Canada's Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

 

Are you an international student who has graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada? If so, you could be eligible to apply for Canada's Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

The PGWP is a temporary work permit that allows qualified international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. This program is an incredible opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, enhance your career prospects, and potentially pave the way to permanent residency in Canada.

Why Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

  • Obtain essential Canadian work experience to strengthen your résumé and boost your chances of securing permanent residency.
  • Expand your professional network and explore career opportunities in Canada's diverse and dynamic job market.
  • Discover career paths that align with your skills, qualifications, and interests.

Am I Eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

Here are the key criteria to determine your eligibility:

  • You must be a foreign graduate from an eligible DLI and program.
  • You must not have previously held a PGWP.
  • You must apply within 180 days of your study permit expiring or after receiving confirmation that you've met your program requirements.
  • You must have completed a full-time program of at least eight months, leading to a diploma, certificate, or degree.
  • You must have successfully passed all coursework with the required grades.
  • You must have no criminal convictions.

Key Updates to PGWP Eligibility – Effective September 18, 2024

What remains unchanged:

Flight School Graduates

Graduates of flight schools may qualify for a PGWP under the following conditions:

  • Completed a flight training program at a DLI and earned a Canadian commercial pilot's license or
  • Obtained (or are in the process of obtaining) an instructor's rating and have a job offer as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training center.

Applications Before November 1, 2024

If you applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, and are submitting your PGWP application on or after this date, additional requirements may apply:

  • University Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree Graduates:
    • Language requirement: Demonstrate English or French proficiency at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 in all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Graduates from Other University Programs:
    • Language requirement: Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four skills.
  • College or Other Program Graduates:
    • Language requirement: Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four skills.

Applications On or After November 1, 2024

For those applying for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, meeting updated eligibility requirements is essential:

  • University Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree Graduates:
    • Language requirement: Demonstrate English or French proficiency at a minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all areas.
    • Field of study requirement: No additional restrictions.
  • Graduates from Other University Programs:
    • Language requirement: Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all areas.
    • Field of study requirement: Must be in an eligible field of study.
  • College or Other Program Graduates:
    • Language requirement: Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all areas.
    • Field of study requirement: Must be in an eligible field of study.

Field of Study Requirements

For programs with specific field of study requirements, graduates must complete studies related to high-demand occupations in the following sectors:

  • Agriculture and Agri-food
  • Healthcare
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Trades
  • Transportation

 

How to Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Ready to apply for your PGWP? Follow these steps to get started:

Good news! You can apply for a PGWP from within Canada or abroad.

Here’s a checklist of what you need to include with your application:

  • A copy of your study permit.
  • Your final academic transcripts or a letter from your school confirming you’ve graduated.
  • A copy of your passport.
  • Proof of valid English or French language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF).

Common Reasons for PGWP Refusals

Avoid these common mistakes to maximize your chances of PGWP approval:

  • Failing to complete a full-time program of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • Studying part-time during your program, except for your final semester. Note: Part-time studies at any other point will lead to rejection.
  • Allowing your study permit to expire before graduation without renewing it or restoring your status.

Need Help With Your Application?

If your PGWP has been refused for any of the reasons above, don’t lose hope. With more than a decade of experience, we specialize in overturning previously refused cases. Our team takes a personalized approach, addressing each concern raised in earlier refusals and leveraging case law precedents to strengthen your application.

At Waymark Immigration, our dedicated visa specialists are here to guide you from start to finish, ensuring the best possible outcome for your application. Let us simplify the process and help you achieve your goals. Start your journey today!

 

Why Chose Us ?

 

Personalized Assessment

 

  • Firstly, we will identify and understand your Canadian immigration needs and goals.
  • Then, we will assess your eligibility for various immigration programs accordingly.
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  • Any questions you have about the chosen pathway will be addressed along with any other concerns.

Tailored Approach

 

  • We'll create a custom Canadian immigration plan suited just for you according to the pathway selected.
  • Based on this plan, you'll receive a clear proposal from us outlining our services and payment structure, i.e., 50% before processing your file and 50% before submission.
  • Once the initial 50% payment is made, we'll share a comprehensive checklist to ensure everything is ready

Application Fulfillment

 

  • A case manager will be assigned to guide you and collect documents as per the checklist.
  • We’ll prepare a strong application within 7-10 business days.
  • Once your application is ready, we’ll send it to you for review and final approval.
  • After your approval, simply pay the remaining 50% payment, and your application will be submitted.

Trusted Partnership

 

  • Once your application is submitted successfully, we'll keep you informed at every stage of the process, from submission to decision.
  • Our ongoing support and guidance will help you achieve your immigration goals.
  • You can reach out to us to inquire about updates on your application.
  • If satisfied with our service, we hope you'll feel inclined to refer others to us.