Canada Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

What is a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada?

A Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit granted to international students who have completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. This permit allows graduates to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, without needing a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

What Can You Do on a PGWP Open Work Permit in Canada?

• Work anywhere in Canada
• Work in any field in Canada without restrictions, allowing newly grads to explore various career opportunities and broaden skills.
• As an open work permit, you are permitted to change employer
• Work full-time, part-time or as self-employed.
• Bring family dependents, like a spouse on an open work permit
• Gain work experience to support your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, potentially contributing to express entry and permanent residence.
• Access workplace protections, including minimum wage, workplace safety and employment laws

Benefits of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada

No Job Offer or LMIA required

Not all programs are as flexible as the PGWP, and some temporary resident visa applications require foreign nationals to have a job offer for a work permit. Unlike some work permits, the Postgraduate Work Permit does not require:

• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• A job offer
• You work a certain number of hours. PGWP holders can work full-time or part-time or be self-employed.

Some employers in Canada need to obtain the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before they can hire foreign workers. It demonstrates that a foreign worker is needed to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do it. One of the advantages of the PGWP is that it does not require an LMIA. This makes it significantly easier for employers to hire graduates on a PGWP, increasing the chances of finding employment quickly.

Open Work Permit to Work Anywhere, in Any Field in Canada

One of the most significant advantages of the PGWP is its open work permit. This means that graduates are not tied to a specific employer or job. They are free to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, and at any location.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for new graduates who may not have a job offer immediately after graduation. It allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be critical for their career development and future immigration prospects.

Career Flexibility

Holders of a PGWP can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed. This flexibility is especially useful for graduates who want to gain diverse work experiences or start their own businesses. Whether you are taking on multiple part-time jobs, working in a temporary position while searching for a long-term career, or launching a startup, the PGWP accommodates a wide range of employment scenarios.

Canadian Work Experience

One of the primary benefits of the PGWP is that it allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valuable for future work permit applications, as well as residency and citizenship applications.

• Immigration Programs: Canadian work experience is crucial in many immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), part of the Express Entry system. It also adds points to your profile under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Express Entry uses.
• Employment Opportunities: Employers in Canada often prefer candidates with local work experience, as it demonstrates familiarity with the Canadian workplace culture and practices.
• Professional Development: Working in Canada allows graduates to develop their skills, build professional networks, and gain industry-specific experience, all of which benefit their long-term career prospects.

How Long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Valid in Canada?

The validity period of the PGWP ranges from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the study program completed. The specific duration is determined as follows:

• Programs of 8 months to less than 2 years: The PGWP is valid for the same length as the study program.
• Programs of 2 years or more: Graduates are eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
• Multiple Programs: If you complete numerous eligible programs within two years, you can combine their lengths to qualify for a PGWP. Each program must be at least 8 months long.

This variability in duration allows graduates to tailor their work permit length to their career goals and the amount of Canadian work experience they wish to accumulate.

PGWP Processing Time: How Long Does It Take to Get a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada?

The processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications received and the specific circumstances of your application. You must pay additional fees that are relevant to your application. Here’s a general overview of the typical processing times:

• Online Applications: Approximately 80 to 180 days.
• Paper Applications: Processing times can be longer compared to online applications.
• Outside Canada Applications: Processing times may vary depending on the visa office handling your application.

PGWP Eligibility Criteria: Who is Eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada?

• International graduates must have completed a course of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and studied a PGWP-eligible program.
• Your study must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate with written confirmation
• The program must be at least 8 months long.
• You must have maintained full-time student status during each semester of your program, except for your final semester or approved leave.
• You must not have already held a PGWP. A PGWP can only be obtained once.

Applicants must also meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for a PGWP:

• They must have applied to extend their valid study permit before it expired or applied to change to visitor status before the study permit expired and have yet to receive a decision regarding their application.
• Graduates who studied part-time only in their final academic session are eligible.
• Applicants who had to stop studying or switch to part-time studies due to the impacts of COVID-19 during their study period may still be eligible for a PGWP.
• They must have completed at least 50% of their study program in Canada and in person. Work off campus for online courses is permitted as long as you adhere to this.
• They must show proof, such as a transcript, degree, diploma, or letter from their school, that they completed their program requirements.

Supporting Documents Required for a PGWP Application in Canada

Applicants must submit the following supporting documents when applying for a PGWP:

• An online application form.
• Proof that they completed their studies. This may be:
  • A degree or diploma from your school.
  • An official letter from the school, such as an academic program completion letter.
  • A copy of the final transcript from the school.
• A valid passport. The applicant’s passport expiry date directly impacts the PGWP period they get, regardless of the work permit period they are eligible for. Therefore, ensuring their passports’ validity date is longer than the PGWP validity period they may qualify for is good practice.
• Documents which show the details of your study, such as:
  • Part-time study.
  • Gaps in study.
  • Combined programs.
  • Accelerated learning.

If the need arises, the visa office might request further documents while processing your application. This could include details of a graduation ceremony, or other supporting evidence.

How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada

The main steps to a PGWP application are as follows:

Gather all required documents – This includes proof that the applicants met their program requirements and completed it, a valid passport and other relevant documents.

Start application – Except the applicant is applying for a PGWP extension, in which case they have to apply on paper, an online application is preferred and has its advantages which include the following:

• Instant receipt of the application by the Canadian Government.
• Applicants can easily submit additional documents if requested.
• Applications are processed faster.
• Applicants can easily complete each step and get instant updates regarding their applications.

Depending on if applicants are applying from within Canada or outside and if they intend to make an online or paper application, the steps to apply for a PGWP vary.

If the applicant is applying for a PGWP extension, they must apply with a paper application.

Steps to apply for a PGWP

You can apply for a PGWP inside Canada, and outside Canada. The same steps apply to all online applicants. You may also submit a paper form, and will have to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide required documentation if you choose this route. Below details the online application steps:

• Ensure you have a scanner or a camera to create electronic copies of your required documents and a valid debit or credit card for payments.
• Read the instruction guide to complete each field on the form.
• Answer the questions posed by the online tool so that a personalised checklist can be created for you.
• You and anyone you include in your application must pay the processing fee. You must also pay the open work permit holder fee and the work permit fee.
• Create an account or sign in if you already have one on the IRCC website. Then, you can submit your application, pay the required fees, and check your account status.

Depending on your situation, you may have to pay third-party fees to appropriate service providers for third-party services such as medical exams, police certificates and services requested at a Visa Application Centre.

If the study permit expires for graduates inside Canada, they can:

• Apply for a visitor record, which gives them a visitor status and extends their stay in Canada. The visitor record does not replace a visa.
• Leave Canada and apply for a PGWP.
• If their study permit expires while in Canada, they must first apply to restore their student status before they can apply for a PGWP.

If their study permit expires while in Canada, they must first apply to restore their student status before applying for a PGWP.

• A Canadian private institution authorised to award degrees under provincial law (for example, an Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree), but only if applicants are enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree as authorised by the province.
• This may not include all study programs offered by private institutions.
• A public post-secondary institution, such as a college, trade or technical institution, university, or General and Professional Teaching College (CEGEP), located in Quebec.
• A private post-secondary institution in Quebec operating under the same rules as public institutions in Quebec.
• A private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or an Attestation of Vocational Specialisation (AVS). An AVS less than 900 hours is acceptable if combined with a DVS.

How Can IAS Help You Apply for a Canada Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

We are a team of expert immigration lawyers with years of experience in Canadian immigration law. We can assist you with any Canadian immigration or work permit issues.

Get in touch with us today on 0333 305 9375, or contact us through our form online to get prompt help with your situation.

If you have any questions regarding the PGWP or you need help with a PGWP application or refusal, our lawyers are available to help.