Are You Familiar with the Eligibility of your Study Program in Relation to a Post Graduation Work Permit?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is advising prospective international students to choose their programs of study wisely, as they are applying to get a study permit. Those who want to acquire a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must ensure that their selected programs will make the cut. This is even if the said program is in the government’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) list.

Who can get a PGWP?

For many international students studying in Canada’s post-secondary institutions, the plan is to establish oneself and gain work experience. Under the PGWP program, international graduates are able to get a work permit that is open for a maximum of three years. This open work permit allows them to work under any Canadian employer in the field of studies.

It’s not necessary for applicants to possess a Canadian job offer when applying. Furthermore, the program is open to many international students, as the federal government deems almost all post-secondary institutions (public) eligible. However, international students applying to study at non-degree granting vocational or private colleges may lack eligibility for the program. It is always a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer about your options and application process in order to avoid any mistakes.

According to guidelines by the IRCC, the PGWP program is open to graduates from public post-secondary institutions, those with degree programs from private institutions, some institutions in Quebec, and private post-secondary institutions that have similar rules as public institutions.

Below are other conditions that will allow you to apply for a PGWP:

Be aged 18 or older
Possess a document that proves you passed and completed your program’s requirements. For instance a transcript, certificate, or an official letter.
Be a graduate
Have a valid study permit

You are not eligible to get a PGWP if:

You studied a program spanning less than 8 months
Studied for 8 months or more, but not continuously
You received a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship that was funded by GAC ( Global Affairs Canada)
You received funding from GAC
Received the Canada-Chile, Equal Opportunity Scholarship
Participated in Canada-China Scholars Exchanges program
You currently have another post-graduation work permit
Participated in the program of Organization of American States Fellowships

Special cases

The following have eligibility for a PGWP:

Those who finished their eight-month program earlier than expected
Those who transferred schools (DLIs) and have a combined study length of not less than eight months

PGWP program’s eligibility restrictions

IRCC advises study permit applicants to liaise with their chosen academic institutions or the specific provincial ministry of education, both of which provide information about study programs’ eligibility.

It is a precondition for those applying for the program to have a valid study permit and that they should be through with the studies having an eight-month minimum study period.

Other restrictions apply in relation to the student’s chosen study program and educational institution. Last year, the federal government of Canada issued over 125,000 permits, which encourages other potential students to realize the options and requirements for post-graduation employment before their studies commence.

If you meet all the requirements, you can start saying goodbye to your friends in York University residence, as you will soon be an employee in Canada, which is an important step towards permanent residence.