PGWP is an acronym for Post-Graduation Work Permit. It is a type of work visa that enables international students who have completed their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to work in the country for up to three years. The PGWP is an open work permit, which means it allows holders to work in any occupation and for any employer in Canada. The duration of the PGWP is based on the length of the study program, with a maximum of three years for

programs that are at least two years long. This work permit provides valuable opportunities for international students to gain Canadian work experience and potentially apply for permanent residency in Canada.

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It is a common misconception among students planning to study in Canada that if their institution is a designated learning institution, that automatically qualifies them to apply for PGWP – this is not the case. Not all DLIs and educational programs make a student eligible to apply for PGWP.

So, how can you check if your institution or program qualifies you to apply for this permit? You can simply log onto CIC’s official website and check whether your designated learning institution offers PGWP eligible programs.

You can apply for PGWP if:

Why do students apply for PGWP?
International students opt for PGWP to attain valuable Canadian work experience, which can later prove to be beneficial in their application for permanent residence. Additionally, students get an open work permit which gives them the option to work for any employer anywhere in Canada.

Can students get three years of PGWP?
IRCC officers can issue an applicant a three years’ PG work permit only if they have completed a master’s or a PhD in Canada. That being said, your institution should confirm that your program was 16-23 months long and did not include breaks at regular intervals.

Can international students apply for PR after PGWP?
Only possessing a PGWP does not make your case strong for PR. You need to have at least a year of full-time experience in a NOC code of O (management jobs), A (Professional Jobs that require candidates to have a University Degree) or B (Technical Jobs and skilled trade jobs that candidates require to have a College Diploma) in order to make your profile stronger for your PR application.

What if my school loses DLI status while I study there?
In the event that the designated learning institution (DLI) you are attending loses its status while you are still studying, you will be allowed to continue your studies until your study permit expires. However, in other situations, you may be required to apply to a new DLI.

Can you get rejected for PGWP?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be refused for various reasons such as not meeting program requirements, insufficient documentation, enrolling in the wrong program or school, previous issuance of a PGWP, missing the application deadline, or being a part-time student during a term other than the final academic semester. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements before applying for a PGWP to increase the chances of a successful application.

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