So, you’ve just graduated from your degree program in Canada and are now looking to apply for your post-graduation work permit (PGWP). But how long does the application process take? The answer, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as we would like it to be. In this blog post, we will explore the different factors that can impact the processing time for your PGWP application. From the time it takes to receive your degree confirmation to how long it takes to receive your actual work permit, we will cover everything you need to know about the timeline for this process.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after they finish their studies.
To be eligible for a PGWP, individuals must:
– have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution,
– have studied full-time for at least eight months, and
– have maintained valid temporary resident status throughout their studies in Canada.
Who is eligible for a PGWP?
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must:
-Have graduated from a designated learning institution
-Have studied full-time in Canada (unless you are a citizen of France)
-Have completed an academic, professional or vocational training program at least 8 months long
-Apply for your work permit within 90 days of receiving your final marks
ELIGIBLE LEVELS OF STUDY
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program allows international students who have graduated from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
To be eligible for a PGWP, you:
Have studied full-time in Canada in an academic, professional or vocational program at a designated learning institution that lasted for at least eight months
Apply for your PGWP within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, an official letter or transcript) from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your program of study
Your program must have been:
At least eight months in duration if it was a university degree, diploma or certificate; OR At least two years in duration if it was a postgraduate degree (such as Master’s, Ph.D.), including any co-op or internship components of the program required by the province/territory.
A completed and signed application form.
How long does it take to get a PGWP?
It can take up to 90 days for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application to be processed. However, processing times may vary depending on how long it takes for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to receive your supporting documents, such as your graduation certificate.
If you applied online, you could check the status of your application through your IRCC account. If you applied on paper, you would need to wait for a letter from IRCC with instructions on how to check the status of your application.
Can I apply for a work permit after my PGWP?
If you want to work in Canada after you graduate, you need to apply for a work permit. You can apply for a work permit after you receive your PGWP.
To be eligible for a work permit, you must:
-have graduated from a designated learning institution
-have a valid study permit when you apply
-apply within 90 days of receiving your degree, diploma or certificate
-have proof of language proficiency if your program was taught in English or French (unless you’re from a country where English or French is an official language)
-prove that you intend to leave Canada when your work permit expires
-have enough money to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada
How many times can I apply for a PGWP?
There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, you can only receive one PGWP per eligibility period. This means that if you have already received a PGWP in the past, you will not be eligible to receive another one.
How a PGWP can help you immigrate to Canada
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to stay and work in Canada after you graduate from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution. You must apply for a PGWP within 90 days of receiving your final marks. If your application is approved, you will be issued a work permit that is valid for the same length of time as your study program. For example, if you graduated from a four-year degree program, you would be eligible for a three-year work permit.
There are many benefits to having a PGWP. With a valid work permit, you can:
work full-time or part-time anywhere in Canada;
gain valuable Canadian work experience to help you immigrate permanently; and
apply for permanent residence through certain programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class.
If you are eligible for a PGWP and plan to use it as a stepping stone to permanent residency, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you understand the requirements of the program you plan to apply to. Each program has different eligibility criteria that you will need to meet. Second, start collecting the required documents as soon as possible. The sooner you have everything ready, the sooner you can submit your application and start working towards your goal of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions on PGWP Processing Time
Does PGWP get rejected?
If your application for a PGWP is rejected, you will be notified by mail. The letter will explain why your application was denied and what steps if any, you can take to appeal the decision or reapply.
There are a few reasons why your application might be rejected:
Incomplete Application: Make sure you have included all required documentation, such as a copy of your passport, study permit, and official transcripts.
Improper Documentation: Your documentation must be valid and up-to-date. For example, your passport must not be expired, and your study permit must be valid when you apply for the PGWP.
Ineligible Course of Study: You must have completed an eligible program of study to apply for a PGWP. Eligible programs include most post-secondary programs that lead to a diploma, degree, or certificate and are at least 8 months in duration. Some programs, such as English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), do not make you eligible for a PGWP. Check out our list of eligible programs to find out if yours qualifies.
Insufficient Funds: You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada. This includes money for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation home.
Why is PGWP taking so long in 2022?
There are a number of reasons why it might take longer to process a PGWP in 2022. The first reason is that the Canadian government has been under a lot of pressure to process applications more quickly. As a result, they have made changes to their staffing and resources dedicated to processing PGWPs. However, these changes have not been enough to keep up with the increasing demand.
The second reason is that the eligibility criteria for a PGWP have changed several times over the past few years. This has caused confusion and delays for many applicants who are not sure if they meet the new requirements.
Finally, there has been an increase in the number of international students coming to study in Canada. This has put additional pressure on the system, as more applications are coming in than ever before.
How long is PGWP 2022?
As of July 2020, it is taking around 4 months to process a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The processing time may be longer or shorter depending on the volume of applications received and how well you meet the eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
Overall, it can take several months to process a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, the specific time frame will depend on a number of factors, including the country you are applying from and the current processing times for your specific application. In general, it is best to allow at least four months for your application to be processed. Although processing times can vary, if you follow the proper steps and submit all required documentation, you should receive your PGWP in a timely manner.
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FAQs
Does PGWP get rejected? ›
The most common reasons why a PGWP is refused:
If your PGWP was refused, it is recommended to retain professional help to re-apply to ensure a strong case is made to get your PGWP approved. This is especially important if you have issues with your profile such as a gap in your studies, or have fallen out of status.
You can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application if, at the time you submitted your application, all of the following applied to your situation: You had a valid study permit. You had completed your program of study.
How long does it take to receive PGWP in mail? ›This may take up to 30 business days (6 weeks).
Can I stay in Canada while waiting for PGWP? ›Yes. You can stay in Canada as a temporary resident until we make a decision on your new permit application.
Can I work immediately after applying for PGWP? ›You can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application if, at the time you submitted your application, all of the following applied to your situation: You had a valid study permit. You had completed your program of study.
Is it easy to get PGWP in Canada? ›Applicants can receive only 1 post-graduation work permit in their lifetime. To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the applicant must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI).
What to do after PGWP is approved? ›- Extend your BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Apply for or extend your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if required.
No issues. The amount of hours are not posted. It just says you can work full-time.
Can I travel outside Canada with PGWP? ›You can travel outside Canada after submitting your PGWP application; but, you can only travel back if you are exempt from travel restrictions.
Does Canada work permit get rejected? ›What are my options if my work permit has been refused? For work permit refusals issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the applicant can only appeal to the Federal Court of Canada. What this means is that you are requesting that the decision be judicially reviewed.
Does low GPA affect PGWP? ›
Unlike a student work permit in Canada, which requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, there is no minimum GPA requirement for the PGWP.
How do I know if I qualify for PGWP? ›- They are 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- They have completed a full-time vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Quebec.
- They have been in a program of study that was a minimum of 900 hours (equivalent to 8 months).
Does GPA matter for PGWP? No, your GPA does not matter for PGWP. As long as you have graduated from an accredited university in Ontario and have studied full-time for at least eight months, you are eligible to apply for a PGWP. Your GPA will not affect your application in any way.