Post-Graduate Work Permit Program
You have 180 days after you receive your final marks to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This work permit helps graduates of designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain open work permits and to qualify for permanent residence status in Canada. This program allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience and it is part of the Canadian Experience class within the Express Entry program. (Create a HyperLink to Sam Law tab that discusses Express Entry.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still work now that my studies have ended and I am awaiting a decision on my application for a PGWP?
- Yes. If you can answer yes to all of the following questions, then you may qualify to continue working until such time that you receive a decision from the government on you PGWP permit application. Are you or were you a holder of a valid study permit at the time of your PGWP application?
- Were you studying full-time and enrolled at a post-secondary academic DLI, vocational or professional training program?
- Were you permitted to work off-campus without a work permit?
- Did you work and stay within the allowable hours of work?
Contact Sam Law to explore your options and apply for authorization to gain valuable Canadian skilled work experience under the Post Graduation Work Permit program.
How does the PGWP program help me to qualify for permanent residence in Canada?
Through the Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class program, your post-graduate work experience in skill type 0 or skill level A or B as defined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), can grant you some very valuable points. The chart noted below, gives you an example of the number of points for which your Canadian work experience might give you:
What is a designated learning institution (DLI)?
All primary and secondary (high-school) schools are designated learning institutions.
However, not all post-secondary (colleges and universities) schools are considered designated learning institutions. A DLI, is a school that has been approved by either a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
To find out more on whether your intended school is a DLI, click here to find out more.
Contact Sam Law to explore your options and apply for authorization to gain valuable Canadian skilled work experience under the Post Graduation Work Permit Program.
My Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) visa has expired. I was impacted by COVID19 restrictions before I could get the necessary work experience I was seeking. How do I renew my PGWP work permit?
Canadian work experience has become increasingly important for international students to help them qualify for permanent resident status in Canada. Fortunately, the Canadian federal government is assisting students obtain the experience they are seeking, by launching a temporary policy that will allow graduate students with an expired or expiring PGWP work permit, to apply for a new permit.
The Canadian Immigration Minister, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino, has recently announced (January 8, 2021), that students who have been impacted by the COVID19 restrictions will have the opportunity to obtain a new open work permit that can be valid for 18 months.
Canada is committed to attracting skilled immigrants as a central part of our national immigration plan. Read the Canadian federal government article here: Government of Canada announces new policy to help former international students live in, work in and continue contributing to Canada.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Visitors, temporary workers and students.
COVID-19: A Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad.
Friday, January 8, 2021, The Toronto Star news article: International Students Waylaid by COVID-19 Will Get Second Chance at Canadian Work Experience. By Nicholas Keung, Immigration Reporter.
Contact Sam Law to explore your options to apply for a new work permit or to restore your status to gain valuable Canadian work experience under the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PWGPP).