Here are your four options for obtaining a post-graduation work permit in Canada as an international student.
When international student completes their education at a school recognized by the Canadian government, they are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Learn more about how to apply for a PGWP. Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program allows international students to stay in the country after completing post-secondary education and begin establishing themselves professionally and personally. Any graduate of a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) can apply for an open work permit for up to three years through this program and begin working for any employer in Canada, regardless of whether or not they have a job offer at the time of application. Please be aware that the length of a permit may vary from the maximum of three years allowed by this program, based on the length of the applicant’s degree program.
CHECK: Applying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program in Canada in 2023.
The PGWP application procedure in general.
When a candidate receives their official transcript and letter of completion from their program, they can begin the PGWP application process immediately.
There will be a six-month (180-day) application window open to all international students beginning today.
Gathering the required documents listed on the Canadian government’s website and including them in the application is a major first step in the application process.
- Degrees and certificates
- You must submit a formal school letter
- A copy of your transcript from the school’s office or the school’s website is not acceptable.
It’s important to remember that when IRCC receives an application, they may ask for supplementary materials.
After this, the process for applying to the PGWP will differ depending on whether the candidate is applying from within Canada or from outside the country. The application process will be primarily electronic (online), though paper applications will be accepted in exceptional cases.
Submission of an Online Application for the PGWP from Within Canada.
Except in two cases, all Canadians who are interested in the PGWP must submit their applications online.
Here are the five stages of this procedure:
First, gather all of the materials you’ll need to apply.
To make electronic copies of application documents, applicants will need a credit or debit card and a scanner or camera.
Read the Application Instructions in Step 2
Third, get ready to use the online instrument by gathering your responses.
Before applying, applicants can use the provided online tool to generate a custom checklist of all the supporting materials they need to send in.
4. Learn About the Required Application Fees
The PGWP program costs may include one or more of the following options:
- Costs associated with Processing
- A charge for those with valid work permits
- Expenses related to obtaining a work license
- A biometrics fee (currently waived, but that will change at some point in the future).
- Fifth, either log in or make a new account online.
A user account with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada is needed to apply, pay the associated fees, and view the application’s status.
Paper application for the PGWP from within Canada
Requesting a paper application for the PGWP program is possible if:
- Due to a disability, the applicant is unable to complete the application process online.
What to do if there’s a problem with the online application system
These are the four stages of the process. - Beginning Procedure: Obtain an Application Packet
To access the application materials, visit the Canadian government’s website. To avoid wasting time and money, applicants should double-check their eligibility and carefully read the application instructions before beginning the process.
Second, compile your application and include all supporting materials.
Application processing delays may result from applicants failing to include all required documentation.
Step 3: Submit Payment for Application
The PGWP program costs may include one or more of the following options:
- Costs associated with Processing
- Expenses incurred by those who hold valid work permits.
- A cost for obtaining a work visa.
- A biometrics fee (currently waived, but that will change at some point in the future).
- Payment to a third party for a medical examination and/or a criminal background check.
Remember (1) that any fees owed to a third party must be paid directly to that party.
Important (2) Applicants can find out which fees apply to them and how to pay them in the accompanying instruction guide.
Submit your application in Step 4.
Your application will not be considered until it has been received at the designated address. Don’t forget to include a receipt showing that you paid any application fees along with your application materials.
International applicants to the PGWP must submit their applications online.
This procedure consists of the following five stages.
The First Step In Applying Is To:
To apply electronically, applicants will need access to a scanner or camera and a valid credit or debit card.
Method Two: Read All Instructions Carefully Before Attempting to Use the Program
Third, be ready to enter your answers into the online tool.
Applicants will be able to generate a custom checklist of all the supporting materials they need to submit with their application using the online tool provided before submitting their forms.
Method 4: Learn About the Application Fees That May Be Involved
Costs for participating in the PGWP can include any of the following options:
- Expenses incurred during processing
- The cost of holding a valid work permit
- Fees associated with obtaining a work permit
- Paying with your fingerprints
Fees charged by a third party, such as for a medical exam, a police certificate, or the services of a Visa application center (if an applicant uses one)
Important (1) All fees owed to a third party must be paid directly to that party.
Note (2): Applicants can find out which fees apply to them and how to pay them in the accompanying instruction guide.
In this fifth and final step, you will either sign in or make a new online account.
To apply, pay the associated fees, and monitor its progress, you must first create an account with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
Submission of a Paper Application for the PGWP from Outside of Canada.
Here are the four stages of this procedure.
First, Obtain the Application Packet
On the official website of the Canadian government, you can find the application package. To avoid wasting time and money, applicants should double-check their eligibility and carefully read the application instructions before beginning the process.
Step 2: Completing the Application and Submitting Supporting Materials
An incomplete application or one missing required document will delay processing and should be avoided at all costs.
Step 3: Make an Application Fee Payment
Costs for participating in the PGWP can include any of the following options:
- Expenses incurred during processing
- The cost of holding a valid work permit
- Fees associated with obtaining a work permit
- Paying with your fingerprints
Costs incurred by a third party for services such as medical examinations, police clearances, language tests, and Visa application processing centers (if an applicant uses one)
Note (1): Payment of all third-party charges must be made directly to the relevant third party.
Note (2): Applicants can find out which fees apply to them and how to pay them in the accompanying instruction guide.
Submit your application in Step 4.
Your application will not be considered until it has been received at the designated address. Don’t forget to include a receipt showing that you paid any application fees along with your application materials.
