Do you want to work temporarily in Canada? If so, follow the step-by-step process below:
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), so you can prepare and plan for an extended stay in Canada.
Once you’ve completed your studies and intend to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a PGWP to stay in the country.
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| Post Graduate To Apply For Work In Canada Temporarily |
If your PGWP is granted for less than you are eligible for, because your passport is expired, you will have to apply for a new work permit, and again pay a fee, after obtaining your new passport.
If your PGWP application was submitted when your application to extend your work permit was in progress (maintained status) and the current work permit is expired, you cannot work until your PGWP is approved.
Applicants who submit the PGWP before their study permit is expired are entitled to start working full-time immediately, as long as their application is being processed.
If your study permit is still in effect at the time that you file for your post-graduation work permit and you meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the IRCC, then you can start working full time only upon filing.
While visa durations vary depending on how long you studied in Canada, the work permit may last for up to three years and allows you to work either full time or part time in any field.
Getting a work permit allows you to work in Canada full-time when you graduate, helping you to build valuable Canadian experience and explore employment opportunities in the fields of your studies.
If you want to find part-time work to help support yourself as you study in Canada, you now have the right to work up to 20 hours, either on campus or off, during university terms, and full-time on breaks, like the winter or summer holidays, without requiring a work permit.
You can also choose to work off-campus, co-op, or as an intern through your program, remain a permanent resident of Canada, or get jobs when you finish.
The CEC allows you to apply for permanent residence in Canada when you have at least one year of full-time, paid employment.
You are free to apply for either the LMIA or LMIA-exempt permits, if you are eligible, but applying for Canadian permanent residency may be worth considering, given that you have some Canadian work experience already.
You may be applying for a work permit in a job that requires a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or one that does not.
You can apply for a Canadian study permit online or with a paper application, which you can get on Citizenship and Immigration Canadas (CIC) website.
A few questions about you will determine if you are eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit online, as well as the documents that you will need to submit.
If in doubt, knowing which steps you should take prior to and throughout the application process to obtain a Canadian Immigration or Residents Temporal Visa is essential for being granted entry into Canada.
However, be aware not all agents are familiar with this exception, and you may need to file an application online after being in Canada. Until further notice, travelers (students and their families) are not required to visit Canadas border services agency offices to apply for work permits, student permits, or permanent residency.
If you have applied for PGWP inside Canada, it is highly recommended that you stay inside Canada until the assessment of your PGWP application is complete, before considering any international travel. If you leave Canada once you are done with your studies, you may now apply for a PGWP from abroad.
While waiting for your PGWP, you are free to work in Canada, provided that you apply before your student permit expires.
International graduates who applied for A PGWP before their study permit expired were eligible to legally start working in Canada.
Do not wait for Convocation to apply for a PGWP, because Convocation can happen over 180 days after you complete your course requirements.
If you apply 90 days later, you will not immediately become eligible for employment, and must wait to receive the PGWP before starting.
Once you graduate has been processed through student records and you are awarded credentials, you should immediately stop working until you file a PGWP application.
If you have circumstances which would necessitate applying for a PGWP before the McGill senate has met to validate the completion of the degree, contact the service point to ask for a special letter to verify you completed the course.
You may work up to 20 hours a week (if eligible) once the final requirements for the program are completed, and until confirmation of graduation status is received on your ACSIS account.
You should request your work permit within 180 days after receiving written confirmation from your institution that you have met requirements to complete your academic program (i.e. Otherwise, you may apply once you leave Canada -- within 180 days after receiving your degree.
You need to meet these criteria in order to qualify for PGWP, otherwise, you cannot remain in Canada following your graduation, and you need to return home to your country of origin within 90 days after your graduation.
How to Apply for a PGWP in Canada
If you did not apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) while on a Study Permit and have decided to stay in Canada as a visitor, you can apply online for your PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies.
Applying from Within Canada:
You can apply for a PGWP from within Canada if you have valid status as a student or visitor. If your study permit expires before you receive your results, you may apply for visitor status to extend your stay.
Your study permit expires 90 days after graduation, so it’s important to apply for a PGWP to stay in Canada and seek employment.
Eligibility:
To qualify for a PGWP, you must be 18 or older and have completed at least 8 months of full-time study in Canada in a full-year program.
Application Process:
International students currently in Canada can apply for a PGWP online using GCKey or banking details, or by mail. Additionally, students can apply by visiting the U.S./Canada Land Border (flagpole).
Employment Opportunities:
Businesses in Ontario may hire foreign workers or international students for permanent, skilled positions. Ensure you have an approved employment authorization letter (or PGWP authorization) and a job offer to start working immediately upon arrival, following the 14-day quarantine period if applicable.
Career Advancement:
Applying for a PGWP before arriving in Canada can enhance your career prospects by allowing you to use your training in your field of interest. If you choose to pursue a different course or need to apply from abroad, you will need to leave Canada and apply via a visa office.
