How to Get a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada in 2023?

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a temporary work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. This is a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and to explore the possibility of immigrating to Canada permanently.

This article will provide you with everything you need to know about the PGWP, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the benefits of having a PGWP. We will also share some top tips for applying for a PGWP and common application mistakes to avoid.

Whether you are an international student who is planning to graduate soon or you are considering applying for a PGWP, this article is for you. Read on to learn more about this important program.

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a temporary work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. This is a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and to explore the possibility of immigrating to Canada permanently.

Who is eligible for a PGWP?

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must meet the following criteria:

You must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) within the past 3 years.
You must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months.
You must have maintained a valid student status throughout your program.
You must meet the minimum language requirements.

How long does it take to get a PGWP?

The processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) varies depending on the time of year and the workload of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, you can expect to wait anywhere from 60 to 180 days for your PGWP application to be processed.

If you are applying for a PGWP from within Canada, you can continue to work in Canada while your application is being processed. However, if you are applying for a PGWP from outside of Canada, you will not be able to work in Canada until your application has been approved.

Eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions

Eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) are schools that are approved by the Canadian government to accept international students. To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must graduate from a DLI.

There are over 1,300 DLIs in Canada, including universities, colleges, and private career colleges. You can find a list of all DLIs on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Here are some examples of eligible Canadian DLIs:

Universities: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, Université de Montréal
Colleges: Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College, Algonquin College, Seneca College
Private career colleges: CDI College, Oxford College, Robertson College, Stenberg College, Academy of Learning College

Post-Graduation Work Permit Duration

International students who graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the student’s study program:

Students who complete a study program of less than 8 months are not eligible for a PGWP.
Students who complete a study program of between 8 and 24 months are eligible for a PGWP that is valid for the same length of time as their study program.
Students who complete a study program of 24 months or longer are eligible for a PGWP that is valid for up to 3 years.
Students who complete more than one eligible study program may be eligible for a PGWP that is valid for up to 3 years.

Can Applicants Work While Waiting for Their PGWP?

Yes, applicants can work during the processing of their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application if they meet the following criteria:

They have a valid study permit.
They have completed their program of study.
They are eligible to work off campus without a permit.
They did not work off campus more than 20 hours a week during academic sessions.

If an applicant meets all of the above criteria, they can work full-time while their PGWP application is being processed. They do not need to wait until their PGWP is approved to start working.

To prove that they are eligible to work during the processing of their PGWP application, applicants can show their employer a copy of their study permit and a letter from their school confirming that they have completed their program of study.

If an applicant is unsure whether they are eligible to work during the processing of their PGWP application, they should contact the Canadian government for more information.

What are the best ways to apply for a work permit after my PGWP expires?

If you have a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you can still apply for other work permits in the future. You can apply for either a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-required or LMIA-exempt work permit, if you are eligible. However, it is also worth considering applying for Canadian permanent residence, given that you already have Canadian work experience.

Immigration options for skilled workers with Canadian work experience:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Job offer from a Canadian employer or high score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Varying eligibility criteria, but many PNPs have categories for skilled workers.
Quebec Immigration Options: Varying eligibility criteria, including through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

How to Work After Graduation Before Applying for a PGWP?

It is possible to work after graduation before applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). However, there are some restrictions.

You must have a valid study permit.
You must have completed your program of study.
You must be eligible to work off campus without a permit.
You did not work off campus more than 20 hours a week during academic sessions.

If you meet all of the above criteria, you can work full-time after graduation while your PGWP application is being processed. You do not need to wait until your PGWP is approved to start working.

To prove that you are eligible to work after graduation, you can show your employer a copy of your study permit and a letter from your school confirming that you have completed your program of study.

PGWP Application Limits

You can only apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) once. Once you have applied for and received a PGWP, you are not eligible to apply for another one.

If you are considering applying for a PGWP, it is important to make the most of it. You can use your PGWP to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can make you more competitive when applying for permanent residence in Canada.

Benefits of having a post-graduation work permit

Gain valuable Canadian work experience. A PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can make you more competitive when applying for jobs and permanent residence.
Stay in Canada and build your network. A PGWP allows you to stay in Canada after you graduate. This gives you time to build your network and make connections with people who can help you advance your career.
Become eligible to apply for permanent residence. If you have a PGWP and you meet certain other criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This means that you can stay in Canada permanently and enjoy all of the benefits of being a Canadian citizen.

Post-graduation Work Permit