Being an international student, if you are thinking of working in Canada after finishing your studies, it is of utmost importance to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit i.e. PGWP. After obtaining Post-Graduation Work Permit, you can work anywhere in Canada legally.
How to Apply for a Work Permit After Studying in Canada
Let’s have a look at the various factors that need to be considered to achieve a work permit in Canada.
1. Eligibility Criteria
- You must have completed your graduation from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, where you studied full-time for at least 8 months in a program resulting in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- You must have a valid study permit when you were pursuing your education in Canada.
- You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days (6 months) after receiving your official completion certificate from your educational institution.
2. Documentation
- A copy of your valid passport is required.
- An official final completion letter from your educational institution is mandatory.
- Your study permit, when you were getting an education in Canada, is also needed for an hour.
- A statement of purpose is as such not required, but in certain cases, it is mandatory.
- Any additional documents demanded by the Canadian immigration authorities are also essential here.
3. Application Process
- You can apply for a PGWP online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website.
- On the other hand, you can also apply through a paper-based application, but this method is less convenient these days because of the easiness of online submissions.
- Importantly, the application form is called IMM 5710, fill it out accurately along with the submission of the mandatory documents.
4. Processing Time and Fees
- The processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit usually takes around 100 to 120 days. Apart from this, the application fee for the PGWP is approximately CAD 255.
5. Time Frame for Work Permit
The duration of the PGWP will full fully depend on the duration of your study program:
- If your study program was less than 8 months, you are not eligible for a PGWP.
- If your program was 8 months to 2 years, you will receive a work permit for up to the same length of time as your program.
- If your program was 2 years or more: You can get a PGWP for up to 3 years.
6. Work Rights During the Application Process
- Although you have applied for a PGWP, your study permit is still valid, then you can work till the time you are not getting approval.
- In case, your study permit has expired, you must apply for a visitor record or extend your study permit to maintain legal status while waiting for PGWP approval.
7. Experience of Post-Graduation Work
- If you have a PGWP, you can work anywhere in Canada.
- The work experience you have gained on a PGWP may count toward your application for permanent residency (PR) under programs such as the Canadian Experience Class of the Express Entry system.
8. Track of Expiration Dates
- Ensure to apply for your PGWP before expiring your study permit.
- Take care of the expiration of the work permit and renew it or transition to Permanent Residency (PR) via an appropriate immigration program.
9. Additional Information
- You can only get one PGWP in your lifetime once, so it is a one-time opportunity.
- If you want to stay in Canada for the longer time period, PGWP will help you through programs like the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Steps to Apply for Work Permit in Canada
Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada (PGWP):
- Apply for a post-graduate work Permit within 180 days (6 months) after the completion of your studies in Canada.
- Pay attention to all necessary documents (valid passport, official final completion letter, study permit, statement of purpose).
- Submit the online application form.
- Pay the application fee (approximately CAD 255).
- Wait for the approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Student Work Permit
1. How long does it take to get student work permit in Canada?
The processing time for a student work permit in Canada depends on the type of application and how you apply:
- Study Permit with Work Authorization (Applied Outside Canada): Typically processed within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the visa office and your country of residence.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Processing usually takes 2 to 5 months for online applications.
- On-Campus or Off-Campus Work Eligibility (Included with Study Permit): No separate work permit required; work rights are part of your study permit if eligible.
2. Can I get PR with 1 year PGWP in Canada?
Yes, it is possible to get PR (Permanent Residency) with a 1-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, but it requires strategic planning. You need to gain relevant work experience quickly and meet the eligibility criteria for immigration pathways like:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry: Requires at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience. Ensure your job is classified under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (formerly NOC 0, A, or B).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces have streams tailored for graduates with work experience.
3. How much work permit in Canada after 1 year study?
If you complete a 1-year study program in Canada, you are typically eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 1 year. The length of the PGWP is usually the same as the duration of your academic program. To qualify, your study program must be from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet all IRCC requirements.
4. Is it possible to apply for a work visa while studying in Canada with an open study permit?
On-Campus Work: You can work without a separate work permit if your study permit states you are eligible to work on campus.
Off-Campus Work: You can work up to 20 hours per week during regular semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks (like summer or winter holidays). Your study permit must indicate off-campus work eligibility, and you must be enrolled in a full-time program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Co-op or Internship Work Permit: If your program includes mandatory work experience (like a co-op), you will need to apply for a Co-op Work Permit.
Work Visa (Separate from Study Permit): Generally, you cannot apply for a separate full-time work visa while studying. However, after completing your studies, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
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