Canada has a stunning 642,000 international students, owing mainly to its top-ranked colleges and immigration prospects. As a result of the pandemic, students are afraid about studying abroad, and Canada has implemented significant reforms. Students will be eligible for a Canada post-graduate work permit visa even if the semester begins with online classes.
Most international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during specified breaks without a work permit. Working while studying can assist you in sustaining yourself and meeting new people, all while developing the connections and experience that will help you stand out in your future job search. It is essential to understand that you cannot begin working while studying in Canada before your program begins.
What Exactly Is the PGWP?
PGWP, or the Post Graduate Work Permit, allows Canadian students to work after graduation. You can apply for a Canada post-graduate work permit as soon as you finish your course. You don’t need to receive a job offer before applying, nor do you need to work in a field relevant to your graduation major. You must remember that the period of your work permit will equal the length of the program you have completed, and you must comply with post-graduate work permit conditions.
The Canada post-graduate work permit Visa (PGWP Canada) enables international students who have finished their higher education in Canada at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to receive an open work permit, remain in Canada, and work. After graduating, students can stay in Canada and obtain work experience with a post-graduation work permit. Students must, however, have graduated from a recognized Canadian institution. It provides students with the opportunity to get work experience in Canada. When applicants have job experience in Canada, they have many more options for obtaining Canadian permanent residence.
Application Specifications
The following are the application details for PGWP Canada:
- The amount is CAD 255 (CAD 155 for the base fee plus CAD 100 for the ‘Open Work Permit Holder’ fee)
- If you want to regain your student status and PGWP, you must pay CAD 605
- Online applications are processed in 163 days
- Paper-based applications take 146 days to process
PGWP Canada Eligibility Criteria
If you live in Canada, you are eligible for a Canada post-graduate work permit if
- Your in-person lessons have been converted to an online form
- Your program is available in both in-person and online formats
- Your studies were halted, or you had to study part-time during the winter, spring, or summer semesters of 2020
- Please remember that you must get yourself enrolled in a full-time course as of the Fall 2020 semester to be eligible for PGWP Canada
If you are not a Canadian, you are eligible
- To apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP Canada) within 180 days of finishing your study
- You must include your college degree/diploma/transcript/official letter in your application
- You must have been enrolled in a program that was in session in March 2020 or that began or will begin between spring 2020 and summer 2022
- Study permission is required
- Your institute must be a recognized educational institution (DLI)
- Your program must last at least 8 months and must result in a degree/diploma/certificate
- You must be a full-time student
Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Canada Duration
Every Canada work visa has an expiration date. If you wish to work in Canada permanently, you must first obtain Permanent Resident Status (PR). The Canadian government has established limits on Canadian Work Permits and the amount of time non-Canadians can work in Canada. Every candidate gets only granted one Canadian PGWP.
- Less than eight months: You are unqualified for the Canada post-graduate work permit.
- Less than two years but more than eight months: You will be granted a work permit for the duration of your degree.
- Two years or more: You will be issued a three-year work permit.
- If you have a four-year undergraduate degree, you are eligible for a three-year PGWP.
- If you are a graduate student, you should obtain a personalized Letter of Completion that specifies the length of your study.
How Can You Acquire PR in Canada after a Year of Study?
Students in Canadian provinces and territories can obtain permanent residency after only one year of study. You must apply through the Provincial Nominee Program to do so (PNP). The PNPs are available in British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Ontario. In Ontario provincial nominee program, Applicants must submit their application within two years after finishing a course and have completed at least one year of full-time study at a recognized university in Ontario. Through their Immigration Nominee Program, known as the Master’s Graduate Stream, Ontario allows you to live and work permanently. You should meet the linguistic requirements set up by the Canadian Language Bench.
Conclusion
In short, the Canada post-graduate work permit provides overseas students who have graduated from a participating post-secondary college or university with the opportunity to earn Canadian work experience. Working while studying in Canada can be more fulfilling than the pay you receive. Graduating from a Canadian university or college with additional work experience may help you stand out from the crowd during your job search. Whether you intend to stay in Canada or work elsewhere after graduation, Canadian work experience might benefit your plans. You must apply for Ontario provincial nominee program to get permanent residency in Canada.
