Guide for Canada Post Graduation Work Permit: Applying for Post Study Work Visas

Hoping to gain some Canadian work experience after graduation? Then you must be thinking about applying for post study work visas. 

We hope to provide you with all the information you need, so you can make a wise decision.

Why Should You Apply for Post Study Work Visas?

If you’re looking to advance your professional goals after graduation in Canada, then post study work visas are the way to go. Having a post graduation work permit will enable you to later obtain permanent residency in Canada too.

Want to learn more about permanent residency? This article will help you understand permanent resident status, what permanent residents can and cannot do, and more. 

Make sure you apply for your visa within 180 days after graduation. After that, you’ll lose your opportunity.

Post Graduation Work Permit: Are You Eligible To Apply?

Before you apply for post study work visas, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• You must have completed a course/degree/certificate that has lasted for at least 8 months.

• At least 50% of your program in Canada should be completed.

• You must have studied each academic session on a full-time basis, without taking time away. This wouldn’t include summer or winter breaks.

• At least 50% of your program should be completed in person.

Even if one of the following applies, you are still eligible to apply for post study work visas:

• If you studied only your final academic session on a part-time basis.

• If you’ve taken an authorised leave, or a gap in studies. This means pursuing studies actively for less than 150 days.

• If you were eligible for the temporary policies that were in place until August 31, 2022 which allowed courses to move online due to COVID.

For more eligibility details, check out the Government of Canada website.

Length of Post Graduation Work Permit

Before you apply for your post study work visas, remember that the length of the permit is a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 3 years. This depends on the actual length of the program, and not on the time you spent completing the program.

So, for example, if you’re studying a 4-year degree, you’re allowed a 3-year post graduation work permit.

Note that if your program has a flexible time frame, you should draft a letter that details the number of credits you’re getting, or mentions the intensive nature of the course.

Can the permit be extended? Yes, but only if the length of the permit wasn’t provided when you first applied for the permit, due to the expiry of your passport. In this situation, the permit isn’t provided because it shouldn’t extend beyond the student’s passport validity date.

Post Graduation Work Permit Application Details

Make note of the following:

1. You’ll be charged with an application fee of CAD 255.
2. In the event you want to restore your PGWP or student status, you’ll have to pay CAD 605.
3. It takes 163 days to process online applications.
4. And for paper-based applications, it takes 146 days for processing.

When Should You Apply for Your Work Study Visa?

It is only after your Letter of Completion certificate becomes available, when you can apply for your work permit. This letter will confirm that you have met all the program requirements. Do note that the date of the availability of this certificate is different from the date of your graduation ceremony.

Have plans to do your further studies in Canada too? Then it’s best you apply for work study visas only after your completion of the second program. This way, you can make full use of your permit.

How You Can Get Your Letter of Completion

It depends on your faculty or program; you might get your letter of completion automatically or you might have to request for one. 

Most of the time, this letter is issued shortly after you meet your last program requirement, such as submitting a thesis.

You can apply for your post graduation work permit within 90 days after your letter of completion becomes available.

However, if your study permit expires before this letter becomes available, you’ll have to extend your study permit.

And if you fail to apply for your post graduation work permit within those 90 days, you’ll have to:

1. Change your status to a visitor, and apply for the permit from Canada, via the visa office.
2. Apply from the outside, by leaving Canada

Frequently Asked Questions About Post Study Work Visas

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers you might find useful to make your decision to work in Canada after you graduate.

Question 1: How long does it take to get a post graduation work permit?

Answer: It might take anywhere between 80 to 180 days to process your PGWP.

Question 2: Can I apply for a work permit after my post graduation work permit?

Answer: Yes, you can apply for another work permit later, even after your post graduation work permit.

Question 3: How many times can I apply for a post graduation work permit?

Answer: You can apply for it only once. So, if you’re planning on continuing your studies after completing your first program, you’ll have to be strategic about your work visa applications.

If you apply for your work permit visas after completing a long course, then you’ll be granted with a longer-lasting PGWP. (max 3 years)

Question 4: What are the top source countries for a post graduation work permit?

Question 5: What are the easiest ways to become a Permanent Resident of Canada?

1. Study visas
2. Express entry program
3. Work permit
4. Visitor visas
5. Provincial Nomination Program
6. Business Investor Program
7. Atlantic Immigration Nominee Program

1. Study Visas

To get a study visa, you’ll have to first be accepted by a university. The process would involve the submission of a Statement of Purpose, essays about the reason for your interest in the chosen course, a Letter of Recommendation, and your degrees and certificates.

One the university accepts your application, you’ll have to start the process of applying for your student permit. For this, you’ll have to apply on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website, by also attaching the University’s acceptance letter, and other visa requirements.

You can count on us at SelectRight to help you find the right university! 

2. Express Entry Program

There’s a reason this program has been gaining such popularity! In just under 6 months, skilled workers can easily migrate to Canada.

Under this program, immigration is undertaken through an evaluation tool called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) tool. Based on factors like language competency, age, education, work experience, etc, the tool calculates the candidate’s score. Those candidates who meet the desired score are considered more eligible to migrate and obtain a PR visa in Canada. The scoring requirements are decided by the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada.

The subcategories under the Express Entry Program are:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program(FSTP)

To apply through this, you’ll have to show a valid job offer. This offer must be from a Canadian employer, and the employment should be full-time for a minimum of 1 year. Along with this, you’ll also need a certificate of qualification.

• Federal Skilled Workers Program(FSWP)

Through this, you’ll have to make sure you score a 67/100 at least on your assessment grid, in order to be considered fit to migrate.

• Canadian Experience Class(CEC)

To apply through this, you must have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience. It appears that, by the end of 2022, there will be 30,50,000 new Permanent Residents in Canada.

3. Work Permit

If you have already received a job offer from an organisation in Canada, then this could be a valid option for you to choose for migration.

For this, the employer must send out an application of the labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to the Employment in Social Development of Canada (ESDC). Along with this, to prove you will be useful in contributing to Canada’s economy, you have to also submit documents for proof of work experience and education.

Not sure if you’ll be able to financially sustain yourself in Canada? Worry not. We know it can be a daunting experience to settle in an all-new place, far away from home. Allow us to at least help you financially. At FundRight, we help you get the education loan you deserve.

4. Visitor Visa

Unlike a post graduation work permit which can help you migrate to Canada permanently, a visitor visa can help you migrate there for a short period of time. There are 2 types of visitor visas; single entry, and multiple entry. These are allotted for a maximum period of 6 months. 

To be eligible for this, the candidate must be in good health, have sufficient financial resources, and have a valid passport.

5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

You can apply for this if you’re unable to meet the requirements of the Express Entry Program. 

Under PNP, Canada invites those who want to migrate there, and then nominate them for immigration on the basis of labour requirement in that particular province, and jobs in demand.

In order to attain provincial nomination, candidates can either apply through Express Entry linked models or apply directly to the province to be selected.

6. Business Investor Program

This category is suitable for business owners or managers who want to set up a business in Canada. Those with sufficient financial resources can apply, either through provincial business immigration programs or a start-up visa.

7. Atlantic Immigration Nominee Program (AIPP)

This is employer-driven. This category is suitable for employers looking for skilled employees.

So, are you planning on getting started with your post study work visas soon? We hope you’ll now be able to make a more informed decision.

And we hope working in Canada is everything you dream it to be. Remember, for all your financial needs, you can bank upon us at FundRight.