STUDY | WORK | IMMIGRATION  

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A new Ministerial policy has come into force recently. It allows international students who have graduated already to obtain a new one-time international open work permit. This offer is only valid if their pre-existing permit has expired or is about to. The new policy took effect on January 27th, 2021.

Former international graduates who wish to stay in Canada and work are now eligible to apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a new open work permit.

How does an open work permit work?

An open work permit will allow former international students to stay in the country and continue searching for employment. Most employer-specific work permits, require the student remain with one employer. However, open work permits enable the holders to work for any employer of their choosing.

These new open work permits will remain valid for a period of 18 months. This will allow international graduates time to gain work experience and work towards applying for permanent residence.

International students must meet the following requirements in order to apply for an open work permit under new policy:

  • Be in Canada;
  • Have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30th, 2020, or a PGWP that is set to expire in four months or less after the date of application;
  • Have a pre-existing valid status or be in the process or renewing your status;
  • Own a valid passport.

Online applications run from January 27th to July 27th, 2021.

This new PGWP guideline is intended to help retain international students as skilled workers following their graduation. An international student who graduates from a Designated Learning Institution (DIL) may be qualified for a PGWP for up to three years depending upon their duration of study in the country. A student can apply for a PGWP only once.

This new open work permit policy will allow them to extend their work experience as they continue to work towards citizenship. Each year they spend working in Canada helps move them closer to obtaining an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit allow for international travel

International students looking to work in Canada after graduation will be glad to hear that they will not have to stay in Canada as the government processes their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This change came into effect as of February 21. Because of this change, graduates will now be able to travel outside of Canada without losing their work permit eligibility. This applies to any graduates who are currently eligible for full-time employment in Canada without a work permit. 

In order to work full time in Canada, international students have to apply for a PGWP. In turn, PGWPs must be submitted before the expiration date of their study permit. Since it can take up to 90 days for a PGWP to be processed, making it a long wait for graduates before they receive their permit.

How to Work In Canada While Waiting for a Permit

International student graduates can work in Canada without a permit if they meet specific requirements. For one, they must have put in an application for a PGWP, even if it has not completed processing. Secondly, when applying for a PGWP, the international student must have a valid study permit. While in school, they have to have spent at least six months as a full-time student. They must attend a designated school and take either a vocational, professional training or post-secondary program.

Additionally, while in school, the international student cannot have worked more than 20 hours a week. Finally, to be eligible to work in Canada without a permit, an international graduate has to have finished school, earning a certificate, degree, or diploma. If they meet the requirement, then international graduates can work temporarily in Canada without a permit while their PGWP processes. However, if their application is refused, they must stop working when they are told by the immigration ministry. 

If approved, a PGWP allows an international graduate to work in Canada for a time of eight months to three years. Obtaining a job with a PGWP can be very helpful for gaining permanent residence in Canada. For example, the Express Entry system is a great route for recent graduates to obtain their permanent residence. The federal government holds Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks. The draw invites a select number of candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Having work experience in Canada can go a long way to helping the chances of being chosen in an Express Entry draw. 

For more information on Post-Graduation Work Permits, Express Entry, and to find your best Canadian immigration pathway, contact our consultants by email at info@canadaeducationconsultants.com or by phone at +91-844-863-0755.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The advantage of international students in Canada: the study-and-stay effect 

Canada has benefited greatly from the presence of its international students, and their numbers in Canada have only continued to grow. The number of international students in Canada is ten times what it was ten years ago, with over 570,000 living in Canada in 2018. Ranking as the fourth most popular country in the world for international students, Canada has seen a rise in foreign students thanks to the growth of middle-class families worldwide.

How International Students Benefit Canada

Canada has been a popular destination for students from around the world for a variety of reasons. For one, Canada also offers top-quality education. And because of the rather weak dollar, this quality education is more affordable in Canada when compared to other popular countries like Great Britain and the United States. 

What’s more, Canada is very welcoming for newcomers. There is a large population of Canadians who advocate for immigration, support acceptance and equality, as well as firmly speaking against hatred. With the amount of political unrest in other western countries, Canada brings a good degree of relief for international students and immigrants. International students make connections in their communities and form long-lasting bonds that help them in their professional endeavours. 

Canada has likewise benefitted from the increase of international students,. For one, they bring in economic revenue through studying and working in the country. Canada is one of the few countries that permit international students to work and support themselves while they pursue schooling. Since the population of Canadian-born students declining, international students are the reason that many Canadian post-secondary institutions can keep their doors open. 

In general, international students increase Canada’s population. Many chose to pursue careers in Canada, seek permanent residence, and become Canadian citizens. In an age of declining populations, immigrants are the ones keeping Canada’s population stable. 

Canada’s international presence also improves with every foreign student who chooses to study in Canadian schools. Whether they remain in Canada or return to their birthplace, they pass along their unique experiences. This exchange improves the international relationship between Canada and the rest of the world. 

How Canada Helps International Students

Foreign students have benefitted Canada’s economic stability, population growth, and international relations. Because of this, it is only natural that the Candian government develop programs that benefit international students. Whether it is to finding work post-graduation or to helping permanently immigrate to Canada, there is help for international students. 

The Government of Canada has a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) available for international graduates. This allows them to live and work full-time in Canada for up to three years after their graduation.

 Additionally, the Government of Canada awards extra points to international graduates who apply for permanent residence through federal Express Entry. The program an immigration pathway that invites top-scoring candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence via bi-weekly draws. Similarly, provinces tend to give international graduates an advantage in provincial nominations. This is especially true if the student graduated from a school in the respective province they apply in. 

If you are interested in studying in Canada or if you are an international student in Canada looking to immigrate, our team can provide you with expert consultation. Call our team at +91 84486 30755 or send an email to info@canadaeducationconsultants.com.

Best Country in the World to Live in

2nd Largest Country in world by Land
11th Largest Economy in the world
One of the Best Medical Systems in the World
One of the Highest Life Expectancy in the World
One of the Safest Country in the world
239,779 immigrants settled in Canada in 2014-2015
Canada is a high-tech industrial society
One of the easiest immigration pathways
One of the most cosmopolitan society in the World

Quick Links

CEC Info

STAY UP TO DATE

Sign up with your email address to receive Canada news and updates.

Contact Us

Head Office - Canada
Canada Education Consultants
2225 Boul Hymus suite 103
Dorval, QC, Canada ,H9P1J8
Toll Free – 1 855 887 1725
Delhi - +91-8448630755 info@canadaeducationconsultants.com
PEI - Canada
Canada Education Consultants
209 Queen Street, Second Floor, Charlottetown
PEI, C1A 4B7
Ph# +1 902 218 8646 info@canadaeducationconsultants.com

© 2020-21 (CEC) Canada Education & Immigration Consultants, All Rights Reserved | Design by Big Surge