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Canada PGWP Important Updates for International Students | Canada Immigration


July 16th, 2024 at 04:33 am

Canada PGWP Important Updates for International Students | Canada Immigration

This post will go over crucial details that overseas students studying in Canada should be aware of about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). You must read this through to the end. Let’s dive into the specifics now.

What is a PGWP?

International students who have completed their studies at qualified Canadian universities are entitled to work in Canada with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Since this is an open work permit, you can work for nearly any company in Canada—except companies that provide sexual massages, escort services, or erotic dance.

Who Can Apply for a PGWP?

To qualify for a PGWP, you have to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Completed a Study Program at a DLI: To receive a degree, diploma, or certificate, you must have finished a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that lasted at least eight months.
  • Full-Time Student Status: Throughout each program academic session, you have to have kept your full-time student status in Canada. There are some exclusions, such as if you studied part-time or were on an authorized leave during your last semester.
  • Valid Study Permit: Before submitting your PGWP application, you must have had a valid study permit for at least 180 days. You must have an application for a study permit extension with the IRCC pending if your study permit is going to expire before your program is finished.

Modifications to PGWP Eligibility Standards

Canada recently revised the PGWP’s eligibility requirements. To make sure you meet the requirements, it’s crucial to check the most recent ones.

Required Documents for PGWP Submission

You will be required to provide documentation at the time of application for a PGWP attesting to your attendance and completion of the course. These records may consist of:

  • Diploma or Degree: A duplicate of your diploma or degree.
  • Your academic transcript is attached.
  • Official School Letter: An official school letter attesting to your program’s completion.

When to File a PGWP Application

After receiving your final grades, you have up to 180 days to apply for a PGWP. During this time, your study permission must be in effect. You have two choices if your study permission expires before receiving your final grades:

  • Request a Visitor Record to extend your stay in Canada.
  • Travel outside of Canada and apply for your PGWP.

If your study permit expires before you apply for the PGWP, you may also apply for status restoration. You will have ninety days to apply for a PGWP to regain your student status if your study permit expires without being converted to visitor status.

You must apply online and pay a $255 processing fee in addition to a $379 status restoration fee. Until the IRCC issues your new work permit and study permit, you are not allowed to work. You will have to leave Canada if you do not apply within ninety days of your status expiring.

Impact of Students Taking Leave from Studying on PGWP

If an international student leaves their program without permission, it is against their study permit, and they will not be eligible for a PGWP. They may, therefore, take a legitimate leave of absence for a maximum of 150 days without losing their eligibility for a PGWP. Students need to demonstrate that their chosen educational institution formally approved this leave.

What Does Authorized Leave Entail?

The IRCC lists the following instances of permissible leave:

  • Pregnancy or Medical Reasons: Pregnancy or medical reasons are the basis for the leave.
  • Family emergency: Take time off for an urgent family matter.
  • Death of a Family Member or Significant Sickness: Leave in response to a death in the family or a significant sickness.
  • Any other kind of leave that has been approved by the DLI.
  • Permanent Closure or Strike at DLI: If a strike occurs or the DLI shutters permanently.
  • Moving Schools: Leaving because of a move.
  • Program Start Date Deferral: If you or your school decide to postpone the program start date.

In these situations, students must receive a newly updated letter of acceptance and begin their studies in the forthcoming semester—even if it begins sooner than 150 days—as soon as possible.

Who is ineligible for a PGWP?

A PGWP is not available to you if:

  • Study Permit Expired: If your study permit was out of date when you applied, it was more than 180 days ago.
  • Already Acquired a PGWP: A PGWP has already been issued to you.
  • Language Classes: As a second language, you studied French or English.
  • Courses in General Interest or Self-Improvement: You have completed courses in general interest or self-improvement.
  • Some Government-Funded Programs: You took part in a few scholarships or government-funded programs.
  • Distant Learning: You used distant learning to finish most of your program.
  • Non-Canadian Institutions: The non-Canadian institution where you studied was situated in Canada.
  • Private Career Colleges: With a few exceptions for particular provinces and program start dates, you attended a private career college.

Increasing Your PGWP Duration

PGWPs are typically granted for the length of your course, with a maximum of three years granted for professional, PhD, and master’s degrees. On the other hand, the IRCC will grant a work permit that is only good till your passport expires if your passport expires before the period of your PGWP.

In some circumstances, the IRCC may notify you that, upon obtaining a new passport, you are qualified to extend your PGWP. Once your passport has been extended, you can apply on paper to prolong your PGWP.

Some Advice for a Fruitful PGWP Application

  • Apply Early: Do not put off applying until the last minute. As soon as you receive your final grades, make sure you have all of your paperwork ready and submit your application.
  • Respect the Law: Abiding by the law will prevent you from being admitted to Canada and from being deported.
  • Stay Informed: Visit the IRCC website to stay up-to-date on the most recent information.
  • Keep Your Legal Status: While you wait for your PGWP, make sure your study permit or visiting status is still in effect for the duration of your time in Canada.

Study Programs Qualifying for a PGWP of Three Years

Even if their study program lasts only a year or less, international students who complete a Master’s degree program are entitled to apply for a three-year PGWP.

Effect of Students Changing Their DLI on PGWP Eligibility

The total duration of your study program must be at least 8 months if you transferred between PGWP-qualified designated learning institutions (DLIs) to be eligible for a PGWP. Only the time you spent studying at the PGWP-eligible DLI will be counted if you transferred from a non-DLI to a DLI. To be qualified for a PGWP, you have to work at the new DLI for a minimum of eight months.

Follow us on Newsnowgh.com to stay updated on the latest information regarding work permits, visa application processes, paths to permanent residency, and visa-sponsored employment.

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