PGWP in Canada for Indian Students

Canada has become a popular choice among Indian students who wish to study and work abroad. More than 7,00,000 students are pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Diploma/ Certificates courses in Canada. Canada’s advanced education system, top-ranked institutions along a safe and secure environment has made many pursue their dream of studying in Canada. If you are planning to study and work in Canada, this is the right place for you. This blog will cover everything in detail about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada for Indian Students. Read the blog to know more!

What is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Post-graduation work permits, available to Canadian graduates of participating post-secondary institutions, allow students to gain valuable working experience in Canada. Graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions are eligible to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), which offers an opportunity for them to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable work experience in Canada.

Through the PGWPP, Canadian graduates may obtain permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry by gaining experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B. A post-graduate work permit can be valid for an amount of time between eight months and three years. If the applicant is studying in Canada for a longer period of time, no PGWP will be granted. As a general rule, the length of the PGWP will be comparable to the duration of the applicant’s studies, up to a maximum of 3 years.

Latest News about PGPW in Canada

As of September 1, 2023, some Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Quebec will no longer be eligible to issue post-graduation work permits. 

• Under the current PGWP criteria, you are eligible to apply for a PGWP once you complete your program of study prior to 1 September 2023.
• You will not be eligible for a PGWP if you begin a program of study after 1 September 2023, unless you graduate from a subsidized program of study which remains eligible after 1 September 2023.
• The time you spent studying in a program before September 1, 2023, may be counted towards a future PGWP if you are in a program that no longer qualifies for the PGWP.

Colleges in Ontario Offering Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• York University
• Yorkville University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• Western University
• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• University of Ottawa
• St. Lawrence College
• Sheridan College
• Seneca College
• Queen’s University
• Mohawk College
• McMaster University
• Lambton College
• King’s University College
• Humber College
• George Brown College
• Fleming College
• Fanshawe College
• Durham College
• Centennial College
• Brock University
• Algonquin College

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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Canada Eligibility

A post-graduation work permit can be obtained only once during the applicant’s lifetime. Graduates from designated learning institutions are eligible for work permits. They must also submit clear evidence that they meet all of the following criteria:

• The applicant has completed a degree-granting academic, vocational, or professional program at a Canadian institution that is at least 8 months in length
• In addition, they have maintained full-time student status in Canada throughout the entire duration of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their application for a work permit following graduation
• Exceptions can be made only for the following:
  • leave from studies
  • final academic session
• It confirms that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study by providing a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• They hold a valid study permit
• They held a study permit
• They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraphs 188(1)(a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

In order to apply within Canada, an applicant must have valid status at the time of their application. Before applying for a PGWP, a student whose study permit has expired or will expire may apply for visitor status. If an applicant applies for a PGWP before their study permit expires, they are permitted to begin working full-time while their application is processing. PGWP applications can be submitted from overseas.

Documents Required for PGWP Canada

Applicants are responsible for making sure the information they provide is accurate.

Letter confirming completion of the program of study

Assessment of the above requirements is based on the letter confirming completion of the program of study. Other documentation may be requested by the Officer to complete the application assessment.

Transcript

Applicants whose DLI issues transcripts may provide them if available. Alternatively, the applicant can provide a copy of their transcript found on their DLI’s website. Transcripts and letters of completion of studies are used to evaluate the requirements referred to above. Additional documents may be required to complete the assessment of the application.

FAQs

If you want to get into a high university, you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need a flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process to realise your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute consultation.