Navigating the process of acquiring a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can seem daunting. But with the right knowledge and guidance, it's a hurdle you can easily cross. At Ansari Immigration, we have helped countless international students, just like you, transition from their studies to work in Canada.
Meet Ananya
Consider Ananya, an international student from India who came to us with concerns about her eligibility for a PGWP. She had completed a two-year program in Business Administration. With our guidance, she obtained a three-year PGWP, allowing her to work full-time and gain the Canadian work experience she needed for her permanent residence application.
What is a PGWP?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a document that allows international students who have completed a program of study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) to work in Canada. PGWPs are open work permits, meaning they are not job-specific. Graduates can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed1.
How long is a PGWP valid for?
The validity of a PGWP can range from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the program of study you completed in Canada. The length of the work permit should coincide with the length of the program, as confirmed by your DLI1.
[Insert infographic showing the correlation between study program length and PGWP validity]
Eligibility for a PGWP
To obtain a PGWP, several eligibility criteria must be met. We guided Ananya through these steps, ensuring that she maintained full-time student status during her program and that she applied within 180 days of receiving her transcript and an official letter from her DLI confirming the completion of her program of study2.
Post Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Requirement
You must have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
You must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of your program, except for the final academic session where exceptions can be made.
You must have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that you have completed your program of study.
Within 180 days of applying for the PGWP, you must hold or have held a valid study permit or have been authorized to study in Canada without the need to obtain a study permit.
Ineligibility for a PGWP
Not all programs or situations make you eligible for a PGWP. For instance, if you have completed a program delivered by a private career college under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public PGWP-eligible institution in another province, you are not eligible for a PGWP2.
What if I finished my program early or was affected by a strike?
Ananya was worried because she had completed her two-year program in 18 months. We assured her that even if you finish her studies in less time than the normal length of the program, the PGWP is assessed based on the length of the program of study1.
Conclusion
The path to a Post-Graduation Work Permit requires careful planning and understanding of the guidelines. We at Ansari Immigration are committed to helping you navigate this path and turn your Canadian dream into reality, just like we did for Ananya. Feel free to reach out to us for any further queries or assistance.
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