The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a Canadian work permit that allows graduate students from designated colleges to work in the country. Here is all you need to know about the Canada post-graduate work permit duration, eligibility requirements, processing time and more.
Key highlights:
- PGWP Duration in Canada
- PGWP Duration in Canada for Master’s
- Canada PGWP Duration for Other Programmes
- Eligibility Criteria for PGWP in Canada
- Processing Time for PGWP in Canada
PGWP Duration in Canada
The PGWP duration in Canada refers to the permitted length of time to work in Canada after completing your education at a designated learning institution (DLI). Key factors affecting PGWP Canada duration are programme length, programme level, and passport expiry date, whichever comes first. The duration of PGWP in Canada ranges from 8 months to 3 years.
What to Do If Your Passport Expires Before PGWP?
Before applying for a PGWP in Canada, ensure your passport is valid for the full length of time you are eligible for PGWP. In case your passport expires before the duration of PGWP eligibility in Canada, you can extend your PGWP by submitting a paper application.
Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Duration for Master’s Degree Programme
As of February 15, 2024, if you are enrolled in a master’s degree programme in Canada, you can apply for a 3-year PGWP even if your programme duration is less than 2 years, provided:
- The minimum master’s degree programme is 8 months or 900 hours for Quebec programmes.
- It does not apply to certificate and diploma programmes.
Canada Post Graduation Work Permit Duration for Other Programmes
| Programme Duration | PGWP Duration in Canada |
|---|---|
| The programme is at least 8 months long (but less than 2 years), or 900 hours for Quebec programmes. | You may get PGWP validity length up to your educational programme length. |
| Programme equal to or more than 2 years. | You may get a 3-year PGWP validity. |
Who Can Apply for a PGWP in Canada?
You must meet all PGWP eligibility requirements in Canada. Mentioned below are the details:
General Eligibility to Get a PGWP in Canada
- You can apply if you have completed a study programme from a DLI, and the programme duration must be at least 8 months or 900 hours for Quebec programmes, whichever is applicable.
- For each semester, you must maintain a full-time student status
- Applied for PGWP within 180 days of confirmation of your study programme completion.
- Your study permit should be valid during the 180 days after you graduate and before submitting your PGWP application.
Also Read: Popular Institutions Offering PGWP-Eligible Courses in Vancouver
Eligibility Requirements Based on Study Programme
| Study Programme | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Graduate with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. |
|
| Graduate from any other university programme. |
|
| Graduates from polytechnic and non-university programmes |
|
Field of Study Requirements
In the above table, some programmes require field of study requirements. So, what are these domains? Certain occupations in Canada experience a labour shortage, including agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare, STEM, trade, and transport. So, if your programme has a field of study requirement, you can graduate with the course linked to these career avenues.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PGWP in Canada?
The processing time for PGWP takes approximately 5 weeks if you are applying from India. You can check the latest updates on processing times by visiting the official Canadian immigration website.
Your PGWP begins after completing your studies in Canada successfully. Studying in Canada can cost a lot of moolah. Hence, many students choose education loans to finance their studies independently.
At Avanse Financial Services, we provide personalised education loans for studying abroad. We offer 100% financing solutions with attractive features. Before taking an educational loan, you can use our online EMI calculator to understand your estimated EMIs. If you have any further queries, please feel free to connect with us.
