Canada PGWP Important News Updates for International Students July 2024

In this article, we will discuss important information about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada that international students need to know. This is crucial information, so please read through to the end.. Now, let’s get into the details.

What is a PGWP?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada. This is an open work permit, meaning it allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada, except for those offering services like erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

Who is Eligible for a PGWP?

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Completed a Study Program at a DLI: You must have completed a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that lasted at least 8 months and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. Full-Time Student Status: You must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program. There are exceptions if you were on approved leave or studied part-time in your final semester.
3. Valid Study Permit: Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days before you applied for the PGWP. If your study permit was about to expire before the completion of your study program, you must have a study permit extension application under processing with IRCC.

Changes in PGWP Eligibility Criteria

Canada has recently updated the eligibility criteria for the PGWP. It is important to review the most recent requirements to ensure you qualify.

Documents Needed for PGWP Application

When applying for a PGWP, you will need to submit documents to confirm that you attended and completed your program. These documents can include:

1. Degree or Diploma: A copy of your degree or diploma.
2. Transcript: Your academic transcript.
3. Official Letter from Your School: A letter from your school confirming the completion of your program.

When to Apply for a PGWP

You have up to 180 days after you receive your final marks to apply for a PGWP. Your study permit must be valid during this period. If your study permit expires before you receive your final marks, you have two options:

1. Apply for a Visitor Record: To stay in Canada longer.
2. Leave Canada and Apply: For your PGWP from outside Canada.

Alternatively, you can apply for status restoration if your study permit expires before you apply for the PGWP. If your study permit expires without being changed to visitor status, you will have 90 days to apply for a PGWP to restore your status as a student. You will need to apply online and pay a processing fee of $255, along with a fee of $379 for status restoration. You cannot work until IRCC approves your new study permit and work permit. If you do not apply within 90 days of your status expiry, you must leave Canada.

Effect on PGWP if Students Take Leave from Studies

International students become ineligible for a PGWP if they take unauthorized leave from their study program, as it is a violation of their study permits. However, they can take an authorized leave of up to 150 days for valid reasons and still be eligible for a PGWP. Students must prove that this leave was officially authorized by their designated learning institution.

What is Considered an Authorized Leave?

According to IRCC, the following are examples of authorized leave:

1. Pregnancy or Medical Reasons: Leave due to pregnancy or medical reasons.
2. Family Emergency: Leave due to a family emergency.
3. Serious Illness or Death of a Family Member: Leave due to serious illness or the death of a family member.
4. Other Authorized Leave: Any other type of leave authorized by the DLI.
5. Permanent Closure or Strike at DLI: If the DLI closes permanently or there is a strike.
6. Changing Schools: Leave due to changing schools.
7. Deferral of Program Start Date: If the program start date is deferred by you or your school.

In such cases, students must start their studies in the upcoming semester, even if it starts earlier than 150 days, and obtain a newly updated letter of acceptance.

Who is Ineligible for a PGWP?

You are not eligible for a PGWP if:

1. Expired Study Permit: Your study permit expired more than 180 days before you applied.
2. Already Received a PGWP: You have already received a PGWP.
3. Language Courses: You studied English or French as a second language.
4. General Interest or Self-Improvement Courses: You took general interest or self-improvement courses.
5. Certain Government Funded Programs: You participated in certain government-funded programs or scholarships.
6. Distance Learning: You completed the majority of your program through distance learning.
7. Non-Canadian Institutions: You studied at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada.
8. Private Career Colleges: You studied at private career colleges, except in certain provinces and specific program start dates.

Extending Your PGWP

The PGWP is usually issued for the duration of your course, up to a maximum of 3 years for Master’s, PhD, and professional study programs. However, if your passport expires before the duration of your PGWP, IRCC will issue a work permit valid only until the expiration of your passport. In such cases, IRCC may inform you that you are eligible to extend your PGWP after getting a new passport. You can apply on paper to extend your PGWP once your passport is extended.

Tips for a Successful PGWP Application

1. Apply Early: Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Ensure you have all your documents ready and submit your application as soon as you receive your final marks.
2. Follow the Law: Do not break any laws, as this may make you inadmissible to Canada and result in removal from the country.
3. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest information from the IRCC website.
4. Maintain Legal Status: Ensure your study permit or visitor status is valid throughout your stay in Canada while awaiting your PGWP.

Study Programs Eligible for a Three-Year PGWP

International students graduating from a Master’s degree program are eligible to apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if the length of the study program is less than 2 years or even one year.

Effect on PGWP Eligibility if Students Change Their DLI

If you transferred between PGWP-eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs), the combined length of your study program must be at least 8 months to be eligible for a PGWP. If you transferred from a non-DLI to a DLI, only the time you spent studying at the PGWP-eligible DLI will be counted. You must spend at least 8 months at the new DLI to be eligible for a PGWP.

Conclusion

That is all for today’s article on Canada PGWP important news for international students. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you for reading. We hope this information is useful to you.

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