Canada's new Post-Graduation Work Permit
Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are open work permits given to international students who graduate from a Canadian program of study. Those students who hold open work permits can work for any employer in Canada for as many hours as they wish.
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PGWPs are valid from eight months to three years and are the best way to obtain valuable Canadian work experience. It opens many opportunities for permanent residence once an applicant has work experience in Canada.
According to the recent announcement of caps on the number of international students, there are important changes to the eligibility requirements of the PGWP.
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Who is eligible for a PGWP?
To be eligible for the PGWP, the foreign national must be at least 18 years old and have studied in Canada in a program of at least 8 months. The study program must be completed in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in one of the program types listed here. Also, a foreign national must apply for a work permit within 180 days of completing their study program.
If you are applying from within Canada, you should have a valid status at the time of application. If the study permit has expired or will expire in some days, you can apply as a visitor before applying for the PGWP. Applicants who apply for work permits before their study permits expire can work full-time immediately, even while their application is processing.
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Study Permits Allows International Students to Work In Canada
According to the proposed cap on study permits, each province and territory will have a limit on their ability to welcome new international students.
International students are allowed to work on campus without a work permit while completing their studies if they have the following requirements:
- They should have a valid study permit;
- Full-time students at a post-secondary public school
- Have a Social Insurance Number.
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International students can also work off-campus without a work permit while completing their studies if the 20-hour rule is not in effect. They should also meet the following requirements.
- They should have a valid study permit;
- Full-time students in a designated learning institution
- Their study program is academic, vocational or professional; it lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate;
- They only work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
Few study programs involve work requirements like internships. In such cases, a work permit is required for the foreign student to complete the work.
International students can work in Canada for up to one year through the International Experience Canada if:
- They are between the ages of 18 and 35 and;
- Their country of origin has an agreement with Canada.
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