PGWP in Canada: Eligibility, Application & Processing Time

A work permit is a legal document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specified period of time. This permit is required for individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents but wish to work temporarily in the country. PGWPs are typically granted based on job offers from Canadian employers and are subject to various eligibility criteria and requirements.

Shifting from student life and entering into the professional world is an exciting journey. However, successfully obtaining a Canadian work permit might feel akin to uncovering a concealed route. We get it, between acing your classes, hustling through assignments, and maybe even tracking down the best local eats, adding ‘work permit’ on your resume might appear as a challenging journey. To learn more about work permit for students in Canada, scroll down.

Can I Work While Studying in Canada?

If you are an international student with a study permit and enrolled full-time in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can work off-campus without needing another permit. You have the freedom to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada. You can even work on campus if you want.

Your study permit will indicate whether you are permitted to work in Canada and outline the terms of employment. This lets you apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada, which is an essential requirement before you start working while pursuing your studies in Canada.

If your study program is less than six months or if you are in an English as a Second Language/French as a Second Language program, you can’t work in Canada unless authorized. Also, if you are a visiting or exchange student at a DLI, you won’t be able to work while studying in Canada. It’s important to note that you can only start working once your study program officially begins.

Want us to apply for your PGWP?

Get economical prices and a certified immigration consultant.

Chat With Us

From Studies to Work: Changing Permit

You may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, after completing a credential at a DLI. International students can receive post-graduation work permits lasting up to three years upon graduation.

A post-graduation work permit, also known as an open work permit, offers the advantage of not being restricted to a particular employer, job, or place. With this permit, you have the freedom to work in any position, anywhere across Canada.

After completing your study requirements, you have 180 days to apply for an open work permit. The application for a post-graduate work permit can be submitted from overseas or within Canada.

Working in Canada After Graduation

Your Canadian study permit will have a validity of 90 days after your graduation. If you are interested in staying in Canada to look for work after completing your studies, it’s essential to apply for a work permit through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) within this timeframe. This offers you the opportunity to accumulate work experience after graduation, which can enhance your eligibility for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. You are eligible for this if you were enrolled as a full-time student for a minimum of eight months.

Sanchita, a certified RCIC consultant answering about working after graduation in Canada.

Impact of Canadian Study Duration on PGWP Validity

It’s important to note that the duration of your academic program can significantly impact your work permit eligibility and the duration. If the length of your program is:

Duration of the Course	Work Permit Validity
Less than 8 months	Not eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
More than 8 months but less than 2 years	The work permit duration can’t exceed your study period. For example, if you studied for 9 months, the permit could be granted for 9 months.
2 years or more than 2 years	3 years

Completing multiple academic programs could lead to a PGWP with a duration equal to the combined length of each program. But both programs need to be at least 8 months long, and you shouldn’t have already received a PGWP based on the first program.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Work permits issued via the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program enable international students who have completed their studies at a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable work experience within Canada. To be eligible, your study permit must have been valid within 180 days before applying for a PGWP.

However, you must also have:

Successfully finished an educational program at a designated learning institution lasting a minimum of 8 months and resulting in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Maintained full-time student status throughout each semester of your program in Canada. Except for the final semester when part-time is allowed, or if you took a leave from studies.
Completed studies at:
– A public post-secondary school like a college, trade or technical school, university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
– A private post-secondary school in Quebec adhering to the same regulations as public schools in Quebec.
– A post-secondary or private secondary school providing qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, leading to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) in Quebec.
– A Canadian private school that can give degrees under provincial law, like Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees. But this only counts if you are in a program that leads to a degree as authorized by the province.

Restrictions on the PGWP Application

You cannot apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program if:

Already possess a post-graduation work permit
Studied French/English as a second language
Enrolled in general interest or self-improvement courses
Engaged in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Received funding from GAC
Received the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada-Chile
Participated in the Canada-China Scholars Exchanges Program or Organization of American States Fellowships Program
Completed the majority of your study program through distance learning (online courses, e-learning, or correspondence)
Completed an educational program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada

Who is Eligible for PGWP in Canada?

The eligibility for a work permit varies depending on your application location. Yet, regardless of the specific Canadian work permit, all applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

Eligibility for PGWP — Eligibility Requirements for PGWP in Canada

You need to provide evidence that you are planning to leave Canada once your work permit expires
Show proof of having the required minimum funds
Maintain a clean criminal record; the applicant might need to provide a police clearance certificate
Undergo medical examinations and be in good health
Poses no threat to Canadian security
Avoid working for ineligible employers
Refrain from working for employers involved in activities like striptease, erotic dances, escort services, and erotic massages
Provide extra documents if requested by the officer

Step-By-Step Guide to Apply for a PGWP

Applying for a work permit in Canada involves a systematic approach to ensure a successful application. Follow the step-by-step procedure outlined below to smoothly progress through the process:

Step 1: Gather Documents

Make use of the Document Checklist (IMM 5583) and gather all the supporting documents to submit with your application. Failing to submit a complete application could lead to its rejection and cause delays in processing. You will also receive a personalized document checklist when you apply online.

Once you have gone through this instruction guide and think you qualify, you can move ahead with the application. Make sure you attach supporting documents as well, such as a Transcript and completion of study letter from college.

Fill in the forms accurately and thoroughly, and remember to keep a copy for your own records.

Step 2: Filling Out the Application

Below is a list of forms that you need to complete and send as part of your application:

Application to Change condition, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710].
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (if applicable).
Use of Representative [IMM 5476] (if applicable).
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual [IMM 5475] (if applicable).

Providing false or misleading information on these forms is an offense. The details you provide might be checked for accuracy. Ensure your responses are complete and truthful. If a question or section doesn’t apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA,” except for your name.

You can download and complete the application form on a computer. Additionally, you have the option to save your form and finish it later. You might need to provide all the details mentioned below in the form:

UCI or client ID
Select your work permit preference
Personal details
Language
Passport
Contact information
Purpose of original visit and document information for entry to Canada
Education
Background information and declaration

Note: An incomplete application might be rejected, leading to processing delays. You are required to answer all questions on this application form unless specified otherwise.

Steps to Apply for a PGWP
PGWP Step 1 Gather Documents
PGWP Step 2 Filling Out the Application
PGWP Step 3 Pay the Application Fee

Step 3: Pay the Application and Other Related Fees

Upon online application, you will need to pay a processing fee for each service you need. Ensure all fees are submitted along with your application. You don’t need to apply separately to extend your temporary resident status when you are applying for a work or study permit. The officer will provide all the required documents within a single application. Additionally, please note that there is no fee for the Co-op work program.

Check out the fees for services from the table below:

Services	Amount
Work permit (including extensions) – per person	$ 155
Open work permit holder	$ 100
Restore the status as a student Restore your status ($200) and obtain new study permit ($150)	x $ 350

For biometrics fees for individuals and families, review the table provided below:

Biometrics for Individuals and Families	Amount
Biometrics (per person)	$ 85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people) Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more individuals applying at the same time and place	$ 170

Ensure your eligibility before making payment for your fees and provide all requested information before submitting your application. The processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of the final decision once the Case Processing Centre begins processing the application. For instance, if your study permit has expired and you mistakenly apply for an extension instead of restoration, the extension fee won’t be reimbursed, and you will need to reapply for restoration with the correct fees.

If you are out of status, you must pay both the permit fee and restoration fee while applying. The process of restoration applies to every individual who has lost their status.

Declaring you as ineligible counts as “processing,” and the fee won’t be returned. If you reapply, you will need to pay another processing fee.

How To Pay the Fees for Your Application?

For online fee payment in your account, a valid credit card is required. You need to create an account to register or sign in using GCKey or Sign In Partner.

Only online payment is accepted. If you use any other payment method, IRCC will send back your application.

Refunds

To obtain a refund, you have to submit a written request to withdraw your application to the Case Processing Centre. The processing fee can be refunded only if your request reaches before processing starts. Once processing is initiated, no refunds will be granted, regardless of the final decision.

The refund will be issued to the individual listed in the “Payer Information” section of the receipt. If there is no name on the receipt, the refund will be sent to you. The refund procedure depends on your chosen payment method.