Work and Study in Canada (Postgraduate Work Permit in 2024)

Since the need-based inception of the Canadian postgraduate work permit program, thousands of international students have been grated the opportunity to continue studies, work and live longer in Canada after completing their various courses.

Eligible programs for these varied work permit include but not limited to online courses from designated institutions.

In this guide, students are to learn everything they need to know about the Canadian Postgraduate Work Permit Program (PGWP), studying in Canada with other top opportunities, including scholarships.

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Why the Canadian Postgraduate Work Permit?

There are quite a number of reasons to consider the working as a graduate but in general, obtaining a postgraduate work permit (PGWP) in Canada can offer several advantages for international students:

1. Gain Canadian Work Experience: A PGWP allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies. This provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can enhance their resume and increase their employability in Canada or elsewhere.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canada has various immigration pathways for skilled workers, and having Canadian work experience can significantly increase an individual’s chances of qualifying for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
3. Extend Stay in Canada: The PGWP allows international students to extend their stay in Canada after completing their studies. This gives them more time to explore job opportunities, gain work experience, and potentially apply for permanent residency.
4. Open Work Permit: Unlike some other work permits, the PGWP is an open work permit, which means holders are not tied to a specific employer. They have the flexibility to work for any employer in any location in Canada, which can be advantageous in exploring different career opportunities.
5. Gain Eligibility for Express Entry: Work experience gained through a PGWP can contribute to an individual’s eligibility for the Express Entry system, which is used to manage applications for permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

Overall, obtaining a PGWP can be a strategic step for international students in Canada who wish to gain valuable work experience, enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency, and explore career opportunities in the country.

Related Post: Free Education in Canada for International Students – Must Read

Note: Not all the schools in Canada offers you the privilege of working for longer months and years upon graduation. For this reason, let us explore the list of the designated learning institutions and how it provides you more chances of great career in Canada.

Designated Learning Institution List

Designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada are educational institutions that have been approved by the government to host international students.

As it relates to your chances of accessing work privileges and other advantages of studying in Canada, here is a summary of what one needs to learn about DLI’s:

1. Approval by Government: DLIs are approved by the government of Canada to host international students. This approval ensures that the institution meets certain standards of quality and accountability.
2. Eligibility for Study Permits: In order to obtain a study permit to study in Canada, international students must be accepted into a program offered by a DLI.
3. Variety of Institutions: DLIs can include universities, colleges, technical schools, language schools, and other educational institutions across Canada.
4. Program Offerings: DLIs offer a wide range of programs and courses at various levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and vocational programs.
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility: In most cases, in order to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), international students must complete a program of study at a DLI.
6. Compliance with Regulations: DLIs are required to comply with certain regulations regarding the admission, education, and support services provided to international students.

In brief, DLIs in Canada are educational institutions approved by the government to host international students, offering a variety of programs and courses at different levels, and are a crucial component for international students seeking to study and work in Canada.

Obtaining Postgraduate Work Permit in Canada (Step-by-Step)

To obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, international students must meet certain eligibility criteria and follow specific application procedures. Here’s a general outline of the steps involved:

1. Complete Eligible Program: The first step is to successfully complete a full-time program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The program must be at least 8 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. Graduation: After completing the program of study, the student must receive written confirmation from the institution indicating that they have met the requirements for completing the program and have graduated.
3. Apply for PGWP: Within 180 days (6 months) of completing the program, the student can apply for the PGWP. The application is submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
4. Required Documents: The student will need to gather supporting documents for their PGWP application, including:
   • Passport
   • Study permit
   • Confirmation of graduation from the DLI
   • Academic transcripts
   • Any additional documents requested by IRCC
5. Biometrics and Medical Examination: Depending on the student’s country of origin, they may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and/or undergo a medical examination as part of the application process.
6. Pay Application Fee: There is a non-refundable fee associated with applying for a PGWP. The fee must be paid online as part of the application process.
7. Wait for Processing: After submitting the application, the student must wait for IRCC to process it. Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors.
8. Receive Decision: Once the application is processed, the student will receive a decision from IRCC regarding their PGWP application. If approved, the permit will be issued, typically for a duration of up to 3 years, depending on the length of the program completed.
9. Start Working: With the PGWP in hand, the student can start working full-time in Canada for any employer in any location, gaining valuable Canadian work experience.

It’s important for students to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions provided by IRCC to ensure they meet all the criteria and submit a complete application.

NB: Postgraduate work permit is designed for eligible graduates in Canada. Therefore, one of the popular measures is getting admission and graduating from one of the eligible institutions.

To wrap up this guide, let us explore the simple processes of applying and gaining admission to study in Canada.

How to Study in Canada

Studying in Canada as an international student involves several steps, from choosing a program and institution to obtaining a study permit.

Here’s a summary of the process, along with links to official portals and resources:

1. Research Programs and Institutions:
   • Explore the programs and institutions available in Canada to find the one that best suits your academic and career goals.
   • Use the official Study in Canada website to search for programs and institutions: Study in Canada
2. Apply to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs):
   • Once you’ve chosen a program and institution, apply for admission directly to the institution.
   • Make sure the institution is a designated learning institution (DLI) approved by the government of Canada to host international students.
   • Check the institution’s website for admission requirements and application procedures.
3. Obtain a Study Permit:
   • After receiving an acceptance letter from a DLI, apply for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
   • Review the study permit application process and requirements on the IRCC website: Study Permit
4. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Gather the necessary documents for your study permit application, including:
     • Passport
     • Letter of acceptance from a DLI
     • Proof of financial support
     • Medical exam results (if required)
     • Any additional documents specified by IRCC
5. Submit Application and Pay Fees:
   • Complete the study permit application form online through the IRCC website.
   • Pay the application fee and any other applicable fees.
   • Follow the instructions provided on the IRCC website for submitting your application.
6. Biometrics Appointment (if required):
   • Depending on your country of residence, you may need to schedule an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated location.
   • Check the IRCC website for biometrics requirements and appointment scheduling: Biometrics
7. Wait for Processing:
   • After submitting your study permit application, wait for IRCC to process it. Processing times may vary.
   • You can check the status of your application online through the IRCC website.
8. Receive Study Permit:
   • Once your study permit application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction and a study permit.
   • Review the study permit conditions and ensure compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.
9. Travel to Canada:
   • Once you have your study permit, you can make travel arrangements to Canada.
   • Familiarize yourself with Canadian customs and border procedures before you travel.

Remember to always refer to official government websites and resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding studying in Canada and the application process.

To learn more about studying free or fully funded in Canada, kindly use the official central portal for all our free resources that are designed to help you live your career dream in Canada.

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