What you Need to Know about a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
If you are an international student or are planning to study in Canada, a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an important tool that you can use to stay in Canada after graduation. This is particularly valuable to a foreign student who would like to work in Canada after graduating, or if you have plans on applying for Permanent Residency later on.
What is a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is a type of Open Work Permit (OWP) offered to eligible international students who have graduated from approved Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs).
Who is Eligible for a PGWP?
To be eligible to apply for a PGWP, a foreign student must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have enrolled in a Designated Learning Institute (DLI);
- Have studied in a PGWP-approved program for at least eight months;
- Have completed their entire studies in Canada.
Note: International students who started their studies during the pandemic will remain eligible for a PGWP even if they did not complete the entirety of their studies in Canada.
When Should I Apply for a PGWP?
In addition to the above eligibility factors, applications for a PGWP must be submitted within 180 days from the completion of their study program.
Applications may be submitted in or outside of Canada. If the application is made in Canada, the international student must still have valid status prior to submission.
How Long Does the Processing Take?
PGWP applications can take anywhere between 80 and 180 days. Fortunately, foreign students applying in Canada can start working full-time even if they have not yet received their PGWP.
How can a PGWP help me become a Permanent Resident?
Canada recognizes that international students are highly desirable candidates for immigration.
This is why they designed the PGWP program – to offer international students the opportunity to stay in Canada to work and later apply for permanent residency.
The PGWP is the bridge that allows foreign students to transition from temporary to permanent resident status.
If you need help applying for PGWP, schedule a consultation with us today.
