Apply for Your Canadian
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
CHITRA & ASSOCIATES IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS INC.
As an international student finishing your studies, you may be eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
This work permit is important because the experience you gain while working after you education may help you qualify for your Permanent Residence in Canada.
STUDENT SERVICES: POST-GRADUATE WORK PERMIT (PGWP)
We provide services for a complete PGWP application as described below. You will be working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to apply for your PGWP.
Checking Eligibility
We ensure you are eligible for a post-graduate work permit and the apply for the length you are eligible for (up to 3 years). We check your documents to ensure you did not violate any requirements of your study permit and the eligiblity criteria.
Document Checklist & Review
We provide you with a document checklist that not only covers the basic documents requirement but also any additional documents, if required, to strengthen your application.
Preparation of Application & Accompanying Eligibility Letter
We prepare the application for submission as well as an accompanying letter detailing the immigration regulations applying to you and how you meet the criteria for the post-graduate work permit. Preparation of Explanation letter in case of a gap in studies, part-time studies, academic suspension, etc.
Complimentary Permanent Residence Strategy Consultation
A common goal after applying for a post-graduate work permit is for students to seek permanent residency. This is a crucial time for you to decide what kind of roles will help you become eligible for permanent residency. Our consultants will provide basic guidance so that you can meet your immigration goals.
Not sure which service to opt for? No worries! Book a free initial consultation with our sales team to talk about how our services work and the best fit for you.
WHAT IS A POST-GRADUATE WORK PERMIT (PGWP)?
A post-graduate work permit (PGWP) gives you permission to remain in Canada and work full-time after you graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution. This is an open work permit which means you do not need a job offer or to work in a specific field.
Frequently Asked Questions
immigration consultants for post-graduate work permit applications
You can apply within 90 days of when your Letter of Completion first becomes available AND when your study permit is still valid,
OR
You can apply within 180 days of when your Letter of Completion first becomes available, have previously held a valid study permit, and one of the following:
- Applied for visitor status before your study permit became invalid
- Applied to restore your temporary resident status
- Apply from outside of Canada
This 180-day period begins when you receive your Letter of Completion of the program.
Ready to apply? We can help! Get in touch with our team today to understand what’s next.
The most common reasons for a PGWP refusal are as follows:
- Part-time studies other than your last semester
- Break in studies due to failing a course, a teacher strike, switching schools or programs, extenuating personal reasons, or financial reasons
- Study permit expired and out of status when applying
- Final transcripts not included confirming that the program completion
- Studied at a non eligible PGWP school
- Unauthorised work
If you are preparing your PGWP application and the above reasons apply to you, you should engage a professional ASAP to ensure you provide sufficient explanation and proof to satisfy the visa officer.
We can help you with the letter of explanation you need to provide to the visa officer and applying for restoration of your status.
If your PGWP is refused, not only does your status need to be restored and sufficient explanation provided to IRCC to address their concerns, but the PGWP re-application must also be submitted within 180 days from when the Study Permit expired. If you are outside this 180 day period, you must apply for a Study Permit and also a PGWP (and Restoration, if required); in the Study Permit application, an explanation must be provided that a Study Permit is requested to be eligible for the PGWP, as per IRCC laws. This is a complex process and should be avoided by consulting a professional if you think your application will be rejected.
If your PGWP is refused, not only does your status need to be restored and sufficient explanation provided to IRCC to address their concerns, but the PGWP re-application must also be submitted within 180 days from when the Study Permit expired. If you are outside this 180 day period, you must apply for a Study Permit and also a PGWP (and Restoration, if required); in the Study Permit application, an explanation must be provided that a Study Permit is requested to be eligible for the PGWP, as per IRCC laws. This is a complex process and should be avoided by consulting a professional if you think your application will be rejected.
We can assist you with the next steps if your PGWP is refused.
You can apply for a PGWP if:
- your study permit is still valid
- you have a valid visitor record
- you submitted an application to extend your study permit before it expired and no decision has been made on your application
- you submitted an application to change your status to visitor before your study permit expired and no decision has been made on your application
You must also meet the following conditions:
- completed a program at a DLI that was at least 8 months long and led to. a degree, diploma, or certificate
- maintained full-time course load as a student in each semester of your study (this doesn’t include your final semester, which can be part-time, or if you took an approved leave from your studies)
- Graduated from a qualifying education institution
Not sure if you qualify? Book a free consultation with us to check your eligibility and get started on your application.
We provide flexible services for completing your Post Graduate Work Permit application with varying levels of support depending on your requirements.
- Consultation for PGWP – $225
This option is best for students who only have specific questions about their application and are otherwise completing it on their own. - Guided PGWP Application – $250 (Best Value)
This option is best for students who want professional guidance while completing their application including consultations and a detailed review of the application. We will also provide you with instructions for how you need to complete your application and the specific documents you need to include for your situation. - Complete PGWP Application – $750
This option is suitable for students who have complications in their PGWP eligibility such as part-time studies, breaks, or unauthorized work. We will prepare a letter of explanation for the visa officer to present facts in support of your application.
See detailed pricing and services included in each package.
PGWP is an essential benefit after studying in Canada and can help you gain the experience you need to be eligible for Permanent Residency. It’s important to apply for it the right way and seek guidance when you are in doubt.
You may begin working full-time immediately after submitting your post-graduation work permit application while you are waiting for a decision from IRCC, only if:
- at the time you submitted your application, you:
- Have a valid study permit and apply within 90 days after your Letter of Completion first became available, AND
- Have completed your program of study, AND
- Were eligible to work off-campus without a work permit during your studies, AND
- Did not work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions.
Not sure if you can work after applying for your PGWP? ALWAYS consult a professional if you are not sure so that you can avoid unauthorized work.
