Stay Back In Canada On A Post-Graduation Work Permit

Canada has been attracting several overseas students for higher education in its top-class institutions. At the same time, the country is also generating enough skilled jobs for such students to stay back in Canada right after their graduation.

The country retains international graduates from participating Universities/Colleges by allowing them to stay temporarily in the country on a post-graduation work permit and eventually qualify for permanent residence.

Validity Of Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit

The duration of a study course determines the validity of a post-graduation work permit in Canada. It cannot be any longer than the full length of the study course.

The following table summarises its validity criteria:

Also, the work permit remains in force only until the passport remains valid. The post-graduation work permit extension is only possible on the prior instructions from the immigration authorities.

Steps To Apply For A Canada Work Permit After Graduation

One has the convenience of applying for a post-graduation work permit from inside Canada or even overseas. The following documents are necessary to apply for a Canada work permit after graduation.

• An official completion certification from participating institutions.
• An official transcript, or copy of a transcript from the institution’s website.
• Biometrics like fingerprints are required in some cases while applying.
• A medical certificate from a designated authority needs to be submitted.

An online application for a Post-graduation work permit will have a processing time of about 96 days while the paper-mode application will take up to 121 days.

Furthermore, you can fill in this free assessment form to check your eligibility for pursuing higher studies in Canada.

What Next After Applying For A Post-Graduation Work Permit?

It is illegal to work without a work permit in Canada. But it allows some applicants to work even while the application for a work permit is in progress. It happens only in cases when:

• The applicant had submitted a valid study permit.
• One had completed the study program and falls within that 180 days window.
• If one had not utilized the allotted off-campus work hours while studying.

Also, spouses or common-law partners are eligible for an open work permit on successful approval of the post-graduation work permit of the primary applicant.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Checklist

The given summarised work permit checklist ensures the eligibility to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada.

• You must be on a Canada study permit as it gives an additional 180 days after the completion of the study course to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
• The degree, diploma, or certificate courses must be completed from participating institutions.
• Should have maintained a full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of the study program.

There is every possibility of a post-graduation work permit being rejected due to one or more reasons. Some of them are listed below:

• The applicants may have already received a post-graduation work permit
• The applicant would have undergone distance learning for a major duration of the study program.
• The applicant would have got graduated from a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
• The applicants studied English or French as a second language and not primary.
• Poor academic attendance record may lead to rejection of post-graduation work permit in Canada.
• Would have participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by Global Affairs Canada.
• Also, taking self-improvement courses may lead to the rejection of a post-graduation work permit.

However, in certain cases as listed below:

• If the applicant is able to prove merit by completing the study program in lesser time than the normal length of the program, one may be eligible to get a post-graduation work permit.
• While distance learning may lead to the rejection of a work permit, there may still be possible provided it does not consume more than 50% of the duration of your study program.

It is very well established that a post-graduation work permit allows overseas students to gain valuable work experience in Canada right after the completion of the study program. Eventually, it may lead to foreign graduates eligible to apply for Permanent Resident Visa through Express Entry & Provincial Nominee Program streams in Canada.

It is advised to visit an ICCRC certified Canada immigration consultant to avoid rejections of your Canada visa and hence quicken your immigration process to Canada.