Students with a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma may be eligible to apply for a post graduate work permit. Once they obtain qualifying work experience, they could apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.
After completing your studies from an eligible college or university you have 90 days to apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). During the application process you are permitted to work, provided you still have a valid study permit. Work permits issued under the post graduate work permit program are LMIA exempt.
The graduate should seek employment with a NOC of O, A or B in order to meet the work experience required for the Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry.
Length of Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
The length of a PGWP is directly related to the length of the study program completed.- If you completed a study program of 8 months, your work permit is valid for 8 months too
- Program of study between 8 months and 2 years: the PGWP may be valid for up to the same length as your study program completed (For example, if you studied for 12 months a work permit may be issued for a 12-month period)
- Two-year study program or longer: PGWP may be issued for up to 3 years
- More than one program of study- the times spent studying for each program can be combined. The maximum time allowed on a PGWP is three years.
Eligibility for a Post Graduate Work Permit:
- A minimum 8 months of full time study at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- On-line courses are accepted but must be less than 50% of the complete program
- The educational credentials must be obtained in Canada while a limited overseas component of studies is permitted
- Transfers between designated educational institutions are accepted providing a minimum 8 month has been completed
Ineligibility Factors for Post Graduate Work Permit
- A program of study less than 8 months is not accepted
- Intermittent studies are not qualified - the study period must be continuous
- Certain fellowship programs or scholarship founded programs do not qualify - please inquire for details
- Distance learning programs do not qualify
- A Post Graduate Work Permit may only be issued once to a graduate of a designated learning institution
- Not eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit? – You may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate. Stay in Canada after Graduation