How to Bring Your Children To Study In Canada

Over 640 thousand students chose Canada as their exchange program destination in 2019. It is not surprising given the high level of education and institutions ranked among the best in the world. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted by the Canadian Agency for International Education, 60% of those enrolled in a study program in Canada plan to remain in the country after graduating.

This is where the PGWP – Post Graduation Work Permit comes into play.

What Is PGWP?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit, or PGWP, is an open work permit for international students who have completed their studies in Canada.This permit is valid for 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of your studies, and is an excellent opportunity for students to stay in the country and continue their Canadian experience, as well as to work full-time in Canada, in their area.

However, not every program or institution ensures PGWP eligibility. There are some rules and requirements to be met.

Who can apply for the Post Graduation Work Permit?

To be eligible for this type of open work visa, the international student must have completed a degree-level (bachelor’s or master’s) course at a public or private institution on the government’s list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). Furthermore, the program must last at least eight months and be full-time.

If a student has previously obtained this type of permit, they will not be able to implement a PGWP (Post Graduation Work Permit). Also ineligible are those who completed the majority of their program through a distance learning platform, as well as those enrolled in a language course.

When to apply to PGWP?

To apply for the PGWP and work legally in Canada after your study program, the student’s current permit must be valid. The application deadline for the Post Graduation Work Permit is 180 days from the date of receipt of the letter of completion or transcript – but the student can request the PGWP once he receives the certificate of completion from his educational institution.

Work in Canada after completing a program of studies:

The student has the right to work 20 hours per week as long as their study permit is valid and they are enrolled in school. After graduating and receiving a certificate of completion, the authorization to work in Canada is automatically revoked. However, once international student applies for their Post-Graduation Work Permit, they will be in what we call implied status (permission from the Canadian government to maintain legal status in Canada while their application is being processed), and they will be able to work full time, that is, 40 hours per week.

How LONG IS THE Post-Graduation Work Permit VALID FOR?

The length of the PGWP is given in the form of continuous: if the study program lasts from 8 months to a year, the student’s PGWP will be equal to the length of the course. If the program lasts two years or more, the work permit will now be valid for three years after graduation (maximum validity).

Processing Time and the Value of A PGWP:

According to the official website of the Government of Canada, the processing time for a graduate work permit is 83 days (information collected in June 2020). The website is constantly being updated, but it is important to note that this period may vary depending on the circumstances.