Aside from natural beauty, a popular attribute of Canada, the country is a great place to build a career, especially if you are an international student who recently graduated.
There are numerous opportunities in Canada and you can find openings in every industry, so your field of study won’t be a barrier.
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If you recently graduated from any institution in Canada and wish to build a life there, you are in for an incredible ride.
The opportunities are endless and there are labour laws to protect the interests of employees.
If you are in doubt about working in Canada after graduation, you don’t have to be.
Can international students work in Canada after graduation?
Yes, international students can work in Canada after graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
Canada has provisions for everyone and that’s one of the lovely things about this nation.
As an international student, after graduating, you can apply for a post-graduate work permit which will allow you to work for any employer in Canada.
The interesting part?
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You can work for up to three years, depending on the length of the program you just completed in Canada.
Before you get excited, there is a downside you should know, not everyone who graduated in Canada is allowed to apply for this Post-graduate work permit.
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The only way to work in Canada after graduating as an international student is if you qualify for the PGWP.
That’s right, but who is qualified for this permit or what can you do to qualify?
Who is eligible for a post-graduate work permit in Canada?
The postgraduate work permit is only for
- International students who have completed a program of study at an eligible Canadian institution. If you studied at an institution that is not eligible for the PGWP, you are ineligible for this program.
- It is also for students who have studied full-time for at least eight months in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Even if you meet the conditions above, you won’t get the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) unless you apply for it within 180 days of receiving confirmation from your educational institution that you have completed your program.
- If you completed a program that is less than eight months, you are not eligible to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – you can’t work after graduation.
How long do you have to study in Canada to get PGWP?
The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of the program you just completed in Canada.
- Programs less than eight months are not eligible for a PGWP.
- Programs between eight months and two years are eligible for a PGWP equal to the length of the program.
- If you completed a program that is up to two years or longer, it can lead to a PGWP of up to three years.
What percentage of international students get jobs in Canada after graduation?
Around 50% to 60% of international students in Canada get jobs within six months after graduating. This means that a significant portion of international graduates successfully enter the Canadian workforce shortly after completing their studies.
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That’s a good number.
Employment opportunities for students with PGWP
The amazing thing about the Post-Graduation Work Permit is that it allows every international graduate to work in any sector and occupation across Canada.
With the permit, you are not restricted to a specific employer or job, which gives you flexibility in your career choices.
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Can I get PR after PGWP in Canada?
Yes, if you are interested in getting a PR in Canada, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) after completing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system is a common pathway for international graduates with Canadian work experience to apply for PR.
If you want to strengthen your chances of getting a PR through PGWP, you need to have Canadian work experience while on PGWP and get a job offer from a Canadian employer.
What happens after PGWP in Canada?
After your post-graduate work Permit (PGWP) in Canada ends, you can decide to apply for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) if you meet the requirements.
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If you don’t want to stay permanently, you can go for other visa options or return to your home country.
Can I apply for Express Entry with PGWP?
Yes, you can apply for Express Entry with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. Your Canadian work experience through a PGWP will increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, which is used to rank candidates for immigration to Canada.
With an improved CRS score, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through Express Entry.
How to apply for a postgraduate work permit in Canada as an international student
If you want to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada as an international student, follow the steps below:
- Complete an eligible program: First, you must enrol in and complete a qualifying program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada. By qualifying program, we mean that the program must be full-time and must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Receive confirmation of program completion: After completing your program, you need to get an official confirmation from your institution. It confirmation is proof that you have completed your program.
- Time to apply for the PGWP: Within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion, apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. When applying, you need to attach your proof of completion of your program and your study permit before submitting your application.
- Pay the application fee: After submitting your application, pay the required application fee for the PGWP.
- Wait for a decision on your application After submitting your application, wait for it to be processed by IRCC.
- Receive the PGWP: Once your application is approved, you will receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
With your PGWP, you can work for any employer in Canada.
While on it, ensure that you comply with the terms of your permit.
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Obey the work hours, tax demands, and employer obligations while on your PGWP.
If you wish to stay back and work in Canada after graduating, you are in luck, Canada allows international students to work after graduation.
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You can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), if your program qualifies for it – it allows students (recent graduates) to work in the country after graduation.