The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable immigration option for international students who have completed their studies in Canada. Here’s an overview of the PGWP program:
- Purpose:
- The PGWP allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
- The primary purpose of the PGWP is to provide international graduates with an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which may help them qualify for permanent residency in Canada through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Eligibility:
- To be eligible for a PGWP, international students must have completed a full-time program of study at a DLI in Canada that lasted for at least eight months.
- The program of study must lead to a diploma, degree, or certificate, and the DLI must be designated by the provincial or territorial government to host international students.
- Students must have maintained full-time student status during their studies and received a transcript and an official letter from their DLI confirming their program completion.
- Duration:
- The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program of study. The duration of the work permit is typically equal to the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
- For programs of study that are less than two years but at least eight months in duration, the PGWP will be issued for a period equivalent to the length of the program.
- Application Process:
- Eligible graduates can apply for a PGWP online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Applicants must submit the required documentation, including a copy of their valid passport, a copy of their study permit, an official transcript, and an official letter of completion from their DLI.
- There is an application fee associated with the PGWP, which must be paid at the time of application.
- Work Conditions:
- PGWP holders are allowed to work for any employer in Canada and in any occupation, except for those occupations that are considered ineligible or restricted.
- There are no specific requirements regarding job offer or LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) for PGWP holders, allowing them to seek employment freely in the Canadian job market.
- Transition to Permanent Residency: Many PGWP holders use their Canadian work experience to qualify for permanent residency in Canada through immigration programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
The Post-Graduation Work Permit program offers international graduates an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies, potentially leading to permanent residency and long-term settlement in the country.