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PGWP- What Students Must Know Right from the Beginning of Their Studies
- 23 August, 2022
- Posted By : Immigrate Now
Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are open work permits issued to overseas students who have completed a program of study in Canada. PGWPs allow the bearer to work at almost any job, any location, without any limit to number of hours the PGWP holder can work.
PGWPs are valid for eight months to three years and are an excellent means to gain meaningful work experience in Canada, which can not only further the students’ career, it can also be extremely useful for their Permanent Residency, should they wish to stay in Canada permanently.
Some important pointers with regards to PGWP for Students considering or currently studying in Canada, who wish to also gain Canadian work experience after completion of their study are:
- You must be studying in an eligible institution in order to be eligible for a PGWP.Most private colleges are ineligible programs. Students completing these programs will be ineligible for a PGWP. Some exceptions are Associate degrees in BC- students completing this or similar programs in private institutions may be eligible. Be sure to check the IRCC’s list of PGWP eligible DLIs before finalizing the program that you would study in Canada, if you would like to attain a PGWP post your study in Canada.
- Students must maintain Full time student Status while studying in Canada– in all academic sessions. Scheduled breaks and final academic term are exemptions from this rule. Talk to your student advisor to know what full time means for your program at your college/ university.
- Students must apply for a PGWP within 180 days after completion of studies. Applications made after this date are refused as they do not meet the eligibility criteria
- Students must stop working after completion of studies, unless they have already applied for a PGWP. If you have a valid study permit, you are eligible for a PGWP, and your studies are now completed- it is advised to apply for your PGWP as soon as possible, since students upon making their PGWP application, are allowed to work full time.
- PGWP Extension– In 2022, Honorable Minister Sean Fraser announced PGWP Extensions of upto 18 months for all PGWP holders whose PGWP expired or is due to expire between Sept 20 2021 until December 31, 2022. Additional exemptions were made for those who were out of status in Canada, as their PGWP had expired. This is a wonderful opportunity for PGWP holders to gain more valuable Canadian work experience and work towards their Permanent residency in Canada.
For more information on PGWPs, eligibility criteria, PGWP Extensions or any other immigration related queries, Contact us NOW
