Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada holds significant value for international students looking to extend their stay and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. This permit allows graduates to work in Canada for a designated period, enabling them to professionally apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills. The PGWP offers various advantages, including eligibility for Canadian immigration programs and a potential pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows most international students who have graduated from an eligible program at a post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. A minimum of one year of work experience in managerial, professional, or technical positions (i.e., at level 0, A or B under the National Occupational Classification system) will be necessary to apply to stay permanently through the Canadian Experience Class.
The changes to the program include extending the duration of the work permit to three years across the country for those whose program of study is at least two years (previously, permits could be granted for only one or two years, depending on location); providing the flexibility for new graduates to work in any field and not just their field of study; and removing the requirement to have a job offer.
To be eligible for the program, international students:
- Must have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion of their program of studies and have graduated from: a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, university or CEGEP (in Quebec); or
- a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and that receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify); or
- a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees.
- Must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from the institution that they have met the academic program requirements.
- Must have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or certificate.
- Must have a valid study permit when they apply for the work permit.
Note that if the student’s program of study is less than two years but at least eight months, the student would be eligible for a post-graduate work permit. However, the validity period of the work permit must not be longer than the graduate’s study period at a particular post-secondary institution in Canada.
International students not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program include the following:
- Students participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
- Students receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and participating in a distance learning program.
- Students who have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit after any other program of study. However, note that graduates already working with a work permit issued under the previous rules are eligible to apply for an extension.
Application Process
The application process for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada involves several steps. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a PGWP, which includes completing a designated program of study at a recognized Canadian educational institution and meeting specific requirements related to the study duration, academic standing, and graduation.
- Collect all necessary documents to support your PGWP application. These may include your passport, study permit, official transcripts, letter of completion or graduation, and other supporting documents.
- Check the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for current processing times and submission deadlines. It is essential to submit your application within the specified timeframe.
- Fill out the Post-Graduate Work Permit application form. Provide accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring consistency with the details on your other documents.
- Pay the required application fee, which can vary depending on the type of work permit and current regulations. Payment methods typically include online options like credit cards or electronic funds transfers.
- Submit your complete application package online through the IRCC’s official website. Ensure you include all required documents and that your application is error-free and properly signed.
- After submitting your application, wait for a decision from IRCC. Post-Graduate Work Permit processing times can vary, but you can monitor the status of your application through the IRCC’s online portal. If your application is approved, you will receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit. Be sure to review the details of the permit, including its duration and any specific conditions.
If you require additional time to work in Canada after your initial work permit expires, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit extension. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the extension, which may include having a valid job offer or demonstrating continued employment in a field related to your completed program of study. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a different type of work permit, such as a Temporary Foreign Worker Program permit or an employer-specific work permit. Seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer at Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC who can help you apply for the work permit that applies to your situation.
Using the Post-Graduation Work Permit to Obtain Canadian Residency
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an invaluable opportunity to kick-start a successful career and lay the foundation for a prosperous future in Canada. It offers international graduates numerous advantages, including the following:
Gaining Canadian Work Experience – A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to obtain a Canada work permit after graduation, enabling them to gain work experience in their chosen field. Working in a field related to their completed program of study will enable graduates to apply and enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Eligibility for Canadian Immigration Programs – A PGWP is considered Canadian work experience, which can increase eligibility for various immigration programs. For instance, graduates may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which provides a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
Pathway to Permanent Residency – By securing employment and demonstrating valuable skills through the PGWP, international graduates may increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. The experience gained during the work permit period can contribute to the points required for immigration programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Networking and Career Advancement – Working in Canada through a PGWP allows graduates to expand their professional networks and establish connections within their respective industries. These connections can lead to career opportunities, such as job offers or referrals, enhancing their long-term prospects in Canada.
Integration into Canadian Society – The PGWP allows international graduates to immerse themselves in Canadian society, culture, and lifestyle. This experience will enable them to understand the country better, build relationships, and contribute to their communities.
At Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC, we provide comprehensive guidance and legal assistance to help students navigate the complexities of the PGWP process, ensuring they make the most of this invaluable opportunity to establish a successful career and fulfill their aspirations in Canada.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Highly recommend Bellissimo Law Group. They really came through for my family and although it was expensive, it was worth every penny. If you’re worried about your immigration application it helps to know you have a great team behind you and that you’re definitely submitting a strong application. Thanks again to Bellissimo law group for their patience and expertise. We will always recommend you to anyone looking to immigrate to Canada.
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Our special thanks to Ms Keely Anderson and Ms Alexandra Goncharova for their efforts and due diligence in pulling together a compelling submission in support of my husband’s rehabilitation application due to criminal inadmissibility. This was a complex case, refused once because of incompleteness and lack of transparency then put on hold for 2 years due to the covid pandemic. We subsequently reapplied with BLG upon the advice that they were the best. It was a long journey and they don’t come cheap but the result speaks for itself. We were invited to meet with the Reviewing Officer in IRCC London who said the application was so well documented that no questions remained and we were granted approval then and there. It’s been a 5-year journey but the freedom one feels to be able to travel back and forth with my husband to Canada cannot be underestimated. We are now free to apply for my husband’s permanent residency for which we will always be grateful to BLG for making it possible. Thank you.
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Thanks to that approval, my wife and I have been together in Canada since March 20. Her spousal sponsorship application was finalized and approved shortly after, but had we not pursued and won the TRV appeal, we would likely still be separated due to delays with passport stamping and processing. That TRV win was a turning point not just legally, but personally.
Later, we were invited for a spousal sponsorship interview, which showed that the officer remained skeptical of our case. Bellissimo helped us prepare thoroughly for the interview, which was a separate legal process with additional fees. But the preparation paid off. After seeing how our TRV refusal had been overturned and how well our case had been built, it would have been very difficult for an officer to justify a refusal at that point. It was clear to them that we were not only committed but had the legal backing to defend ourselves through every stage of the system.
One important thing I want to stress is that just because you can apply on your own does not mean you always should. I have seen people succeed without a lawyer, and I have seen many people fail and remain stuck in the system for years due to refusals or misrepresentation. Legal support is expensive, yes, but you need to consider what is truly at stake. Your future, your time, your peace of mind, and your chance to be with the person you love, these are far more valuable than saving a bit of money upfront.
Also, do not assume that a cheaper option means better value. It might cost less, but if they do not understand the complexity of your case or submit something careless, it could cost you far more in the long run. This is your life. Do not cheap out.
If your case is complicated like ours, Bellissimo Law Group is absolutely worth it. They do not make empty promises. They know exactly what they are doing. I am deeply grateful for their work and recommend them without hesitation. Thank you, Mr. Bellissimo and the entire team.
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Thanks to Bellissimo Law Group, my permanent residency application was successfully resolved, and I am now a proud resident of Canada. If you are looking for a law firm that truly cares about their clients and delivers outstanding results, look no further than Bellissimo Law Group.
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I scheduled a consultation with Bellissimo Immigration Law Group and was incredibly pleased with how helpful they were. Not one, but two lawyers were on the call to advise me, and they took the time to look into all possible immigration options for me and my family. I had done a lot of research prior to speaking with them, but that consultation made me realize how difficult the process would be without a law firm that keeps up with the frequent policy changes. They offered invaluable advice and I will definitely hire them to create my profile when I have everything together.
