Post Graduate Worker program (PGWP)

PGWP Canada

Students can get useful job experience in Canada through post-graduation work permits, which are accessible to Canadian graduates of participating post-secondary schools. The Post-Graduate Work visa Program (PGWPP) allows graduates of approved Canadian educational institutions to apply for an open work visa so they can earn important job experience in Canada.

By gaining experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B, Canadian graduates can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry and earn permanent residency in Canada through the PGWPP. The duration of a post-degree employment permit ranges from eight months to three years. The PGWP will not be awarded if the candidate studies in Canada for a longer amount of time.

PGWP Eligibility in Canada

To apply for a PGWP in Canada, you do not need a work offer, but you do need to meet certain requirements. Students must possess the following in order to be qualified for a post-graduation work permit in Canada:

  • After getting the diploma, transcript, or official letter from the institution or institute, you have 180 days to submit your application.
  • Graduated from a DLI, or Designated Learning Institution, that offers:
  • A public post-secondary institution, such as a university or college, a trade school or technical college, or a CEGEP (in Quebec).
  • A private university in Quebec that functions in a manner comparable to Quebec's public universities.
  • An attestation of vocational specialization (AVS), which may be less than 900 hours combined with a diploma in vocational studies (DVS), is awarded by a private or public secondary or higher education institution in Quebec that offers a qualification program of 900 hours or more.
  • A private university in Canada that is permitted by provincial legislation to grant associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees.

You have successfully finished a degree, diploma, or certificate-granting academic, professional, or vocational training program at an accredited educational institution that lasted at least eight months.

Maintained status as a full-time student throughout each academic session of the program while studying in Canada.

  • Maintained status as a full-time student throughout each academic session of the program while studying in Canada.
  • Possess a transcript and formal letter from DLI attesting to your compliance with the program's criteria.
  • Abroad initiative
  • PGWP Canada timeframe

The PGWP might last from eight months to three years, depending on how long your study program is. The license is good for:

  • if it is longer than eight months but less than two years, for the same length of time as your academic program, or
  • If the academic course lasted at least two years, for three years.

How is PGWP obtained in Canada?

In Canada, PGWP applications may be submitted offline or online.

An authorization letter allowing you to work in Canada will be sent to you once your work permit has been accepted. You must present this letter to officials when you apply for a work permit if you are outside of Canada in order to be granted one.

PGWP Canada application details are listed below:

  • There is a CAD 255 fee (the base fee is CAD 155 and the work permit holder fee is CAD 100).
  • You must pay CAD 605 in order to renew your student status and PGWP.
  • The time frame for processing online applications is 163 days.
  • Documents submitted in paper form are reviewed for 146 days.

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Application materials for PGWP Canada

Now that you are aware of the procedure for applying for PGWP in Canada, let’s look at the list of documents needed.

  • Valid passport or other travel document as identification
  • Two most recent images
  • Evidence of employment
  • Letter certifying the end of the study program
  • If accessible, applicants whose DLI issues transcripts may submit them. An alternative is to provide a copy of the applicant's transcript, which is accessible on the DLI website.

Canada colleges list PGWP

The list of colleges and institutions that provide courses suitable for the PGWP in various provinces is shown below:

Alberta
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Lethbridge
British Columbia
  • Capilano University
  • Coast Mountain College
  • Coquitlam College
  • Simon Fraser University (SFU)
  • University of British Columbia (UBC)
  • Vancouver Community College
Manitoba
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of Winnipeg
New Brunswick
  • University of New Brunswick
Ontario
  • McMaster University
  • Niagara University
  • Northeastern University
  • Queen’s University
  • Ryerson University
  • Sheridan College