PGWP Canada - Work permit for up to 3 years after raduation

Learn about PGWP Canada - the Post-Graduation Work Permit for international students. PGWP allows international students to gain work experience, expand their career opportunities, and potentially settle in Canada.

What is PGWP Canada?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit for international students who have completed a full-time program of study in Canada with a duration of at least 8 months. It is a great opportunity for students to stay and work in Canada for a period ranging from 1 month to 3 years, depending on the length of their studies. The PGWP helps students gain Canadian work experience and provides an opportunity for them to apply for permanent residency in the future.

You can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit through your IRCC account on the IRCC website. You can apply from within Canada or abroad, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. To view the eligibility requirements, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

This is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer without requiring a job offer in advance.

If you are planning to settle in Canada after graduation, most immigration programs require international students to have 6 months to 1 year of work experience. The PGWP is an opportunity for you to gain enough professional experience to apply for relevant immigration programs or suitable provincial programs.

How long does the PGWP last?

• Diploma, Bachelor, Postgraduate:

If the course lasts from 8 months to less than 2 years, you will receive a PGWP equivalent to the duration of your study. If the course lasts from 2 to 3 years, you will receive a PGWP for up to 3 years.

• Master: 

Master’s programs are currently prioritized by the Ministry of Immigration. International students graduating with a master’s degree in Canada will be allowed to stay and work for 3 years after graduation, regardless of the length of their program.

Who is eligible for a PGWP after graduation in Canada?

• Graduation from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Completion of at least 8 months of full-time study in Canada, at a level of education from college or higher.
• A valid study permit at the time of applying for the PGWP.
• Submit the PGWP application within 180 days of receiving written notification (such as a transcript or official confirmation letter) from the educational institution confirming you have completed your program.
• Meet health requirements and have no criminal record.

Important notes on PGWP

1. The PGWP is only issued once in a lifetime and cannot be renewed.

2. If you complete more than one consecutive course, the PGWP duration will be determined based on the total duration of all courses in Canada (excluding English language or preparatory courses).

3. International students must have a Confirmation of Graduation from the school to apply for the PGWP.

4. The duration of the PGWP also depends on the validity of the passport. If your passport is about to expire, consider renewing it before applying for the PGWP to avoid losing PGWP time (you can renew your Vietnamese passport right in Canada).

5. If your academic performance is poor or you violate the work limit of 20 hours/week (increasing to 24 hours/week from September 2024) while studying, this may affect your PGWP application. Although you may be eligible to apply, IRCC reserves the right to refuse the PGWP if they determine you did not comply with regulations.

6. The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows you to work in any industry, anywhere in Canada, or change companies at any time.

Conclusion 

The PGWP is a golden opportunity for you to build a career in Canada after graduation. With this permit, you can experience a professional work environment, gain valuable experience, and even open the door to long-term settlement in this country. However, obtaining the PGWP not only requires you to comply with the conditions and regulations but also requires a smart application strategy to ensure you make the most of your work time in Canada.