Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada: How to work after graduation

Most students who graduate from any university in Canada have a very high chance of finding a job and staying in the country. Throughout their educations, students, who create a social network and become accustomed to the country's culture and lifestyle thanks to the internships they can do, can start their career lives especially in the cities where universities and businesses are thriving, such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec.

Canada's low unemployment rate and developed economic structure are among the biggest factors that make it possible to start a career in the country.

To find a job in Canada, you can first apply to the consultancy centres opened for international students of the university where you will graduate and have a look at CV preparation, interviews and job postings. Also on the internet:

• You can subscribe to LinkedIn to develop your professional business network
• If you are looking for a job in the field of design, you can share your portfolio on sites such as Behance, Deviantart
• You can enter international job search sites like Monster, XING, Job Canada, Talent Egg
• You can look at the job opportunities published on the Canadian government's official website
• By visiting the Volunteer Canada site, you can work on volunteer jobs and projects and add a great experience to your resume.

In particular, the need for employment in petroleum engineering, computer and information technologies, computer programming and software, graphics and web design, healthcare, where successful developments are experienced in Canada, is increasing day by day.

If you want to pursue a career in Canada after graduation and have studied at any higher education institution in Canada, you can apply for graduate education and browse academic career opportunities in the country or search for jobs in the appropriate sectors.

Bayer, Sandoz Canada, Shopify, L’Oreal Canada, PepsiCo Canada, Siemens Canada and HootSuite Media are among the international companies you can evaluate in Canada, especially in the fields of engineering, healthcare, business and economics.

While studying in Canada, you’ve the right to work up to 20 hours a week (full day during summer holidays) on campuses of your own university, without applying for a work visa. If you want to pursue a career in Canada after graduation, you can apply for a work permit within the scope of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) gives you permission to stay in Canada and work full time for up to 3 years after you graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution. However, you need to know that the length of your work permit depends on the program you’ve already studied in Canada.

To be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada, you need to meet PGWP criteria, including:

• Having graduated from an education program of at least 8 months
• Having completed undergraduate or graduate programs at a university in Canada
• Applying for a work permit within 180 days after your school issues your final marks.
• You must have a valid student visa.

You can learn the necessary conditions in more detail on the CIC website, and get help from the consulates in your country.

Planning to start your career in Canada? Speak with your IDP counsellor today to find the right study programs for you.