Can international students get a work permit in Canada?
Yes, international students can work in Canada through Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP is an open work permit issued for international students who have completed an eligible study program in Canada. The PGWP program is primarily for students who have completed their courses from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
The post-graduate work permit (PGWP) does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment and helps graduates gain work experience in Canada. After gaining good work experience in Canada, international students can also become eligible for Canada permanent residency. The validity of PGWP is for eight months to three years.
*Note: From September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in study programs offered by a public-private partnership (PPP) institution as part of a curriculum licensing agreement will not be eligible for PGWPs after graduation.
*Want to apply for Post-Graduate Work Permit? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
Benefits of Post-Graduation Work Permit
Here are the benefits of a Post-Graduation Work Permit:
- Allowed to work full-time in Canada
- Freedom to work anywhere in Canada
- Fulfill the professional goals
- Apply for Canada PR
- Get work experience in Canada
- Get preferences over LMIA
Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Here are the eligibility criteria for PGWP:
- Must be at aged above 18 years or more
- Completed a course in Canada for at least eight months
- The program must have been completed at DLI.
- Apply within 90 days of graduation
- Hold a valid study permit
Requirement for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Here are the requirements to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- The applicant must be 18 years old or older.
- The applicant must complete at least eight months in a full-time program in Canada.
- The course must be done from a PGWP-eligible school program: The applicant must have completed the course from a school eligible for the PGWP Program or eligible from DLI (Designated Learning Institution).
- Apply within 90 days of graduation: The applicant must apply for the PGWP program within ninety days of the candidate's completion.
- Valid study permit: The candidate must possess a valid study permit while the application is being made.
Steps to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Below are the steps to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Step 2: Sort out the checklist of the documents
Step 3: Apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit
Step 4: Receive the work visa
Step 5: Work in Canada
*Looking for assistance with Canada Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy for end-to-end support.