Getting a Post-Graduate Work Permit as an International Student in Canada
Mar 19, 2020
As graduation inches closer, many international students in Canada begin to feel unsure about their residency status. Even for temporary stays, it can be confusing to navigate the different applications, permits, and upcoming deadlines set by the IRCC.
If you’re one of those students, you have many more questions to answer about your immediate future than most of your peers. Breathe a sigh of relief: after graduation, you may qualify to either work temporarily or even live indefinitely in Canada.
How Should I Plan for a Post-Graduate Work Permit?
Before you apply, you’ll need to have an adequate understanding of your eligibility, document requirements, and the timeline for application processing.
You should first determine whether you want to stay in Canada temporarily or permanently, as both tracks have distinct requirements.
For a temporary stay, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or other types of work permits. Compared to other programs, PGWP has a less strict application process and is a fantastic way to continue living and working in Canada.
What are the Requirements?
The PGWP is fairly open, allowing international students from many types of post-secondary institutions to remain in the country. Most importantly, your study permit must be valid at some point during the 180 days after you’ve received your final scores.
If your study permit expires before you receive your scores, you’ll either need to leave the country to apply for the permit or apply for a visitor’s visa to stay in Canada.
Moreover, you must have met these guidelines:
- You completed a study at an official institution that was at least 8 months long and led to either a degree, diploma, or certificate
- You maintained full-time student status for the duration of your study, with the exception of your final semester and any approved leaves
- You graduated from a:
- public post-secondary school, like a college, trade, or university institution
- private post-secondary school in Quebec
- private secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec that offers certified programs of 900 or more hours
- Canadian private institution that can award degrees under provincial laws (such as an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree) AND also long as you’re enrolled in a program that leads to a degree
That said, there are some tricky exceptions you should watch out for. International students in Canada who’ve already received a post-graduate work permit, studied English or French as a second language, or completed the majority of their education online may not be eligible.
What Documents Will I Need to Apply?
Before you apply, you should have an official copy of your transcript and a letter from your school confirming you’ve successfully completed your studies. You’ll have 180 days after receiving your final transcript to apply for a PGWP.
The school letter must confirm the length of your study in either hours or months. It must also mention the Program Code. In lieu of a certificate proving completion, the letter must include your official transcript.
How Long Will My Application Take to Process?
Application processing times can be pretty unpredictable depending on the volume received by the IRCC from other international students. You should expect that a standard online application will take at least 90 days to process, while paper applications can take more than 130 days.
For faster processing, make sure to respond to any correspondence promptly and submit all required documents on time. Through this temporary permit, international students in Canada have a convenient opportunity to pursue a career in the country.