Working In Canada After Your Graduation – How Do You Go About It?

From its scenic landscapes, diverse culture, and vast employment opportunities, Canada is consistently known as of the best places to build a career after graduation.

Fortunately, international students residing in Canada will be thrilled to know that they are eligible to work and stay in the Great White North post-graduation. All with the help of the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

What is a Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)?

The PGWPP opens eligible international students up to a world of employment opportunities in the country through this unique open work permit.

Students who have graduated from qualified universities or designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada are eligible to apply for the PGWP, regardless of nationality.

What’s more, the PGWP is also a great way for students to acquire permanent residency in Canada should they wish to settle down in the country post-graduation and years down the road.

Now that you have a better overview of what the PGWP is all about, let’s get down to the technicalities.

Understanding The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

1. The Criteria In Order To Apply

While there are several criteria to meet in order to obtain eligibility for the PGWP, the main requirement for all applicants is to have graduated from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) anywhere in Canada. Here is a full list of DLIs in the country.

Take note that not all schools in Canada are listed as DLIs, so make sure that you’re applying to one for students who have plans on obtaining a PGWP.

Other than graduating from an eligible DLI, applicants must also meet all of the following criteria below:

● The applicant has completed a valid training program (academic, professional, or vocational) in Canada with a duration of at least eight months leading to a diploma, degree, or other relevant certificates.
● The applicant must have obtained and maintained full-time student status in Canada during the entire course of their program, with exceptions for students with part-time student status in their final academic session or taking a temporary leave from their studies.
● The applicant has received an official letter from their respective DLI stating that they have met all the requirements of their study program.

2. The Documents You Need To Prepare

After you’ve determined your eligibility, it’s time to prepare all the necessary documents needed. While paperwork is usually dreaded by many, the requirements for the PGWP happen to be more straightforward.

The requirements for the application process include:

● A one-time application fee of CAD $255
● A letter of completion OR an official transcript or copy of your transcript from your school
● A scanned copy of your passport with 1) a bio-data page and 2) a copy of each page containing stamps, visas, and other markings from Canada and other countries
● A digital photo that meets IRCC’s specifications

However, the admissions office may request additional documents upon receiving your application. This might include:

● A letter of explanation for students with unique cases
● A medical examination report
● The applicant’s biometrics

3. The Processing Time

Applications submitted online and on paper via mail would take anywhere between 80 to 180 days to process.

Processing varies based on factors such as the type of application submitted, how easily the information can be verified, as well as the volume of applications collected.

To avoid extended processing times, ensure that all the necessary requirements have been submitted with your application.

4. How Long Your PGWP Is Valid For

The validity of PGWPs ranges from eight months up to three years, giving students heaps of time to build up their experience in the working world and get a feel of their chosen industry in a Canadian context.

One factor that plays a part in determining the length of an applicant’s permit is the length of their completed study program in Canada.

Bear in mind that the validity of the PGWP cannot exceed the applicant’s passport validity date. To make the most out of your work permit’s validity, double-check to see if your passport may expire soon.

5. Applying For PR After 3 Years

After three years, PGWP holders will finally be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry).

This Express Entry program was created specifically for those with valid work experience in Canada and who want to reside permanently in Canada.

Since this is an entirely different permit from the PGWP, the eligibility criteria would also be different.

Click here to find out more about the Canadian Experience Class in greater detail.

Other Work Permits Available

While the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is the best option for international students looking to settle down in Canada after their studies, there are also other work permits available in Canada.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit allows anyone to work in Canada based on the employer’s conditions, including the duration of work and the location of the job.

For this permit, applications are typically submitted by the employer after a series of interviews and assessments, and not the applicant.

Open Work Permit

Unlike employer-specific work permits, open work permits aren’t specific to a certain job or employer. This allows applicants to work for any company or employer unless it has been blacklisted for failure to comply with specific regulations.

Interested in working in and off campus in Canada while studying? Here’s a resource that might be of interest to you (Can You Work On & Off Campus In Canada While Studying? | IDP Cambodia).

Preparing For The Future With IDP

From the university application process, accommodation preparation, to planning for your future career post-graduation, IDP is here to help you at every step of the way.

With tailored guidance from our educational counsellors, students can embark on their overseas education journey with confidence. Book your free counselling session today to get started!