To be eligible for this program you must be a graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) and wish to stay temporarily in Canada to work. The post graduation work permit program authorizes students to obtain an open work permit after their graduation from a Canadian DLIs. This will help to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER)categories 0,1,2 or 3 skilled Canadian work experience gained with the PGWP program will qualify graduates to qualify for permanent residence in Canada. This stream comes under Canadian Experience class within Express Entry.
Having completed the program of study and completed the application for PGWP, students are allowed to work provided they meet the following requirements:
- While applying for PGWP the study permit they hold was valid
- They belong to the category of full-time students at a DLI in a post secondary program
- They were permitted to work off campus without a work permit
- They haven’t exceeded the allowable hours of work.
Will Online studies count towards your PGWP?
Outside Canada:The time you spent outside Canada studying online between March 2020 to August 2022 at a PGWP eligible DLI counts towards the length of a PGWP. This has changed as of 1st September, 2022. The time won’t count towards the length if you spent outside Canada after 31st December, 2023 or start studying before you applied for a study permit.
Inside Canada: Up until 31st December, 2023 at least 50% of your programs you must complete in class in Canada. From the onset of 1st January, 2024 at least 50% of your program you must complete in your class in Canada.
How long is the Post Graduate work permit valid?
Depending on the length of your study, your post graduate work permit length is determined. The conditions are if you have studied for a period of less than 8 months, you are not eligible for PGWP. If you have completed your studies below 2 years but had a program more than 8 months, your PGWP can be the same length as your program of study duration. If your program is less than 2 years or more, you may receive a 3 years PGWP. If you completed more than 1 program, you may be eligible to get a PGWP that is the combination duration of both the programs in total. Once you have applied for a PGWP, you will not be eligible for another PGWP for any other program.
If by any chance your passport has an expiry date that you are eligible for PGWP, you will only receive a PGWP till the expiration date of your passport. At times the officers may ask you to renew your passport to get the full validity, then you can apply on paper to do the same.
There are other special cases such as accelerated programs, distance learning, taking leave from your studies, transfers between schools, Canadian study programs with an overseas component, flight school graduates, graduates of certain Quebec schools. As long as you are eligible, you could apply for a post graduation work permit from inside or outside Canada.
After you graduate there is up to 180 days to apply for a PGWP. While applying it is to confirm the attendance and completion of the course, the name and length of the program. You should submit your degree or diploma certificate, your transcript or an official letter from the school.
If your study permit expires before you get your marks you will have to either a visitor record to stay in Canada longer or leave Canada and apply for your PGWP. Without both the above options, you only have 90 days after your study permit expires so as to apply for a PGWP and restore the status. In this case, you can’t work until your study permit or work permit gets approved. For any reason if you couldn’t apply within 90 days you must leave Canada.
