Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Your Gateway to Canadian Jobs

If you are someone who not just wants to study but also to settle in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will prove to be an excellent option for you. These are open work permits that the country gives to international students. There are certain eligibility criteria that need to be met in order to receive this permit. That being said, this permit is like a golden pass for individuals because it allows them to find the best jobs. In this blog, we look at what PGWP means, the top benefits of study in Canada for Indian Students, and which programs you can study here. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a PGWP?

A PGWP (post-graduation work permit) is an open permit that allows eligible graduates to work in Canada after the completion of their degree. The primary eligibility factor here is that these students should have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Since this is an open permit, it allows the foreign students to work anywhere and for any employer in Canada.

What truly makes PGWP special is that it doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The result is that the graduates are able to gain valuable work experience in Canada. As their work experience increases, these individuals may also become eligible for the permanent residency programs in Canada.

For PR after completion of study in Canada for Indian Students, the following pathways are available:

Quebec Immigration Programs
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Some Interesting Facts About the PGWP

Your PGWP duration cannot be longer than your duration of study in Canada.
The validity period for a PGWP ranges from eight months to three years.
You are only eligible for the PGWP for a duration equal to the duration of your program if you attended at least 50% of it in person.
You also need to meet the new language and field of study requirements applicable to the date when you submitted the application for your study permit.
For students who did a part-time course or opted for accelerated studies, the PGWP length will be equal to the study program length.
It is also possible to apply for a PGWP from overseas.

Eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit

The general eligibility prerequisites for a PGWP are that the international student must be at least 18 years old and must have pursued full-time education in Canada. The tenure of their program should have been a minimum of 8 months, and the student must have taken the program at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution). It is also important that the foreign national applies for the PGWP within 180 days after their study program is completed.

The classes of study in Canada for Indian students that are eligible for a PGWP are:

Public post-secondary school
Private post-secondary school
Private secondary or post-secondary school
Canadian private schools that can legally award degrees

The language tests that are accepted are:

English: CELPIP-General test, IELTS General Training, PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada

Results of language tests older than 2 years will not be valid.

Now, let us have a look at students from which programs to study in Canada get a PGWP:

Healthcare occupations
Trade occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Transportation occupations
Education
STEM occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

What Next After PGWP: Immigration Options

After your PGWP ends, you will be able to apply for another work permit. If you fit the eligibility benchmarks, you can apply for an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt permit. Nevertheless, since you already have substantial work experience in Canada, it is suggested that you apply for permanent residence.

For individuals who have Canadian work experience, the following immigration programs are available:

Federal Skilled Worker Program
Provincial Nominee Programs
Canadian Experience Class
Quebec Immigration Options

Top Reasons to Study in Canada: Exploring the Benefits

Of course, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada is very welcoming and straightforward. But that’s not the only benefit of studying in this country. Other top reasons to study in Canada include:

You get to study at the top-quality institutions in Canada, where world-class education is provided.
The focus is also on research and development at these universities.
Canada has a safe, inclusive, and peaceful environment.
You get to make money while you are pursuing a good course program, thanks to the part-time job opportunities.
The teachers at Canadian universities are dedicated to building strong industry-relevant skills in their students.
Study in Canada for Indian students is also a matter of pride because it is associated with class and intelligence.

The Best Programs to Study in Canada: Which Course Offers the Best Opportunities

The courses to pursue in Canada that offer a successful job with a high-paying salary include:

Engineering
Medicine
Data science
Computer science
Healthcare
Health sciences
Architecture
Artificial intelligence
Environmental science
Physiotherapy
Computer engineering
Civil engineering
Software engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering

Conclusion

Study in Canada for Indian students is a golden opportunity that brings along numerous benefits. And with the PGWP (post-graduation work permit), candidates get to work for any company in any city in Canada. If you want to confirm that your permit is approved, it is necessary that you know all the eligibility standards. You should also apply within the given time limit. With a PGWP, you will be able to explore the best job opportunities available in your chosen field in Canada. And if you want to settle in Canada permanently after gaining work experience, PR pathways also open up.

If you want to learn more about studying in Canada and the PGWP, you must get in touch with experienced overseas education consultants near you!