In the light of proposed changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program announced last month, many current and prospective international students might be looking for more information. So, below are the top FAQs regarding Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit.

As outlined by notes from the IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024, these changes would better align the issuance of PGWPs with Canada’s labor market needs. 

This would result in fewer permits being issued to graduates from some post-secondary programs while ‘students entering professions in shortage’ would have better access to PGWPs. 

 

What Is A PGWP? 

A PGWP is an open work permit for foreign/ international students who complete an eligible study program at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution. This type of work permit is popular among those who come to Canada for education because the work experience gained through this permit can assist in the foreign national’s eligibility for numerous Canadian permanent residence pathways.  

 

Am I Eligible For A PGWP? 

International students should meet the following criteria to be eligible for a PGWP. The student must have: 

  • Completed a post-secondary program of a minimum of eight months in length from an eligible DLI in Canada. 
  • The program must have resulted in a degree, certificate, or diploma. 
  • Graduated from an educational institution.
  • Held a full-time status in Canada during every academic session of their programs of study used as a part of their PGWP application.
  • Received the following from their DLI: 
  • A transcript 
  • An official letter confirming they met the requirements needed to complete their study program

 

How Much Does A PGWP Cost? 

The cost to apply for a PGWP is CAD 255.00.

Applicants who must restore their status as students before applying for a PGWP will be required to pay an additional CAD 379.00. 

 

How Long Is PGWP Valid? 

A PGWP’s validity depends upon the type of study program the students pursued as well as the length of their program. This breaks down as follows: 

All study programs except Master’s degree programs

  • Programs of less than eight months in length: Ineligible for a PGWP
  • Program of eight months or more: The validity period of a PGWP will match the length of the complete study program
  • Program of two years or more: A PGWP valid for three years might be given 

Students who completed more than one program that meets PGWP eligibility might obtain a PGWP that is valid for the combined length of their completed programs. 

 

Master’s Degree Programs 

Note: The following applies only to a Master’s degree program, not certificate or diploma programs

  • Program of less than eight months in length: Ineligible for a PGWP
  • Program of eight months or more: Students can apply for a three-year PGWP even if their program was less than two year  

 

Can I Apply For A Job Before I Get My PGWP?

Another one of the top FAQs regarding Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit is this.

 Well, PGWP applicants can apply for a job before they obtain their permit if they meet the following three criteria: 

  • The student was enrolled full-time at a DLI in an eligible program 
  • The applicant has already completed their program of study 
  • The student has abided by their permitted number of work hours 

Note: Students who have their PGWP application refused must stop working immediately. 

 

Can I Travel Outside Canada While Waiting For My PGWP? 

PGWP applicants might travel to and from Canada freely if they have a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). 

Note: A study permit does not count as a visa and does not itself permit re-entry to Canada. 

Upon returning to Canada, IRCC notes that: 

  • PGWP applicants might return to Canada as a student if their study permit is still valid 
  • Applicants can enter as workers if their PGWP was approved while outside of Canada 
  • Applicants who are still having their PGWP processed can return as visitors
  • Those returning as visitors are permitted to work without a work permit while their application is being processed

 

I Am Working In Canada On A PGWP. Do I Require A Labor Market Impact Assessment? 

PGWP Applicants will require a Labor Market Impact Assessment if one is necessary to meet program requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or if their profession is not LMIA-exempt. 

 

There’s A Specific Profession On My PGWP. Can I Work In A Different Field? 

According to IRCC, this will depend on which section of the PGWP lists the holder’s professional information. 

 

  • If Listed Under Additional Information 

The permit holder’s field of work is not restricted, and they are not required to apply for a change to their work permit. 

 

  • If Listed Under Conditions Or Remarks/ Observations

The permit holder is required to work in the field listed on the permit. Otherwise, to work in a different profession, the permit holder must apply to change the conditions on their PGWP. 

This process would involve applying for a new work permit from within Canada. 

 

There’s A Specific Employment Location On My PGWP. Can I Work Somewhere Else? 

The next one of the top FAQs regarding Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit is regarding employment location. 

Similar to the above, this will depend on which section of the PGWP lists the permit holder’s employment location information. 

 

  • If Listed Under Additional Information 

The permit holder is not restricted with respect to where in Canada they can work. Additionally, the permit holder, in this case, is not required to apply for a change to their work permit. 

 

  • If Listed Under Conditions Or Remarks/ Observations  

The permit holder is required to work in the specified employment location listed on their PGWP. PGWP holders who wish to work in a different location must apply to change the conditions on their PGWP. 

Again, this process would involve applying for a new work permit from within Canada. 

 

Can I Switch Employers While Working Under A PGWP To Get Experience To Qualify For The Canadian Experience Class? 

The PGWP is an open work permit, which implies that holders are free to switch employers as long as they abide by the restrictions highlighted on their permit. 

Permit holders must remain aware, however, that only skilled work experience qualifies candidates for the Canadian Experience Class. 

Skilled work experience is work in any occupation listed under National Occupation Classification TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. 

 

Can I Renew My PGWP? 

The last but one of the most important FAQs regarding Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit is its renewal. 

Well, the answer is no. PGWPs are one-time-only, non-renewable work permits for eligible international students. 

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