PGWP is the abbreviation of “Post-Graduation Work Permit” which is a very generous type of open work permit designed for international students. As long as you are an international student in Canada, after graduation and qualified, you can apply for this work permit. The validity period can be up to three years.
For many people, being able to obtain a work permit after graduation to stay in Canada is an absolute necessity. Because graduates can work for any employers in any possible places in Canada, which paves a way to obtaining permanent residency in Canada. However, many people mistakenly believe that as long as they come to study in Canada, they are eligible to apply PGWP.
Who is eligible to apply for PGWP?
1. International students who graduate from one of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada
2. Hold a valid student visa at the time of application
3. Continued to study full-time courses in Canada (if the course allows part-time in the last semester, it will also be eligible)
4. Have completed and obtained a valid degree for a course of at least eight months long (Not all private colleges meet this qualification)
5. Must apply within 180 days after receiving the diploma issued by the school
Work permit validity period
The maximum validity period of PGWP is three years. If your study lasts more than two years, there is a chance to get a three-year work permit. In other words, if you have pursued a four-year degree study, you would receive the same validity period.
A common misunderstanding is: Students think that the calculation of time is based on their actual time of study, which is not the case. The real calculation is based on the length of schoolwork provided by the school. For example, in an eight-month course, if a student takes only six months to complete their studies, the student will be able to obtain an eight-month work permit after graduation. If a student spends two years to complete a one-year course, his PGWP is at most one year.
Can your spouse also work?
The spouse or common-law partner of the PGWP holder cannot automatically obtain a work permit unless an application is made. To qualify for a spousal or common-law work permit is that the PGWP holder has worked in a desired professional field and has proof of salary income.
The last thing to note is that, distance learning programs, whether in Canada or abroad, are not eligible for PGWP. One has to learn more details about this program in order to make an informed decision.
