More About the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Planning on staying in Canada after graduation from university? If you love Canada and think that you might want to remain here working, you may want to know about the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) as well as some recent changes to this program by the Canadian government. The program is part of the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.) Staying in Canada after graduation may allow you valuable work experience in your chosen field as well as increasing the possibility or your remaining here permanently. You’ve worked hard as a university or college student; it may be time to begin to see where your schooling experience can take you, but what is post graduate work permit processing time ?

There are high-paying jobs in Canada, a country that is home to more than 642,000 international students. Many of these students wish to immigrate to Canada through the PGWPP program. This allows students to stay here and work for 2 to 3 years. Salaries may range between 30,200 to 534,000 CAD per year in Canada. It will depend on the region, sector and company for which the student is working. An MS degree here is one of the highest paying, as is an MBA from a Canadian university.

Post-Graduate Work Permit Program

What is the PGWP ? and, what is post graduate work permit eligibility ? It is a program for students who have completed their studies. They are then allowed to work. They must be a graduate of a DLI (Designated Learning Institution.) Remaining here and working can give you valuable work experience as well as prepare you to eventually become a citizen of Canada.

This work must be in the category of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B, which prepares you for permanent residence under the Express Entry program. Your profession must be one of those listed in the NOC, National Occupational Classification. They should be in the categories of 0, A or B, which includes an extensive list of professions that range from scientist to restaurant chef.

What some jobs that fall under NOC 0, A, B classification?

You may search to find out your skill level by entering your job title. One example is “scientist.” It shows that “scientist” is level A. Some of the job tiles that matched under the Physicists and astronomers classification of 2111 include the following:

• Remote sensing research scientist
• Aerospace research scientist
• Electronics research scientist
• Physics research scientist

Classifications in the A category usually require a university education. Health occupations may also be category A as well as many others. Work as a veterinarian? This is also an A classification.

On the other hand, the B category is for technical jobs and/or skilled trades. These jobs typically call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice. You could be a chef, plumber or electrician to fall into this category.

Skill level 0 represents management occupations and may include senior management, legislators, government managers and officials, financial managers, insurance managers and more.

What are some of the requirements of the PGWP ?

• You may only receive one post-graduate work permit during your lifetime
• You must have graduated from a DLI
• The program completed must have been 8 months or more
• You have been a full-time student in Canada
• You have a transcript and official letter from the DLI

You will not be eligible if you have previously received a post-graduation work permit or have received funds from Global Affairs Canada or other organizations on their list. If you meet all the eligibility requirements but were part-time during the last school session, you may still have eligibility for the program.

Recent Changes To the PGWP (a postgraduation work permit)

It was recently announced by the IRCC Minister that, beginning in summer of 2022, some changes will take affect. If you are in Canada and have a PGWP that has expiration in January to December 2022, you may have the qualifications for an additional PGWP of up to 18 months. There will be more information on this program coming from the IRCC soon. It is a temporary policy.

Work Permits: Working If You Don’t Qualify For the PGWP

You will need a permit to work in Canada. You can get an open work permit, which allows you to work for any employer in Canada. However, it they are listed as non-compliant employers, you may not work for them.

Jobs in erotic dance and other similar professions are not allowable under the work permit.

There are also work permits that are employer-specific. Listed on the work permit are the name of your employer, how long you may work and the location where you can work, if it applies.

You can find out if you can apply for a work permit, by answering some questions as to the type of profession.

One example: If you are employed on a bridge or tunnel to Canada, you will need a work permit when you work on the Canadian side, even if you are from the U.S. In this case, it would be an employer-specific work permit.

All information you submit for a work permit should be truthful and accurate, so that your ability to remain in Canada may be authorized. Giving false or misleading information will stop your application immediately. All information may be verified, and it is an offense of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to knowingly make a statement on the application that is false.

Work With a Certified Immigration Consultant

Wait, what is post graduate work permit fee ? You may want to have help with the work permit or any needed documentation that will help ensure applications are filled out correctly and truthfully. This will avoid unnecessary delays and frustration when you are anxious to get to work.

At CSHI, we are certified and have the knowledge and ability to help you with your immigration issues, whether it’s a study permit, the post-graduate work permit or citizenship, including about the Canadian citizenship residency calculator. Our trained and knowledgeable consultants can answer your questions and help you, through our notary public, with documentation that you may need. Contact us to learn more about the programs to help you become a future citizen of Canada.