Post-Graduate Work Permit
As an international student in Canada, completing your studies does not have to mean you have reached the end of your time in Canada. In fact, studying in Canada can be a fast-track option for gaining permanent residence in Canada. Many students use their studies as a stepping stone for temporary work and permanent residency in Canada. Let’s take a closer look at one of the most popular ways to do so, via Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), see who’s eligible to apply for it, and how it works.
What is the Post-Graduation Work Program?
The Post-Graduation Work Program or PGWP is designed to help foreign students who have completed a qualification from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), whether it be a certificate, diploma, or degree, stay and work in Canada. International PGWP students in Canada will receive an open work permit. This work permit will allow graduates to work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed for any employer anywhere in Canada.
How Long Will My Work Permit Be Valid For?
If successful, graduates will be able to work for as many hours as they like, and depending on the length of their study program, the work permit will be valid for anywhere between eight months to three years. This will not only be a great opportunity for you to gain valuable Canadian work experience but may open up doors to getting permanent residency in Canada. In fact, international students in Canada who find employment in occupations classified as high-skilled or NOC 0, A, or B will be able to claim Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points if they apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is managed by the Express Entry system.
Below is how you can determine the length of your work permit based on the length of your study program.
| Determining the Length of Your PGWP | |
|---|---|
| Length of Study Program | Length of Work Permit |
| Eight months – two years | Same length as your study program (Master’s and Doctoral candidates may be eligible for a three-year work permit) |
| Two years or longer | Three years |
| More than one program completed within two years | Length of both programs combined (if the combined length is two years or longer the work permit should be valid for three years) |
Please note that if you have completed your study program in a shorter time than the usual length of the study program, your work permit will still be assessed on the usual length of the study program. Long-distance learners may qualify if less than 50 percent of the study program was completed online.
You will have 180 days after receiving your transcript from your DLI to submit your application for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. If your study permit is about to expire before you receive your final marks you can either apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada or leave and apply from outside Canada. If your study visa has already expired you can apply to have your status restored.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for the PGWPP?
To qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program you will need to meet the following criteria:
Requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP):
- Have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada for at least eight months leading to a degree, diploma, or degree;
- Be a full-time student;
- Have a transcript and official letter from an eligible DLI confirming that you have met the requirements of the program; and
- Have or had a valid study permit or had the authorization to study without a study permit.
Please note that you may only receive one PGWP. It is therefore important to ensure that your passport is valid for the entire length of your work permit.
What is a Designated Learning Institution? A Designated Learning Institution or DLI is a provincial or territorial-approved school that is permitted to host international students in Canada. This includes:
- Public post-secondary institution eg. colleges, trade or technical schools, universities, or CEGEP (Quebec);
- Private post-secondary institutions in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or an Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS);
- A Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees
Due to COVID-19 exemptions and restrictions, you will be able to travel to Canada to study as long as you are enrolled in a DLI that has a COVID-19 readiness plan. You will, however, have to quarantine for 14 days before you can start studying in Canada. This is to ensure that all students’ health and safety are protected.
COVID-19 Special Measures
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new Canadian work visa program to help students who were affected by the pandemic restrictions. On January 8, 2021, a temporary immigration program was launched to allow international graduates, whose work permit had expired, to apply for a new work permit which will be valid for 18 months. This would allow these students to stay in Canada and gain the necessary work experience required to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Requirements to Qualify for This Special PGWPP:
- Possessing a PGWPP that expired on/after January 30, 2020, or that will expire four months or less after the application date;
- Was in Canada at the time the policy took effect on January 27, 2021, and stayed in Canada since;
- Have valid temporary status or in process of restoring status;
- Have applied for PGWPP between January 27 and July 27, 2021; and
- Have a valid passport that is valid for at least 18 months.
If you are studying online due to COVID-19 travel restrictions you may still be eligible for a PGWP. 100 percent of your study program can be completed online from outside Canada. All of your online study time completed outside of Canada will count towards your PGWP if they started or were ongoing between March 2020 and fall 2021.
If you’re in Canada you may be eligible if:
- your in-person classes in Canada have been transferred online;
- you had to put your studies on hold or study part-time during winter, spring, or summer 2020 semesters
Please note that as of the fall 2020 semester you must be studying full-time to be eligible.
If you’re not in Canada you may be eligible if:
- have enrolled in a program that was in progress in March 2020 or;
- have started or will start a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021 and have a study permit, your permit has been approved and you are waiting for it to be approved, or you applied for a study permit before starting your study program.
Stay in Canada After You Graduate
If you decide to stay in Canada after you graduate, there are a number of programs that you can apply for.
A post-graduation work permit will allow you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which in turn gives you access to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) visa. This program can be issued for the length of your study program, for up to three years duration.
For example, if you graduate from a four-year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit if you meet the criteria. If you graduate from an eight-month certificate program, you would be eligible for a Canadian work permit that is valid for no more than eight months.
The Canadian Experience Class visa gives graduates the opportunity to make a successful transition from temporary to permanent residence. This is open to candidates who are familiar with Canadian society and can contribute to the Canadian economy. Knowledge of English or French, as well as qualifying work experience, is a must.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration category for Canada’s temporary foreign workers who wish to become permanent residents. Temporary foreign workers are also ideal candidates for Canadian immigration and permanent residency.
Canadian Experience Class applications are processed through the new Express Entry selection for immigration to Canada. Candidates who are eligible must express an interest in immigrating to Canada, create an online Express Entry profile and receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence before they make an application.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Some provinces, offer immigration options for graduates who have completed their qualifications in that particular province and would like to stay on and work in Canada or start their own entrepreneurial endeavors. Provinces that offer these opportunities include:
- Alberta;
- British Columbia;
- Manitoba;
- New Brunswick;
- Newfoundland and Labrador;
- Nova Scotia;
- Ontario;
- Prince Edward Island; and
- Saskatchewan
FAQs
How can my PGWP get rejected?
There are various factors that can get your application for a PGWP rejected. The 7 most common reasons are:
- You studied at a non-eligible PGWP institution
- You studied part-time at some point
- You took a study gap (not official school vacation)
- Your study permit had expired
- You applied outside of the 90 day restoration period
- You cannot provide your transcripts
- You worked more than 20 hours a week when you only had a study permit
Can I work anywhere in Canada with a PGWP?
Under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program you can work anywhere in Canada, in any sort of job. The work permit for post-graduation is an open work permit. This implies you may work in any occupation in Canada and switch employers whenever you choose. However, you can’t work for an employer on the list of ineligible employers.
When can I apply for a PGWP?
You can only apply once you’ve received your Letter of Completion, which indicates that you’ve fulfilled all of the program’s prerequisites. The date on which your Letter of Completion becomes accessible differs from the day on which your degree, certificate, and graduation ceremony are conferred.
What if I want to go back to my studies?
PGWPs can only be obtained once. While having both a PGWP and a study permit is permissible, if you want to continue studying in Canada, you should wait until after you have completed your second program to apply.
Are You Ready For Success?
Are you ready to start the application process? Let us help you take the first step toward making your dream of living and working in Canada a reality. Why waste time? Get ahead of the pack today and start the application process early with our team of experts by your side.
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
