we will discuss one such policy – the Work Permit after post-graduation – which allows international students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies.

See Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Canada

Benefits of Having a Work Permit After Post Graduation

For international students who have completed their studies in Canada, obtaining a Work Permit after post-graduation can offer numerous advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:

Increased Job Opportunities: With a post-graduation work permit, students can explore a wide range of job opportunities in Canada. As mentioned earlier, Canada has a low unemployment rate, which makes it an ideal place for job seekers. Additionally, the country offers numerous opportunities for professionals, especially in fields like Engineering, Healthcare, and Business. Many multinational companies like Nike, Microsoft, Google, and others have also established their enterprises in Canada, creating even more job opportunities.
Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency: The most significant advantage of a post-graduation work permit is that it provides a pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency. This means that students who hold this permit can apply for permanent residency after gaining the required work experience. Permanent residency offers numerous benefits, including access to government-funded healthcare, social services, and education.
Earning While Learning: Canada believes in the concept of “earning while learning.” Students who hold a post-graduation work permit can gain valuable work experience while applying the knowledge and skills they learned in their studies to the practical world. This can help them build a strong foundation for their future careers.

Related: Step by Step Guide to Study in Canada as an International Student

Types of Work Permits

For international students looking to work in Canada after graduation, there are two main types of work permits: Employer Specific Work Permit and Open Work Permit.

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit

As the name suggests, an Employer Specific Work Permit allows its holder to work under a particular employer and at a specific job location for a specified period of time. This type of work permit is ideal for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must have obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA ensures that there is a shortage of Canadian citizens or permanent residents available for the job.

2. Open Work Permit

An Open Work Permit offers its holder the freedom to work in any industry and under any Canadian employer except the ones who have been listed in the ineligible category. This type of work permit is ideal for individuals who have not yet secured a job offer but want to gain valuable work experience in Canada. A post-graduation work permit is an example of an Open Work Permit. It allows international students who have completed their studies in Canada to work for any employer in Canada and gain work experience in their field of study.

See The Process Of Applying For An Open Work Permit In Canada

PGWP & its Eligibility Criteria

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies. However, not all international students are eligible for this work permit. Below are the eligibility criteria that an applicant must fulfil to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit:

Completion of Studies: The candidate should have completed a degree, diploma, or certificate program from any of the Designated Learning Institutes (DLI) of Canada. The candidate must also have a valid transcript and a letter of completion from the DLI.
Duration of Studies: The candidate must have completed full-time studies for at least eight months.
Full-time Student Status: The candidate must have been a full-time student during their studies.
Time of Application: The candidate must apply for the work permit within three months of receiving the official letter of completion from the DLI.
Type of DLI: The DLI must be a government-based post-secondary institute consisting of a university or college, private-based post-secondary institutes in the province of Quebec with the same management system as of public institutes of Quebec, or any public or private institute based in Quebec that has a Diploma of Vocational Studies of at least 900 hours or an Attestation of Vocational Specialization of at least 900 hours.

It is important to note that a Post-Graduation Work Permit is only offered once in a lifetime to every applicant. Therefore, international students should carefully consider their eligibility before applying for the work permit. By fulfilling the eligibility criteria, international students can take advantage of this valuable opportunity and gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Studying in Canada is a Great Idea

Exceptional Cases of PGWP

While there are specific eligibility criteria that international students must fulfill to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, there are also some exceptional cases in which an applicant may be granted a PGWP, even if they are technically ineligible. These exceptional cases include:

Early Program Completion: If the applicant completes their program before the actual completion time, they may still be eligible for a PGWP. In such cases, the work permit duration will be calculated based on the actual program completion date.
Leave from the Program: If the student takes a leave from their program due to a valid reason, such as a medical issue or family emergency, they may still be eligible for a PGWP. The leave should be authorized by the educational institution, and the student must complete the program within 150% of the original program duration.
Transfer to a DLI: If the student transfers to a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) from a non-DLI institute and completes at least eight months of their program at the DLI, they may be eligible for a PGWP.

It is important to note that these exceptional cases are subject to specific conditions and requirements, and each case is assessed on an individual basis. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to consult with their educational institution and the Canadian immigration authorities to determine their eligibility for a PGWP. By understanding the exceptional cases, international students can explore additional options to obtain a valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.

Related: Ways To Extend Your Temporary Stay In Canada

Application process and documents for PGWP

If you are an international student who has completed their studies in Canada and meets the eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you can follow the below application process:

Gather the Required Documents: You will need to provide various documents to support your PGWP application, including a valid passport, a letter of completion of your program from your designated learning institution (DLI), and evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria, such as transcripts or proof of full-time enrollment during your studies.
Apply Online: You can submit your PGWP application online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You will need to create an online account, complete the application form, and pay the required fee.
Submit Supporting Documents: You will also need to upload scanned copies of your supporting documents, such as your letter of completion, academic transcripts, and proof of financial support.
Provide Biometric Information: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
Attend an Interview: In some cases, the IRCC may request an interview with you to verify your eligibility for a PGWP.
Wait for the Decision: Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for the IRCC to process your application. The processing time varies depending on the volume of applications received, but it typically takes around four to five months.

If your PGWP application is approved, you will receive a letter of authorization that you can use to start working in Canada. If you are living outside of Canada, you will need to present this letter to a Canadian border official to receive your work permit when you arrive in Canada. It is essential to ensure that you follow the application process correctly and provide all the required documents to increase your chances of a successful PGWP application.

Related: Top 10 Canadian Scholarships For Nigerian Students – A Guide To Getting Funding For Your Education!

Documents Required

To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, there are certain documents that an applicant must provide. These documents are essential for the application to be processed, and they help the authorities to determine whether the applicant is eligible for the work permit. Here are some of the documents that an applicant must submit:

Legal ID proof: The applicant must provide a valid and up-to-date government-issued ID, such as a passport or a driver’s license.
Latest photographs: The applicant must submit recent photographs of themselves and any accompanying family members.
Employment proof: The applicant must provide proof of their employment, such as a job offer letter.
Transcript of letter from their DLI: The applicant must provide a transcript or a letter from their Designated Learning Institute (DLI) showing that they have completed their program of study.
Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec: Students who wish to work in Quebec should submit the Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec.
Proof of relationship: If the applicant is accompanied by their partner, they must provide proof of their relationship.
Translated documents: If any of the documents are not in English or French, the applicant must provide a copy of the document translated into one of these languages.
Photographs and fingerprints: The applicant must provide their photographs and fingerprints as part of the application process.

It’s important to note that these are not the only documents that may be required, and the authorities may ask for additional documents depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that all documents are submitted accurately and on time to avoid any delays or rejections.

The processing time for a PGWP is typically around three and a half months, regardless of whether the application is submitted online or offline.

Valid Time Duration

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. The validity of a PGWP highly depends on the length of the study program completed by the student. In this article, we will discuss the valid time duration of a post-graduation work permit.

If the study program duration is between 8 months to 2 years, the post-graduation work permit’s validity will be of the same duration as the length of the study program. For example, if the program duration is 12 months, the validity of the post-graduation work permit will also be 12 months.

For study programs with a duration of more than 2 years, the validity of the post-graduation work permit is 3 years. This duration can further be extended to more than three years.

In case a student has completed multiple study programs with a minimum duration of 8 months each, the validity of the post-graduation work permit will be equal to the total time duration spent on completing all the programs.

It is essential to note that the time duration of a post-graduation work permit begins from the day the student receives their official transcripts from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It is advisable to apply for a post-graduation work permit as soon as possible after receiving the transcripts to make the most of the work permit’s validity.

Expiration of passports before Post Graduation Work Permit

When an individual holds a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and their passport expires before the total validity of the work permit, the candidate is provided with a PGWP of validity equivalent to the validity of the passport. This means that the individual can work in Canada only until the expiry date of their passport.

However, if the candidate’s passport has a validity that is longer than the total validity of the work permit, they need to extend their passport to match the work permit’s full valid time period. In this case, the immigration personnel will contact the candidates and guide them through the process of extending their passports.

It is important to note that individuals with an expired passport cannot apply for a new work permit, and neither can they extend the work permit. Therefore, it is advised that candidates keep their passports valid throughout their work permit’s validity period to avoid any inconvenience.

Reformations made in PGWP Since The Pandemic

The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected various aspects of life globally, including education and employment opportunities. In response to the pandemic, the Canadian government has made certain modifications in the Post-Graduation Work Permit program to support international students in securing employment after graduation. Under these modifications, if the classes the student were shifted to virtual mode, put on hold, or shifted to part-time mode at any time in 2020, the student is eligible to match the eligibility requirements of the work permit.

Canada is known for its rich, diverse culture and offers equal opportunities to all its people. The country has some of the world’s top institutes that have high graduate employability rates, making it easier for students to secure a job after graduation.

In terms of the application process, candidates are required to submit various documents, including legal ID proof, photographs, employment proof, transcript of a letter from their Designated Learning Institute, and proof showing the relation of accompanying partner. Students who wish to work in Quebec must also submit the Certificated ‘acceptation du Quebec.’ Additionally, candidates must submit a copy of any document not submitted in either English or French, translated into the relevant language. Candidates must also submit their photographs and fingerprints. The processing time for the Post-Graduation Work Permit is three and a half months, whether the application is submitted online or offline.

The validity of the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on the length of the study program. If the study program’s length ranges from eight to 24 months, the Post-Graduation Work Permit’s validity will be equal to the length of the program. The Post-Graduation Work Permit’s validity is initially two years, which can be extended to more than three years. If a student has completed multiple programs with a minimum duration of eight months, the Post-Graduation Work Permit’s validity will be equal to the total time spent on completing all programs.

In the case of a passport expiration before the Post-Graduation Work Permit’s total validity, the candidate will receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit with validity equivalent to the passport’s validity. If a candidate’s passport requires an extension to its full validity period, immigration personnel will contact the candidate.

In exceptional cases, candidates may be granted a Post-Graduation Work Permit even if they are ineligible. These cases include completing the program before the actual completion time, taking leave from the program, or transferring to a Designated Learning Institute from a non-Designated Learning Institute for at least eight months.

Read more About Post-Graduation Work permit

Conclusion

Canada is one of the best destinations for students who wish to pursue higher education and work opportunities abroad. With its world-class universities and colleges, it offers quality education to international students. Additionally, the post-graduation work permit program allows students to gain valuable work experience while also earning a living. The recent reformation made during the pandemic has made it easier for students to meet the eligibility requirements. With its welcoming culture and diverse society, Canada provides a safe and inclusive environment for students from all over the world.

Getting a Work Permit After Post Graduation in Canada