With its cultural diversity and welcoming nature, Canada is a captivating country that embraces foreigners from all around the world. Undoubtedly, studying in Canada is a dream for many international students due to the many advantages that come with it. The Canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers a distinctive opportunity to make that dream a reality.

Obtaining PGWP gives international students the chance to work in Canada after completing their studies. As well as to acquire valuable work experience which will expand their skills and career prospects. However, keep in mind that a Canada post-graduation work permit application can not be made more than once.

Therefore you should be tactical when applying for your PGWP in case you want to continue your studies after completing your first program. Or if you want to enroll in a longer degree program in Canada. When you eventually apply after the longest duration of your study, you’ll obtain a PGWP with longer validity, up to three years.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the application process for a Canada Post-graduation work permit and the required documents. We will also take a look at the Post-graduation work permit eligibility. So, let’s dive in!

What Is A Post-Graduate Work Permit?

The Canada post-graduate work permit is usually issued by the Canadian government to international students who have completed their program of study at a Canadian-designated learning institution. Interestingly, the PGWP allows foreigners to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer. This allows them to acquire valuable work experience and also apply for permanent residency.

Below are some interesting facts about the Canada Post-Graduation Work permit. Scroll down!

1. The length of your PGWP will be based on the length of your study program, with a maximum of three years.
2. Also, it is attached to the international student’s passport and not a specific
3. To obtain your PGWP, you must submit your application within 90 days of the completion of your study program.
4. Meanwhile, the PGWP is not guaranteed and the final say on whether or not to grant the permit, lies with the issuing officer.
5. The PGWP is very important in the journey of many international students who want to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Required Documents For Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit

As an international student, below are the essential documents that you would need to submit when applying for your Canada PGWP. Scroll down!

1.  Study Permit

The study permit is an authorization issued to international students that permits them to study in Canada. It’s usually valid for the entire duration of their study program. Meanwhile, you must have a valid study permit at the time of submitting your PGWP application.

2.  Passport

You will need to submit your passport with your PGWP application. Therefore, you must have a valid passport for the entire duration of the PGWP. It should also have enough blank pages for visa and immigration stamps.

3.  Proof Of Program Completion

Before the commencement of your PGWP application, you’ll need one of the following documents to demonstrate that you have completed your study program.

1. A Degree or Diploma
2. Letter of completion from your DLI on the official letterhead of the It must also contain your full name, program of study and date of program completion.
3. Official transcript or copy of the transcript from your DLI’s

4.  Proof Of Language Proficiency

Furthermore, you may need to provide proof of language proficiency in English or French as part of your PGWP application. This can be done by sitting for official language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Or Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) scores, according to the language of instruction of your study program.

5.  Photograph

As an international student, you will need to provide your most recent passport-sized photograph. This is based on the specifications outlined by the Immigration, Refugees and

Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for PGWP application. Additionally, the photograph must be taken within a specific timeframe and meet the required size and format.

6.  Supporting Documents

Based on individual circumstances, you may need to provide other supporting documents together with your PGWP application. Meanwhile, these documents may include proof of financial resources, health insurance coverage, police clearance certificates, and other relevant documents.

Application Process For Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit

Below are steps to follow as an international student who meets the above eligibility criteria and intends to apply for Canada PGWP. Read on!

1.  Gather Required Documents

Gather all your documents as listed above, this will allow you to have a smooth application process without any interruptions. Furthermore, ensure that you review all your documents, such as a letter of completion, passport, study permit, and other identification documents. By doing this, you will be sure that your documents are accurate and up-to-date.

Any inconsistencies or mistakes can result in delays or rejections of your application. It’s also important that you keep copies of all the documents you submitted with your application and any correspondence with the IRCC. You can use these copies as a reference in case any issues arise during the processing of your application.

2.  Submit Your Post-Graduation Work Permit Application

You can submit your PGWP application either online or via mail. However, if you decide to submit by mail, you’ll need to send it to the designated processing center. Most applicants usually follow the online route.

Fill out your application form truthfully and provide all the necessary information. You must be truthful in your answers and ensure that your application is complete. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may lead to rejection of your application.

3.  Pay Your PGWP Application Fees

There’s a visa fee you’ll pay for a Canada work permit which must be paid at the time of application. Work Permit Visa Fees (including extension) are $155 per person, while the Open

Work Permit Fee is $100, which totals $255. Above are the fees that most international students will have to pay for the PGWP application.

However, some students may have to pay additional fees based on their cases. Keep in mind to include the payment receipt as part of your PGWP application package. After you have submitted your application, you must wait for it to be processed by the IRCC.

Although the processing time for Canada PGWP may vary, in some cases, the IRCC may request additional information or ask you to attend an interview to confirm your eligibility. Ensure that you promptly provide any additional information or attend any requested interviews to avoid delays in your application processing. Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive a decision from the IRCC.

If your application is approved, you will be issued a PGWP and it’ll specify the duration of the permit. Therefore, you must review the permit carefully to ensure that the information is accurate. Obtaining a PGWP is a valuable opportunity for international students in Canada to gain Canadian work experience and potentially pursue permanent residency.

Even though the process of applying for PGWP can be complex, you must ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

Who Is Eligible For A Post-Graduation Work Permit?

The Canadian government has initiated the post-graduation work permit after studying. This will allow you to remain in Canada and work after completing your studies. However, to qualify for a post-graduation work permit in Canada and outside Canada, an individual must meet the following criteria.

Eligibility For Graduates In Canada

To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit in Canada after completing your graduation, the following criteria must be met:

1. You have held a valid study permit within the past 180
2. You still have a valid visitor
3. You must have applied for an extension before its expiry or have submitted a status change application. But, you are yet to receive a decision.
4. You completed a full-time study program at a Designated Learning Institution in
5. Also, your study program was at least 900 hours or more in
6. You graduated from a public post-secondary institution, a Quebec-based private institution that follows the same rules as public institutions, or a recognized Canadian institution authorized to grant degrees under provincial law.

Eligibility For Graduates Outside Canada

If you’re studying online from outside of Canada without a study permit, you will need an approved study permit to apply for a PGWP. Duly note the following.

1. A post-graduation work permit application is possible if you were studying a program that ran from January through March.
2. If you have already started your program it’ll start between this year spring and summer of the following year.
3. Also, if you already have a study permit or have gotten approval for
4. If you applied for a study permit before beginning your study program and you have completed a study program at a designated learning institute.

The Processing Time For A Post-Graduation Work Permit

The processing time for a Canada post-graduation work permit differs and can range from 80 to 180 days. Meanwhile, the time it’ll take for the application processing will depend on many factors like how many applications are received and the processing office. While waiting for your permit, you are free to work in Canada. However, only if your study permit is still valid or has been extended before you apply for the PGWP.

How A PGWP Can Facilitate Your Canadian Immigration

The Post-Graduation Work Permit was created to provide a productive route for international students to qualify for PR in Canada. As an applicant, you are in a good position to apply to the Canadian Express Entry immigration system. You’ll connect Canadian education with gigantic full-time work experience in the country.

Furthermore, Express Entry applicants can benefit from additional points towards their comprehensive ranking system score if they have job experience in Canada. As well as their educational background, making them more competitive with other applicants who want the PR status! Another immigration category that favors applicants with a Canadian educational qualification and work experience is the Provincial Nominee Program.

But, if you studied in Quebec, it’s the Quebec Experience Class program. Let’s discuss the steps to apply for Canada PR through the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Dive in!

Steps To Apply For Canada PR Through the PGWP

1.  Apply For A Study Permit

Firstly, you must complete your study course and apply for a study visa in Canada. However, you must enroll in an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to apply for a study permit in Canada.

2.  Work And Learn While Studying (Optional)

Most international students studying in Canada usually explore the opportunity to work while they are enrolled. So that they can obtain job experience and also cover their daily expenses living as students. Additionally, you can apply for internships as it allows you to work on and off campus as a student. Then, you may qualify for a Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit!

3.  Create Your Application For Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit

After you have obtained your degree, you can apply for the Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit. This will allow you to gain essential Canadian work experience. As stated earlier, your post-graduation work permit will be determined by the length of your study.

4.  Apply For Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class)

You may be eligible for PR once you’ve received your degree and gained at least a year of work experience. However, applying through Express Entry for the Canadian Experience Class is usually the best idea for graduates. With the foundation of your CRS score, you’ll be added to an online lottery that will choose applicants for Canada PR.

5.  Get An ITA And Submit A Canada PR Application

An ITA (invitation to apply) is usually issued once your score in an Express Entry draw is the cut-off score or higher. Thereby allowing you to apply for Canada permanent residence. After

you’ve obtained your ITA then you’ll have 60 days to submit the main application for PR with the relevant documents.

Above are the 5 easy steps to apply for Canada PR through the post-graduation work permit. Meanwhile, the Canadian immigration process is demanding and complex, you must be patient and dedicated to making it smooth and stress-free.