Most international students study in Canada for a chance at a better life. Canada has plenty of opportunities for foreign students—from school and career to permanent residency.
If one of your goals is to gain valuable work experience in Canada, you need a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This document allows you to work in Canada and is also a bridging mechanism for permanent residency in the country.
Here are some of the essential basics for students who want to work and study in Canada must know to apply for a PGWP:
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
A PGWP is a type of open work permit in Canada. These kinds of permits allow foreign nationals to work anywhere in Canada, under any Canadian employer.
Only international students who graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can apply for a PGWP. The permit is valid for eight months to three years.
Obtaining a PGWP is a great way for foreign students to get relevant work experience in Canada. With work experience under a Canadian employer, a student can then pursue permanent residence in the country.
For your post-graduation plans, getting a PGWP should be your top priority. Read on to know eligibility requirements and the application process.
Eligibility Requirements for PGWP
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), an applicant can only get one PGWP in their lifetime.
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions to be eligible for a PGWP:
- Must be 18 years old or over
- Completed at least eight months of a vocational, academic, or professional training program. The training program must be taken from an authorized Canadian institution.
- Maintained a full-time student status in Canada
- Must have an official letter from the DLI stating program completion
Foreign students must apply within 180 days after completing their program. During this period, they may either have a valid study permit or had a study permit.
Application Process
If your study permit expires before you can apply for a PGWP, you have 90 days to restore your student status. If you don’t apply in 90 days, you must leave Canada and return home.
You can apply online for a PGWP to restore your student status. Then, you must pay a $350 fee.
It’s necessary to prepare the correct documents before applying for a PGWP. You need your official transcript of records and an official letter confirming that you finished your program.
If the conditions of your PGWP require changes and extension, you must apply on paper. But generally, applying for a PGWP is made online.
Applying online makes the process quicker and you can immediately follow up more documents upon request. You’ll also receive constant updates on your online account.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit allows you to work anywhere in Canada, giving you access to more work opportunities. If you want to get more in-depth and more detailed stories on how to apply for work in Canada, look through our articles here at MSM Unify.
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