Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain professional work experience in Canada. The PGWP allows eligible students to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. Here are 10 important facts about the PGWP that every international student should know:
1. Eligibility:
To be eligible for the PGWP, you must have been a full-time student and completed a programme of study that is at least eight months long at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed by the government.
2. One-Time Application:
You can only apply for the PGWP once in your lifetime, and the permit cannot be renewed. However, if the duration of your PGWP is limited by your passport’s expiration date, you can extend it.
3. No PGWP for Additional Programmes:
If you decide to pursue further studies after applying for the PGWP, you will not be eligible for a new PGWP for those additional programmes.
4. Renewal Options:
If you qualify for a different type of work permit, you can apply to renew your PGWP before it expires.
5. Expired PGWP:
If your PGWP is about to expire, it’s advisable to consider other work permit options, such as an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit. By fulfilling the conditions and applying before your PGWP expires, you may be able to continue working in Canada.
6. Temporary Resident Status:
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) grants temporary resident status to all foreign nationals authorised to enter Canada. Temporary residents are required to leave Canada at the end of their permitted stay. However, they can file a petition to extend their authorised period of residence, and during the processing period, they are considered to have temporary resident status.
7. Working without a Permit:
Some PGWP applicants can work full-time without a work permit while waiting for a decision on their application, even if they leave and re-enter Canada. Certain conditions must be met, such as holding a valid study permit at the time of the PGWP application, completing the programme of study, and meeting the prerequisites for working off campus without a work permit. The maximum amount of time required for working off campus must not exceed the altitude (duration of stay).
8. Work Permit Rejection:
If you receive a notification from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your work permit application has been rejected, you must immediately stop working.
9. Study Permit and PGWP:
It is important to keep in mind that a study permit will become invalid 90 days after the end of a study programme. Further, you must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of obtaining proof that you have met the requirements for completing your programme of study.
10. Expired Study Permit:
If your study permit has already expired before applying for a PGWP, you have the option to leave Canada and apply for a PGWP while outside Canada.
Understanding these key facts about Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit will help you, as an international student, make informed decisions and navigate the process more effectively.