In Canada, a post-work permit can be obtained. However, this is totally based on the course selected by the individual and the duration of the course. A Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is generally issued for the study program duration, the maximum length is 3 years. This means that in case your post-graduate course has a duration of two years, a PGWP visa of 3 years will be issued to you. However, this permit is not valid post the duration of the study program. The duration of your course has to have a minimum length of 8 months.
The PGWP permits international students who graduate from any post-secondary college or university that participates in the PGWP to obtain work experience in Canada. In the future, this work experience obtained via the PGWP will help the international graduates in qualifying for Permanent Residence via Express Entry Mode in Canada.
What are the criteria for eligibility for the PGWP?
- The candidate must have completed a full-time course in Canada and the duration of this course should be a minimum of 8 months.
- Within a period of 90 days post completing the study course, the candidate will have to apply for the PGWP. An official letter or transcript that indicates the same from the college/university has to be submitted.
- When applying for the PGWP, the candidate should possess a valid student visa.
In case the duration of the study course is:
– Lesser than eight months: the candidate cannot apply for the PGWP program
– Lesser than two years, however, it exceeds eight months: the candidate can obtain a work permit. However, the duration of the permit will be similar to that of the course duration
– Two years or exceeds two years: the candidate can get a work permit for only three years