Canada is among the leading countries that offer many working opportunities across different sectors. Whether you want to work in transportation, food, hospitality, technology, construction, or any other industry, you can find your dream job in the country. Of course, getting a work permit is not an easy task. Therefore, experts suggest that you apply for a post-graduation work permit once you complete your education in Canada. This way, you can legally work in your desired industry.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) gives international students the chance to receive an open work permit. Note that the student needs to have completed their higher education in Canada from DLIs (designated learning institutions) to benefit from this opportunity and stay and work in Canada. PGWP can also support you when you apply for a permanent residence visa, improving your chances of getting an approval.
Furthermore, this work permit can have a validation period of eight months to three years. However, you will only get your PGWP for the same duration as your program of study.
To apply for the PGWP, the applicant should be at least 18 years old. Before applying, they should have studied full-time in Canada for a minimum of 8 months. Also, you need to complete a program at the Designated Learning Institute (DLI). If you are planning to apply for a visa, make sure to apply within 180 days of the completion of your education.
Applicants who are currently living in Canada need to have valid status during the application. If their study permit will or has already expired, they must apply for a status as a visitor first. Applicants who already have valid status and have applied for the PGWP can start working full-time at any institution during the process of their application.
PGWP allows you to polish your skills and practice what you have learned in Canada in real life. It offers a way to accomplish your goals and gain Canadian work experience that can help you to qualify for certain permanent resident programs.
Do remember that it’s more challenging to apply for a Canadian other work visa permit than PGWP. So, if you are interested to work in this country, you must opt for this opportunity. Even if you are unsure whether you want to work in Canada or not, it’s better to apply and not take the risk, as you always have a chance to leave the country.
You can apply for the post-graduation work permit outside and inside of Canada if you are eligible. Also, you only have 180 days after graduating to apply for the PGWP.
Before applying, you need to meet the following requirements.
The easiest way to prove these aspects is to provide:
However, if your study permit expires, you still have options:
Also, if you don’t apply for the visitor visa when your study permit expires, you have 90 days to submit your PGWP application and restore your student status. For this, you need to:
Applicants who don’t apply within 90 days or don’t get approval from PGWP need to leave Canada.
Getting approval of PGWP can vary from person to person, while the process approximately takes 80 to 180 days. Once you apply for the PGWP, you can work in Canada without worrying about anything. Of course, you must have an active student permit during this period. Also, working immediately after you apply for PGWP is not obligatory. If you want, you can wait until you get approval. In fact, if you prefer, you can return to your home country and wait there to get approval.
Since Post Graduation Work Permit Program allows you to live and work in the country for a definite time period, it’s best to benefit from other opportunities like a work permit. Well, there is no way that getting a PGWP will prevent you from getting another work permit. You can apply for the LMIA exemption or LMIA permit. But it’s best to directly apply for Canadian Permanent residence. As you will have working experience in Canada, there are higher chances of getting approval for a permanent visa.
Here are some more immigration programs for people with Canadian work experience:
Post Graduation Work Permit Program is designed to support students who have gained higher education in Canada to enter the job market. Since it’s a work permit, there are no limitations. You can work for any company and at any designation. However, you must have completed your education in the specified institutions. You also need to meet certain requirements to improve your chances of getting approval.
If you have planned to apply for PGWP, get help from experts. A highly experienced and skilled team like North Vista Immigration Consultants Inc can help you throughout the process. We also help you estimate whether you will get approval and save money. Also, we provide all necessary documents and fill the forms to prepare a robust application with low chances of rejection.