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The Canadian Government provides international students with employment opportunities in the country post their graduation. To utilize these opportunities, the student must possess a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP). Once you complete your graduation at a Canadian university or college, you can obtain a PGWP of validity for up to 3 years.
Ensure to apply for your PGWP as soon as you receive the notification of completion of studies. Because once you complete your graduation or certification, your study permit will be valid only for the next 90 days. You will have to get your PGWP approved within this time duration.
According to a study, the decade 2018-2028 will have the most number of retirements. The expected retirement ratio is 1:4 (1 out of every 4 people will retire). This translates to more job vacancies and a vast number of employment opportunities for immigrants and students.
| If the duration of your program is | The validity of your granted work permit will be |
|---|---|
| equal to 2 years or more | for up to 3 years |
| between 8 months and 2 years | for the duration of your program |
To be able to apply for a PGWP, you must have the following:
Note – Applying for PGWP within 90 days of completion of the study is advised. Talk to your consultant at HECS to learn more details.
Enrolling in online courses for international students may have a negative impact while applying for a PGWP. However, a small percentage that is 1 or 2 online courses for the entire duration of the study is acceptable. The following students are ineligible to apply for a PGWP:
There are two ways you can apply for a PGWP:
Students from Visa exempt countries and the US, Greenland or St. Pierre and Miquelon, can choose to apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE). Although, this process can have complicated factors involved.
Spouses of international graduates will not be automatically eligible for a Postgraduate Open Work Permit. Only if the graduate is employed in a high-skilled job, they can apply for their spouse’s Open Work Permit. A copy of the job contract and three payslips must be submitted while applying.
| Work Permit | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Work Permit | $155 |
| Open Work Permit | $100 |
Canada has a wide range of opportunities and many thousands of people apply to become Permanent Residents every year. International students who graduate in Canada, apply, stay and work for the duration of their PGWP will most likely apply for a Permanent Residence to extend their stay in the country.
A permanent resident is an individual with a permanent resident status granted by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries. Canada has been increasing the number of granted applications each year and is estimated to invite 351,000 individuals to become Permanent Residents in 2021.
A PR card is usually issued for 5 years. It can be renewed post every 5 years. To be eligible for renewal, you must have stayed in Canada for 730 days in the last 5 years.
Canada provides many benefits to their Permanent Residents including:
The permanent residence application process can be very complex, time-consuming, and difficult. There are 5 categories which you can choose from:
Depending on which category you qualify for, the requirement and process steps of applying for a PR will differ. It is best advised to seek professional help from immigration consultants throughout your process of application.
Anyone is allowed to apply for Canada’s PR status. Although, only qualified persons will be accepted. Your eligibility will be determined by your: